Who can resist a sunset? It's the day's grand finale, and with the right conditions the rich colours and dramatic lighting combine to create potentially stunning images. Shooting a sunset might sound like a simple assignment. However, there's more to it then simply being in the right place at the right time....
The most photogenic light typically occurs at daybreak and sunset, the so-called 'golden hours'. Therefore, if you want to capture quality landscapes that ooze with mood, set your alarm early. During spring and summer, this can require getting up painfully early. However, you will typically find locations are quiet - for example, sandy beaches will be free of footprints and no-one will get in the way of your shots....
Excluding distractions and keeping compositions as simple and straightforward as possible is always good practice in photography - it is easier to create order and a sense of structure with only the bare essentials in the frame....
Most landscape photographers use colours instinctively and to a large extent we are restricted in that we can't really choose colours - we have to shoot what's in front of is. However, there is some room for manoeuvre, in that we are able to frame compositions selectively and can seek out particular colour combinations. It's therefore worth getting to grips with basic colour theory before embarking on this assignment....
A useful device in creating a harmonious image is using a 'frame within a frame', where you use a natural frame such as overhanging branches or an archway, to emphasise the focal point of your image. This technique keeps compositions tight, naturally directs attention toward the subject and can help enhance depth in the image by separating the foreground and background. ...
Our eyes are designed to locate and follow lines, whether they are natural or artificial, leading us instinctively to explore the scene in an image. A lead-in line is a simple visual trick that takes advantage of this to draw and direct the viewer's gaze into the frame....
The essence of composition is to select elements from the scene in front of you and organise them in the image frame in a harmonious way. It is important to direct the attention of the viewer of your image into the frame and towards the main subject, or, with a landscape image (which may not have a 'subject' as such) to the focal point of the composition....