GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — West Michigan has some of the best sunsets ever and when you see one you want to remember forever, don't fall trap to a sad sunset photo.
Justin Stubleski from The Camera Shop of Muskegon shares tips for upping your game when it comes to capturing sunset photos.
- Location: Choose an ideal location in advance in which to capture your sunset.
- Weather & Time: Know the weather and time of sunset at the location you care to shoot. Checking an hourly weather report and radar will help determine if conditions are prime for an ideal sunset. Knowing the time of sunset is key. Show up at least a half hour or more before sunset to give yourself time to setup.
- Equipment: Any camera from a cell phone, point n shoot, or removable lens camera will do. A wide angle lens will create a sweeping landscape but if your subject is the sun or distant object against the sunset you'll want to use a telephoto lens. Don't forget your tripod or shutter release. As light diminishes, shutter speeds get slower and camera shake becomes more apparent. These two essential tools should help keep your camera still allowing for crisp clean images!
- Shooting Settings: Cell phones are pretty amazing these days. My phone, the Samsung Galaxy S10+ has Ai which detects the scene automatically, I also recommend activating the HDR mode on your phone. Using consumer cameras, when in doubt shoot in Auto mode. Most cameras these day have a Sunset mode under "Scene Selection" mode. I like this mode because it optimizes the camera specifically for sunsets. How can you go wrong? For those who want to manually control their camera in Aperture mode or Manual mode set your aperture to f/8 and your ISO to 100 and don't forget that tripod!
- Timing & Placement: Pay attention to where the sun is at in your photo and be creative where you place it and objects in the scene. I like to place and center the sun at the top of a lighthouse or even inside where the beacon light shines.
- Silhouettes: I love using silhouettes in my sunset images. They give the viewer a point of interest to look at against your sunset. You can use anything from a lighthouse, people, a passing boats, anything that's around me that is part of the environment and location in which you're shooting.
- Reflections: I also like using the reflection off of Lake Michigan to add another level of interest to sunset photos. You can shoot wide and reflect your scene in the water or you can zoom in on the water and create an abstract sunset. My favorite is capturing a sunset after a fresh rain. You can use fresh puddles on the piers to create unique images.
- Before & After: Some of my favorite sunset photos have happened well before the sun has gone down and equally long after it has set. The color and quality of light and cloud formations change over time, you just don't know when you'll get the best show, so shoot well before and well after the sun goes down. Just remember, It's not over till it's over.
If you would like to learn more, check out the Pere Marquette Sunset Photo Walk with Justin Stubleski. It takes place at The Camera Shop of Muskegon, located at 2634 Henry St. The free event is Thursday, August 15, from 6 until 8 p.m.
For more information, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pere-marquette-sunset-photo-walk-with-justin-stubleski-tickets-67317826431
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