The sunrise is always a magical moment. Many photographers get up before dawn and hunt for that perfect morning shot. And they’re not afraid to do some weird antics for that. But illegally climbing onto the roof of a school may be a step too far.
The police and fire brigade had to come into action on Friday morning to rescue two young people from the roof of the Dr. Knippenberg College in Helmond, who wanted to photograph the sunrise.
But you can also make that magical morning plate from scratch. Five tips for taking a picture of the sunrise without the police or fire brigade having to turn out.
1. Explore the location
You can try it: just set your alarm early and leave the house with swollen eyes and your camera. You always have a chance of a fluke. But you have a better chance of success if you know where to go in advance.
Many photographers first explore the location and return later. What does the landscape look like? Where will the sun rise then? How will the light fall? Is there a nice eye-catcher? It helps if you know that in advance, so you don’t have to figure it all out yet.
A sunrise goes very fast. So be prepared, then you won’t be tempted to do crazy things either.
2. Get up in the middle of the night
In the pitch dark, when the first bird has not yet whistled, you stand next to your bed. So not at the first dawn. If you still have to leave, you’re too late for all the magical moments.
A beautiful sunrise is a true show of mother nature, with several acts:
- the first twilight with the stars still in the sky,
- the clouds that turn purple just before that big yellow orb rises,
- as an encore that beautiful golden morning light.
Fanatic photographers get up as early as four in the summer.
3. Follow the weather forecast
Yes, duh…obviously, but it doesn’t hurt to take a good look at this anyway. You don’t want to get up early in the morning and then die in pouring rain. Is there perhaps a fog forecast for that extra touch of magic? Is there cloud cover? Is there a chance of nice dewdrops? Will it be a clear morning with frost?
Also be prepared for a setback. Just when you think you can get that top shot, Mother Nature conjures up an annoying cloud that slides right in front of your sun. Don’t stamp your feet angrily, a real nature photographer has angelic patience.
4. Add drama to your photo
Many photographers like to have clouds in the sky at sunrise. Clouds turn orange, yellow, pink or deep purple. Combine that with water in which clouds reflect and you make such a nice picture. Add a little fog and it’s complete.
Provide an eye-catcher: a tree that stands completely apart, for example. A building or crane is also allowed, whatever you like. Pay attention to the composition: do not place the eye-catcher completely in the middle. And make sure that your horizon is always slightly lower or higher than the center. But these ‘rules’ are also there to be broken… sometimes the middle is beautiful.
5. It doesn’t have to be landscape
Many people will think of a beautiful landscape when they think of a sunrise photo. But take a closer look at things during that sunrise. Get lost in a world of dew drops and beautiful pink glowing petals.
How about a beautiful butterfly photo? They are great for photographing during the sunrise. They often remain obediently still in front of your camera because they first have to warm up before they fly away.
Hopefully these five tips will help you on your way. Secretly a sixth tip: don’t forget to charge your batteries. Have fun!