Choosing Between Sunrise and Sunset for Your Photography Contest Entry

Photography is a blend of art and science, aiming to capture moments that communicate emotions and ideas. However, the choice of when to take a photograph can significantly impact the final result. Let's delve into the merits of sunrise and sunset photography and provide tips for submitting your best shot to a photography contest.

Understanding the Science and Art of Photography

Photography is a combination of art and science. Art involves expressing imagination and conceptual ideas to evoke an emotional response or appreciation for beauty. Science involves the pursuit and application of knowledge and understanding, following a system based on evidence. While there is no fixed time slot for a photo shoot, the choice depends on the object, the idea to convey, and the available location.

Choosing the Right Time for Your Photo Shoot

For individuals like myself, the choice of when to take a photograph can affect the outcome. For instance, I often have dark bags under my eyes in the morning, which can take a while to fade. Therefore, night might be a better time for me to take a picture to look more awake. However, this choice also varies based on the specific subject and the desired effect.

Tips for Submissions to Photography Contests

When deciding whether to submit sunrise or sunset photos to a photography contest, it's important to focus on the quality of the image rather than the time of day. The following criteria should be considered:

Clarity: Ensure the image is clear with no blur and all elements are in focus. Cropping: Crop out any unnecessary parts to enhance the composition. Horizon: Correct the horizon to ensure it is level. Composition: Create an interesting composition that includes a foreground, middle ground, and background. Color and Detail: Ensure bright spots contain color and detail without being overexposed. Pictorial Interest: Consider elements like water reflections or other visual elements to add interest.

Here are a couple of my own photos that meet these criteria:

The Golden Hour

The golden hour is the period one hour after sunrise and one hour before sunset. The light during this time is warmer in the morning and cooler in the evening. It is often more favorable for photography due to the soft, warm lighting. However, the strongest red/pink skies generally occur when the Sun is between 5 and 30 degrees below the horizon, typically during the post-sunset period.

Optical Effects During the Golden Hour

During the golden hour, there are over 100 different optical effects that can be captured, such as:

Auroras and twilight glows Sunrise and sunset reflections on water and surfaces Silhouettes created by the low sun angle against a bright background Color gradients and transitions in the sky

These unique elements make the golden hour a special time for photographers to capture extraordinary images.

Consider this advice and have fun! Experiment with both sunrise and sunset, and remember, the best photo is the one that best captures the moment and conveys the intended emotion or idea.