Want to take stunning sunset photos of your dog but don't know where to start? These tips are sure to transform your photography game and get those glowy backlit photos you adore!
Want to recreate these images of your dog and skip the hard work? Email me to schedule a professional photoshoot for your dog!
01. perfect your timing
Timing is everything for sunset photos! If you want to get that beautiful golden glow, you have to be in the right place at the right time so you're ready to take the shot.
I hold my sunset sessions an hour before sunset, but typically the best time for dreamy backlit images (like the one above) are just before sunset. Plan ahead and include any travel or walking time it may take to get to your location. If you have an unobstructed view of the horizon, you could likely get amazing images just after the sun has set too!
02. backlight your images
To put it simply, shoot with the sun behind your subject! This can be tricky, as the bright sun can easily wash out your subject and make them hard to see. It's important to adjust your exposure so the sun isn't too bright, but your subject isn't too dark. I always recommend shooting in RAW so that you can pull out the details in the shadows much easier when editing!
An app that I LOVE for planning where to shoot so that my images will be backlit is SunCalc.net! It will tell you where the sun will set and when and is extremely handy.
03. scout your location
This may sound obvious, but knowing what the sun looks like at your location prior to shooting is extremely helpful! Does the light filter through trees and create beautiful bokeh? Is it open and unobstructed with a great view? Do you need a clear sky or prefer some clouds? Knowing what you can expect in an exact spot can make a huge difference when you're ready to take your photos.
BEFORE
after
04. expose for the sun
The whole point of photographing at sunset is capturing the sunset! If you want to see the details instead of a washed-out blank sky, expose for the sun instead of the subject! This means your subject will be darker than normal, which is why I always shoot in RAW so that I can pull out the details in the shadows when editing.
05. shoot through trees for ultimate bokeh
Who doesn't love some good bokeh? Bokeh is referring to the little circular light spots that your lens creates when objects are out of focus. Using a wide lens helps immensely with this, but photographing with light filtering through trees also helps. Make sure your subject is backlit and you'll get dreamy bokeh!
let's work together!
I hope this was helpful! I would love the opportunity to create beautiful images of your pup at sunset - email me to get started!
