How to Find and Capture The Perfect Sunset Photo

In Ibiza we witnessed what was probably the most amazing sunset I’ve ever seen!

Yes, we get some incredible sunsets in Cornwall, but this was other level! One of our main aims while we were away was to do a couple of sunset photoshoots, exploring two different locations and making the most of the amazing light.

I absolutely love the images we created (captured by the brilliant Olivia Bossert, obviously!), and I wanted to share a bit about how we achieved them…

Finding The Best Sunset – Tips from Anna

1. Check your timings & give yourself time to set up

Use an app like Sunrise Sunset to find out when the most accurate sun down times are in your location. The ‘Golden Hour’ is the hour before the sunsets when everything is bathed in a beautiful gold light, whereas ‘Blue Hour’ is the period just after the sun has set, when everything has a blue tinge – equally as pretty!

It’s a good idea to give yourself plenty of time to get ready and prepared to take photos at different stages of the sunset, so arrive at your location with time to spare so you aren’t rushed!

2. Pick an epic, strategic location

Luckily in Ibiza, I had Olivia as my tour guide, and she knew all the best secret locations to head to for some incredible sunset viewing. But as a good rule of thumb, you want to make sure your photoshoot location is west-facing, because the sun sets in the west and obviously you want to see as much of it as possible, as close to the horizon as you can. This is why sunsets are best seen on the coast as you look out to sea.

Playsuit from Zaful*

3. Look at the weather

It sounds obvious, but I don’t just mean make sure it isn’t rainy or foggy! On our Ibiza trip we saw two great sunsets; one where the sky was completely empty and clear, and one where there were quite a few clouds around the horizon. Guess what – the second one was the most epic!

The way the light bounces off an reflects along clouds can be exciting and magical, and it means the surrounding light is constantly changing as the sun sets.

4. Don’t leave too early!

The light really does go through so many phases and emotions during a sunset, and you’ll be amazed at how different all your photos look as the hour passes. Just remember not to leave straight away when you think it’s over! If you linger a little longer, you’ll end up seeing the most incredible colours once the sun has gone below the horizon – so don’t rush home.

Playsuit from Zaful*

Shooting Your Sunset Photos – Tips from Olivia

1. Move around your subject in an arc

One of the best tips I can give you for shooting at sunset is to move a lot! I see so many people who take photos just staying put in one place. Don’t be afraid to move, get lower down, get higher up. You’ll be surprised by how different angles make a big difference.

2. Watch what the light is doing

The light on your subject will vary depending on where they stand. Have them facing the light for that gorgeous golden light, which is very flattering on anyone’s skin!

Try backlighting them as well, by placing your subject between the sun and yourself. You’ll notice that they go very dark when you do this. I suggest exposing for the highlights in this situation (if that doesn’t make sense to you – make sure the subject is dark, but the background is looking how it should!). When you import the image into your computer, use an editing software to bring down the shadows. You should notice you get a lot of the details from your subject back! This way, you still get that beautiful sunset background, AND your subject in the image looking lovely.

3. Let the sun peek through just a bit!

Want to get a sun flare? Place your subject in front of the sun, but move your camera until you get just a tiny bit of sunlight showing through. This will create beautiful flare.