Everyone can agree that something is awe-inspiring about beautiful sunset photography shots, which is why it is one of the most popular photography niches out there. You’d be hard-pressed to open up a social media app and not be greeted by a sunset photo within a few scrolls.

Sunset photography is often present in other niches as well, portrait and wedding photographers use it to add drama and visual appeal to their shots all the time. Amateur photographers can use sunset photos to beef up their portfolio, adding to their creative diversity.

What photographers will quickly find is that capturing sunset images can be quite challenging. If you’re using a smartphone, the software makes all of the background adjustments for you. Using an actual camera, where you’re fully in control, presents an excellent opportunity to improve your skills.

Sunset Photography Basics

Capturing the perfect sunset photography may not be as simple as going out, pointing your camera, and adjusting the settings in post-processing. The best photos are researched, practiced, and a result of incredible patience.

There is some technique involved as well, but that comes with experience. Here are some of the basics to consider, even before going out and shooting photos.

Plan Beforehand

Often you’ll find that photographing a sunset in a location becomes a miniature project. Most will start by researching the location online, through Google Maps and other avenues.

Some will then go and scout out the location, and using apps like Windy can help you determine the weather for the area.

It might even take multiple visits to the same location to get the perfect exposure for you. Additionally, the Photo Ephemeris app for iOS and PC can help determine the sun’s location at any given time.

Whether it is sunrise that you wish to photograph or sunset, getting there early will allow you to select the best vantage point, set up your gear, take a few test shots, and get ready to make the final shot, but also give you the time to savor the moment as well.

Many times, photographers are guilty of missing the moment in their bid to take a cool image. You must savor each moment because they are all unique.

You must have the time to adjust the exposure, select the right lens and make the right composition. More time means you have that much more luxury to experiment.

Ok, the 24-70mm at 24mm isn’t giving the right effect, let’s switch to a wider lens. Or the warming filter is making the image a little too warm for liking, let’s not use it.

How to Gather Inspiration

Some people work better with examples, while others want a visual in their head before they head out to shoot sunsets. Gathering some fuel for your imagination is easy, and there are many avenues in which you can find it, including:

• Check out social media sites like Instagram or Vero to see what others are shooting.

• Go for a walk somewhere where you can see sunsets. You don’t have to bring your camera (although it would be wise to.)

• Rumble and YouTube act as great resources to show you places that are great to visit for sunset photography.

Photographers will often ask how to force inspiration if you’re just not feeling it. The best remedy is to simply take your camera and go out for a walk. You’ll find that something will catch your eye, and you’ll be thankful that you brought your camera along.

When in doubt, go and photograph areas where there is a sunset and water in the shot.

Niches That Benefit From Sunset Photography

Sunset photography is unique in that it can influence other niches positively. The natural beauty of a setting sun is perfect for photography that shows off people and nature. Of course, you can incorporate sunsets into anything you want to, but it just works better in some than others.

Wedding Photography

If you take a quick look at some wedding photographers on social media, you’ll notice that a lot of them take advantage of the natural lighting, much of it from the setting sun. The ethereal feeling of a sunset at twilight adds to the whimsical feeling a wedding day should bring.

These shots are meant to showcase intimacy, and there is nothing quite as sensual as photos of a bride and groom in a sunset scene.