Nikon D3S, AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED, ISO 200, ƒ/7.1, 1/100

Sunset Photos

Timing is crucial when shooting sunsets. The sun barely dipped below the horizon, and the sky is still getting light from the visible sun.

Nikon D3S, AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED, ISO 200, ƒ/7.1, 1/100

Nine minutes later, the sun has minimal impact on the sky.

Nikon D4, AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED, ISO 12800, ƒ/8, 1/100

Here in Chicago, I just wanted a dark blue sky so that the city’s lights popped, but the edges of the building were still visible.

Nikon D750, Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM, ISO 160, ƒ/7.1, 1/160

As the sun set, I took this photo in Seattle of the skyline. By just waiting seventy-eight minutes later, I captured this photo from the same spot.

Nikon D750, Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO OS HSM, ISO 100, ƒ/8, 6.2 sec

Finally, the lights in the city are brighter than the sky, allowing them to create a more powerful photo.

Dusk Photo Tips

• Pick your location an hour before sunset
• Use tripod
• Use low ISO
• As the sun goes down, shoot lots of photos
• Shoot good 20 to 30 minutes after the sun disappears below the horizon