Sunrise Photography Tips Please!

[lills]

I'm off to the Canadian Rockies and want to make the most of photographing at sunrise. I'm going at the end of June so it will be a very early start, and I'm not good in the mornings!

So, bearing in mind I want to stay in bed for as long as I can, if sunrise is at 5am (ouch!), what time do I need to be set up and ready to go?

Can I turn up at sunrise or do I need to be there well before sunrise to catch the light before the sun actually rises? When is the best time for photography at this time of day?

Any other tips would be greatfully appreciated.

[Nod]

Try capturing a sunrise some time this week. See how long before actual sunrise you start seeing decent colours etc then you'll have an idea as to how long before the magic hour you'll need to be there.

Since you'll probably be shooting almost directly into the sun, make sure your lens(es) and filter(s) are spotlessly clean (to avoid flare as much as possible). Be extremely careful about looking directly at the sun through any lens - it can blind you. (If shooting digitally) Check the histogram (and/or the blown highlight display) to see if the exposure's about right. Finally, don't forget the scenery behind you - it can be lit with incredible colurs at sunrise (and set).

[beejaybee]

I'm off to the Canadian Rockies and want to make the most of photographing at sunrise. I'm going at the end of June so it will be a very early start, and I'm not good in the mornings!

Stay up all night, do your photography, have breakfast then go to bed. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

Bear in mind that you will be jetlagged anyway. A bit more dislocation won't do any harm.

[Maui888]

Spoken like a true astronomer BJB ;-)

[RovingMike]

Forget the actual sunrise, ABS shots are a dime a dozen. The sun often actually detracts from the scene. Go for great light half or quarter of an hour before. And choose your position the night before, but make sure you know exactly where it will come up.

[kulten]

And don't forget to use ND Graduated filters .