Do you know how to photograph a sunset?

The only positive aspect of coming back from our holidays is to talk about them. We cannot avoid sharing these moments of rest, adventures and relax. We want that everybody knows the sensations we had and… why not, to keep them dreaming with what we have lived.

No matter where we travel, we cannot help to capture those unforgettable moments with our compact camera, our professional photo equipment or even with our cellular.

Talking about these moments, to photograph a sunset would be magical. Which kind of pictures do you prefer taking? Those that reflect the silhouette of an ancient construction? A desert landscape? Or probably a sea sunset? Whichever it is, the last one is a picture that has to be taken by your camera.

Below you will find some tips to bear in mind… And some examples of the magic sunsets seen in Varadero, where BelleVue Palma Real hotel’s clients are lucky to be witness of these wonderful postcards.

1. Get information about the exact time of the sunset and try to be there about 30 minutes earlier. You can find out this information in several web pages. In the meanwhile, you can frame the subject several times to choose the best location.

2. Use a tripod if you are going to take photos during a long time. It is better that using high ISO sensitivity.

3. To obtain an accurate exposure the sun shouldn’t be included in your frame. If you want to include the sun in the picture it would be better to take a side sky shot and take down the diaphragm aperture and speed. Afterwards, frame the picture again using these settings.

4. Don’t use filters because they can cause annoying reflections that may ruin the picture.

5. Switch off the flash. Are you taking a picture of a mystery couple? If you want to include some silhouettes it would be better to take them from the side and something very important, do it without flash! Make sure that it’s switched off before the photo session has begun.

6. Place the horizon line. Where? Up or down? If you want to enhance the sense of distance, place the horizon on the upper third, especially if the main object is located on the bottom of the picture. On the contrary, if you place the horizon on the lower third, you will get a closeness effect.

7. Regarding technical recommendations, it is advisable to take the photos in a RAW image format to make easier a further computer manipulation. In addition, try to maintain the lowest ISO sensitivity and the highest camera aperture.