How to Photograph a SUNRISE - and make UNIQUE images 

The other week I went out with a new camera body full of excitement. Not only that it was a stoating sunset, some aspects of the scene I had not seen looking that way before. Set up the first shot and... no memory card warning it was still in the PC from setting up the camera. So I just sat and enjoyed the sunset and the moment then walk home with a smile on my face.

Alister, I almost didn't watch this video because in my mind I thought it would be about photographing the sunrise (how many pictures of sunrises can you look at before it becomes just another sunrise) rather than photographing the effect of the light in small detail. As it turns out, it was an inspiring video. Good job!

Magical, magical images, Alister! 😍The short sequence of the waves rolling over the blood red sand with the bubbles made me drool! I wish I had been there, camera and lens turned downwards, letting myself sink into it. One of the things I love most with photography is serendipity, the joy of not knowing and being surprised. Being out in the landscape, engaging with nature, switching off the monkey mind, and just being - so healing!

As usual very good :) The thing about running around like a headless chicken is something I am trying to cure myself of, that and the rule of thirds thing 😂

Hi I passed from Mental health due to an accident in which i lost my left hand up to the wrist. Photography helped me to cure my self. Thanks for sharing your techniques.

Really liked the photos from your flow state

I really like the advice to capture the effect of the sunrise rather than the sunrise itself. Without explicitly framing it that way, I realize I often do something similar. And I like the idea of surprise - it reminds me of a quote from Sting (from an interview with Rick Beato, I think) about a similar effect in music and that surprise is what hooks you and engages you. Likewise with landscape photography. Lovely images too - I'd be very happy if I went home from a sunrise (well, more likely to be sunset with me) with images like that. Wishing you many more fine seascape sunrises!

A wonderful and perceptive video that generated magical images from a moment in time together with pearls of wisdom on how the approach and intent matter to image making and mental health. For me it's your best video yet .🙏

Beautiful images! Thanks man for sharing this. I am that guy running around when the fleeting magic light happens. I will try to remember this video and take a deep breath and look around.

Your magnificent creative images reminded me of what an archaeologist once said to me: Always look down at your feet, you never know what you might find. And I did! I’ve always felt the same applied to photography, and I often find leaf arrangements etc right at my feet. I always look behind me too, at the ground as well as around me. Another thought provoking video, Alister. Many thanks🇦🇺

The last image is absolutely stunning.

Last week’s video was borne out of a negative situation, yet you presented it in a way which created a positive mindset change for me, and I’m grateful to you for that. This week’s video? Outstanding images. I love every one of them. Great advice. Thank you Alister!

As always…excellent and informative. A good reminder to me for relax and enjoy when conditions are suddenly excellent. It does seem that many photographers think they have to have the sun in the picture. My favorite location for this photography is Shenandoah NP in Virginia. It is ridges that basically run north to south. If there is a clear sky, everyone will be shooting the sunset. But the action is on the other side of the ridge. There may be a good Earth’s Shadow, or perhaps some Alpenglow. I most cases I will be there alone having a wonderful time.

Wonderful video Alister. Oh those images, reflected light and bubbles on the sand - wow! All the images were stunning but that was my fave, I think. They were all so good. I wanted to walk into the scene. Could spend hours in such a location and with those conditions would be the icing on the cake.

Thanks Alistair! Succes with the workshop.

Great video…. Excellent reminders on how to use the light….

Breathtaking images and a master class, too, in under 20 minutes. Capturing the effects and not the cause is a photographic recipe that can be applied to any image-making situation. Brilliant!

Very inspiring video today Alister. I feel that your suggestions will stay with me for a long time.

Thoroughly enjoyed this video Alister , very thought provoking , thank you

I like the concept of immersing into the scene to a state of mindlessness… real way to enjoy and create art…

Lovely. I forget who, but a famous photographer once said “the best photograph may be behind you”. I’ve always followed that advice.

A great video full of inspiration, thanks Alister.

Very nice thoughtful images there, I just wouldn’t be able to help myself capturing the whole scene. Well done Alistair.

Nice sequel, Alister, you stable genius😉. I see why you are so enthusiastic, I haven’t seen such beautiful shots in a long time, not even by you. No wonder, as I‘m hooked on reflections. Thank you ever so much, great joy!

Hi Alister. Long-time follower of the channel. I don’t often comment but just wanted to dive in and let you know that your videos are very important for a lot of us photographers - whether the mood is melancholic or joyful. That’s why I enjoy your photography material more than any other out there, it is realistic and relatable. Whilst also inspiring, thought-provoking and motivating. Thanks for all that you’re doingz

Some really great thoughts here Alister, thanks alot as ever

Alister, a wonderful video …… extracting something unique from a scene and from ourselves is a great skill, thank you for your insight. So encouraging.

Wonderful insights for getting the most of one's time in the landscape. Finding the intimate composition within the larger picture is a skill that must be developed over time, but begins with being present in the moment, free from distraction and self-imposed pressure. Great video! I'll surely revisit this video from time to time to remind myself of your sage advice.

I can't tell you just how much I needed to hear this. Thank you.

Thanks so much for sharing this brilliant idea! One I doubt I would ever have been brave enough to try, I haven't had that many spectacular sunrises or sunsets recently so I probably would panic if it actually happens! Now that I've seen what can be gained from your approach I'm looking forward to trying it out!

There are several that I really like, the sunrise bathing the jagged rocks at 12:45 and the last, my favorite. Well done!

Thanks, new concept reflected vs direct light

Hello Alister. I find all of your videos so inspiring, but this one stands out as one the best I've recently seen. So many great thoughts to keep in mind the next time I'm at the coast photographing seascapes.

Great advice. Thank you

Alister, a wonderful video, so much very useful information, you have opened my eyes to the reflected light intimate scene. So generous with your time.

Very good direction

The last photo has so much mystery in it. At first I was sure that it was from a mountain scape.

...and you don't have to go to magnificent landscapes like this one to find this play of light. Recently I had a moment like this in a small river near my home. Hypnotised par the small waves movements.

Thank you Alister for that video, very enlightening. Following one of your latest video about DXO PhotoLab 8, I'm currently working with it with the trial in progress. I like it but still struggling a bit when I need to do focus stacking or stiching a panorama. It's nor often that I use these techniques but it happens. I transfer the image to Lightroom whitin PhotoLab to do so. Do you know a better way of doing it by any chance?

En Français ....👍👍👍

By and large I hate sunrise and sunset photo as they have become so cliche. Every now and again I see one where the photographer has taken a wonderful image during that time. It is usually a wonderful image highlighted by some aspect of the light rather than the light itself.