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SHOOTING A SUNSET AT LOW TIDE
So, it’s low tide, I mean really low tide. Where I stood at sunset during the day it’s about a few feet of water.
Don’t be afraid to get the tripod wet. Just clean it up after with bottled water and a clean soft rag. To get rid of the salt that is already on your gear from both the air and water spray. Having those rubber air blowers will come in very handy as well to get small particles of sand off the camera and lens before you wipe.
Use aperture priority and play with the numbers from f/11-f/20 and shoot until you are satisfied with the photo. On aperture priority you manually set the f-stop (lens opening) and the camera sets the shutter speed. More importantly do wait for the sun to sink into the horizon first. A big no no though, is flash-either shut if off or throw it into the water. Shoot a series of photos with varying apertures.
After downloading photos into the computer study the photos and compare the 3 triumvirate of photography-aperture, shutter speed and ISO. Compare the effects that each has on the sunset shot. The exif of photo above: EOS 50D, 35mm, f/16, 0.4 sec, ISO 100, RAW.
Gear you will need for a proper sunset landscape photograph:
- DSLR
- Any wide angle lens. Yes, even kit lens (Canon EF-S 18-55mm)
- Sturdy tripod-any brand will do. I suggest getting one with a price point of no less than US$100 or PHP4,500. Don’t go el cheapo on this one. Remember it’s support of your DSLR and you’d want one to keep it off the beach.
- Remote for steady shooting
- Rubber air blower-available in camera accessory shops
- A dark cloth to cover up viewfinder for long exposures
- A bubble leveler to go on the hot shoe
- Bottled water/snack
- Flashlight to use so you can stay til dark
- A good bag to hold everything in
And most of all, have fun.
PS- if lens have IS (Image Stabilizer) turn it off. Don’t need it with a tripod.
