Sunsets

     Things to consider when shooting sunsets...

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• Remove your lens filters unless you specifically need a graduated neutral density filter.

• Clean your lens with a high quality lens cloth, such as Zeiss Wipes, or you will get nasty  and spotting.

• Use a tripod and start planning your shot at least 30 minutes early.  

• Use a small aperture, say f11.

• Expose for the brightest sky immediately surrounding the sun.  The sun is king in sunset pics.

• Use a wide angle lens at f22 with the sun partially blocked to create a star effect.

• Give your subject the most room in the scene.  If you are shooting the dramatic sky, fill the photo with mostly sky.  If you are shooting a silhouette with your subject in the foreground, fill the photo with mostly foreground. 

• Use fill flash for backlit, sunset portraits.

• Don't be afraid to shoot vertically.

• Bracket your exposures.

• Shoot constantly as the light will change every second.

• Keep shooting after the sun passes the horizon.

• Use live view instead of the viewfinder, it's easier on your eyes.

• Use aperture priority and auto ISO in rapidly changing lighting.  You will need to use exposure compensation to fine tune the exposure first.