Sun-up to Sundown

I have always loved photos of sunrises and sunsets. There is such a vast array of color and settings around the world that make this such a great photographic subject.

Here in New Zealand our sunrise is most spectacular in the summer as are the sunsets.The winter ones can be just as colorful but theres something special about the warm weather and the rising sun.

Earlier this week I was treated to one of the best sunrises I have seen in the best part of 2 to 3 years. Because you are dealing with a lot of light getting the camera settings right is the most important thing you can do. Second would be sitting the camera on a tripod or solid surface, especially if going long focus.

The series of photos below shows the morning sky 3 to 4 minutes before sunrise and the a progression of shots as the sun came up. I have also invited other people to submit their photos of sunrise or sunset and will add them over the coming weeks.

The change in the light and colors was very quick. This sequence covers about 3 minutes. Note the cloud dissipation as more heat comes to bare as the sun rises.