The Best Time To Shoot: Sunrise and Sunset
When you’re travelling, it can be challenging to know when to shoot. You want to ensure you have the time to get the perfect shot, but you don’t want to miss out on other opportunities or plans. I travel for pleasure and the experience I share with Lisa, but I love to capture the cities I travel to as best as possible, considering my limited time and the awareness that I am usually there to enjoy a vacation.
Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes - Death Valley
To no surprise, I’ve found that sunrise and sunset are the best times for travel photography because they offer a wide range of lighting options, beautiful colours, and interesting shadows. But even years after knowing the benefits of shooting at these times, I’m still surprised with my results. It’s almost a cheat of how good it can make photos look.
Generally, the best time to shoot is when the light is flattering, and that is when the sun is low. The quality of light changes throughout the day, and some times are better than others. If you can plan some photo activity around sunrise and sunset, you will get beautiful, soft light that will warm your photos. When you travel, you’ll want to take advantage of these opportunities. Also, note that sunrise and sunset times vary depending on where you are, so it’s essential to do some research before heading out on your trip.
El Dorado Maroma - Mexico
Sunrise
Sunrise is one of the most popular times for photographers because it happens at an early hour when most people are still asleep, meaning there’s less chance of crowds and more time to focus. You also have more flexibility in choosing a location since many people won’t be around yet.
But if you want an unobstructed view, be prepared for some early mornings and know precisely when your optimal shooting times will be. I use the Alpenglow app for accurate sunrise and sunset times. Also, remember that the sun rises earlier in summer than winter (and more so at higher latitudes), so if you don’t want to get up before dawn, wait until later in spring or fall when the sun rises later in the day.
Golden Hour and Sunset
Golden hour and sunset are generally more convenient times for you. You are out and around enjoying the day already; you have explored your area, and now it’s time to enjoy the sunset and that special light it casts over the city. Unfortunately, everyone else is doing the same thing, so many people will be around. There are popular spots in certain cities for enjoying fabulous sunsets, such as the Luís I Bridge in Porto or the Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence: amazing places to be and something to be part of. Enjoy the moment, and make sure you look back on your photos and remember the experience, as that experience is the most important thing.
Conclusion
It’s hard to screw up a good sunrise or sunset image. If you force yourself to get up in the morning and lose an hour of sleep, pack up some gear, and shove a lens in your face before coffee, you will be rewarded with beautiful shots. And being in the right place as the sun gets lower and enjoying your time after travelling so far is always an experience to remember. The key to capturing memorable photos is to enjoy your time and who you are with and experience the moment. Photos you can look back on and remember how you felt at that time are the ones that you will appreciate the most.
Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo