How to take sunset photos with iPhone (# 3)

Episode # 3 of our column "how to take better photos with iPhone". Another big topic requested by you is how take pictures at sunset: it may seem trivial but instead you need to know important concepts of photographic composition, alignment grids, grip and ... many tips that you will find in the video! All of this often simply requires the right technique and a bit of cunning, but most of all, what we need is to watch this video!

In the lines below we will trace some of the concepts we saw in the video, so that you can focus them on these key points and take home some really interesting shots. Let's start:

Grid and Rule of Thirds

Obviously if we are trying to take the photo at a sunset, and consequently at a horizon, it is essential that on our iPhone (or smartphone in general) it is activated the grid! This way you can take a more symmetrical photo, with the horizon line exactly centered and straight. To do this, just activate the grid from the settings:

The grid is also particularly useful for exploiting the famous Rule of Thirds, one of the first things taught in a photography course. In addition to the grid, however, another approach that in my opinion is very important is HDR, which allows you to have an excellent contrast in the photos but which I recommend you use through tripod.

The Silouette effect

If in addition to the sunset you also have subjects, then the Silouette effect is mandatory! Position yourself so that the subjects are “backlit” so that you can see only their silhouettes: this gives the photo a very artistic effect:

If the silhouettes are visible, but so are the faces, then you can lower the exposure using the camera so that only the silhouettes remain. So there will be more contrast and a more pleasant effect!

Some useful tricks

There are some tips I can actually give you to improve your sunset shots. In fact, those who want to take pictures at sunset can observe common rules that concern especially the time and the sky!

On the Internet you can first find out exactly at what time the sun will set, so you can get ready for the shot. But already 1 - 2 hours before sunset I also advise you to observe the clouds: yes, observe the clouds can already make you understand if the shot will be more or less interesting!

In fact "in general" (but it is never a rule) it is preferable to have a slightly overcast sky - for give contrasts more marked between lights and shadows - but the effect will not be pleasant if the sky is too cloudy, with clouds that are too "full-bodied" because inevitably the sky will be covered and the sunset will not have that desired effect.

As mentioned later, another trick is to change the exposure: once you have focused on a point of the photo, with your finger swipe on the screen in order to increase / decrease the brightness level of the photo, so as to enhance lights or shadows. Finally, don't forget to always carry a comfortable bag with you tripod like these:

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