5 Tips to Photograph Sunset || #FelizFriday 7.28.17

Sunsets, yes, they all are beautiful, but some are just out-of-this-world, breathtakingly beautiful. As long as I can remember, I've always loved watching sunsets. But my #sunsetchaser habit really started when I relocated from New York City to Costa Rica. After witnessing and photographing countless magical sunsets in Tamarindo, Mother Nature's magic influenced me to start designing and selling a line of Costa Rica postcards featuring my sunset photos. And today these magical sunsets are the reason why The Sunset Shop exists (duhhh!). Can I get an Amen?! 

These days I'm fortunate to split time between Costa Rica and Savannah, Georgia, chasing sunsets (and some sunrises) anywhere + everywhere I go. So what's the secret to capturing a beautiful sunset photo? Are you ready? Here are my top five tips to photographing sunset:

5 Tips to Photograph Sunset

1. Never miss a sunset - - EVER.
   You never know when Mother Nature is going to put on a show. In fact, I've had my parents even say to me, "It's cloudy, there isn't gonna be a sunset". And then the below sunset happened. Bottom line, take a moment out of your day to watch the sun say buenas noches - - because watching sunsets is good for your health.
   
   
   
   Rule 1B - - never listen to your parents' opinions on whether or not there is going to be a sunset. Case in point below. 
   
   
   
   
2. Know your surroundings.
   A picture of sunset is always pretty, but capturing a moment will make your photo extra special. Think dog’s playing on the beach, a strolling bike rider, a palm tree, a fisherman, or a passing surfer.
   
   
   
   
3. Observe the cloud cover.
   In Tamarindo during dry season, there is not a cloud in the sky 99% of the time from December-April. Therefore, the best sunset pictures usually will happen as the big yellow ball known as the sun is setting. However, if there are clouds in the sky, look at tip #5.
   
   
   
   
   
4. Have patience.
   I see a lot of people take photos right as the sun is setting and then leave the beach soon after. If there is not a lot of cloud cover, you probably can go ahead and grab a happy hour beer after the sun passes over the horizon (but don't stray too far!). HOWEVER, if there are clouds in the sky, the magic usually happens after the sun has set! If you are lucky, you may get a cracker!
   
   Sunset Progression #1
   
   
   Sunset Progression #2
   
   
   Sunset Progression #3
   
   
5. Turn off the flash on your camera!!!
   If you want to capture the beauty of the sunset, turn off that flash! Using the flash will kill your sunset photo. I promise. Unless you want to take a sunset selfie and have your followers see your beautiful face, then turn the flash back on.
   
   
   

Do you have any tips on taking sunset photos? Leave a comment below and share the knowledge!

AND if you love these sunsets, come chase sunsets with me + join the #SunsetTribe! You'll receive:

Pura Vida,
Kristen