Talking Pixels

Sunrise shots have a decidedly different feel to them than sunsets. Sunsets are full of color, vibrant, powerful. Sunrise shots, for the most part, are more subdued and calmer. I like both, but find sunrise shots harder to do simply from the fact that I have to wake up so early.

You can get a little drama in the early morning though. The following two shots illustrate the different moods that can be created by waiting a little bit. The first shot was taken before the sun rose. The soft light generates a very pastel color palette, and it’s also more subdued in contrast. The second shot was taken about 20 minutes later. As you can see, the sun had breached the horizon, and was casting a wonderfully golden light over the scene. The colors are definitely more vibrant, and the contrast produces well defined shadows.

One thing you should remember about morning shots. Once that sun starts to strike your subject directly, the dynamic range might be more than your camera can handle. This could result in blown-out highlights, or featureless shadows. That’s why, given the option, I usually shoot my landscapes before the sun actually rises.