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Beach pictures
Summary: Beach pictures at sunset or sunrise provide opportunities to photograph your subjects in a "golden glow".
Photos with digital and film cameras can appear to have an extra edge if they are shot in the “golden hour”. Use the dramatic light of sunrise and sunset to add warmth, texture and drama to portraits.
Digital portraits can become a golden moment. The "golden hour" in
photography refers to the hour before sunset and after sunrise. This is
a great time to create portraits that have a warm and golden glow.
Use the changing light to reveal your subject in a
unique and dramatic light. Portraits shot in the fresh light of sunrise
or the fading light at sunset will provide a unique portrait
experience.
 | | A seaside sunset captures the mood of the moment. |
Dramatic composition techniques, combined with the
drama of the light in the "golden hour" will advance your portrait
skills and give you a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
Time, place and preparation
Scout for locations in advance and actually watch a
sunrise or sunset. Make mental notes about the time of day the sun
rises or sets, consider obstacles you might encounter and special
equipment you may need.
Use the lowest possible ISO on your digital or film
camera. A tripod or mono pod may come in handy to avoid camera shake.
Slow shutter speeds will be required because of the low light levels.  | | Playful moments in the late afternoon sun capture the warmth of the moment and the light. |
It is important to resist higher ISO ratings for the camera to make the
best use of the rich texture the light can create.
Creative thinking required
Advanced digital cameras allow you to choose
white-balance settings. If you are using an automatic white-balance,
the camera will likely negate the warming glow of the sun. Set
your camera white-balance to different settings like a sunrise/sunset,
cloudy day or shadows to enhance the tonal effects of the sun.  | | A digital camera setting on "automatic white balance" (LEFT) provides normal color tones. The "sunlight" setting (RIGHT) adds warmth to the color tones in the late afternoon light. |
Film will capture the warming effect of the sun on
the subject or scene naturally. For film camera users, a recommended
1-2 f-stop under exposure will allow for the deepest saturation of
color in the photo.
Sunrise, the advantages
Sunrise offers the advantage of the first light of
day. The air is often cleaner because of the cool overnight temperature
and the cleansing effect those temperatures have on the atmosphere.
In humid climates, the morning haze adds dramatic
effects that can enhance your photos. So, don't discount those hazy
mornings.
Clouds and wind are not usually factors with the
day's first light. For portraits, the lack of wind can be a distinct
advantage because you don't have to worry about windblown hair.  | | Sunrise on New Year's Day 2000. |
Sunset, the advantages
Sunset offers the same warm tones, long shadows and dramatic light effects as sunrise.
Sunsets benefit from the effects of the day. As the
atmosphere heats and clouds form in the later afternoon, the sunset
intensifies. Factor in the addition of humidity, dust, pollution
buildup and you have an unpredictable horizon full of potential.
Again, preparation for a sunset portrait session
would include an advanced scouting trip. Plan for the accessories like
a tripod or mono pod you might want to take along.
Keys to success
* Plan for the "golden hour"
* Scout the location
* Vary poses and camera settings
* Capture the essence and mood
As an aspiring young photographer, I was motivated
and inspired by photographs, many of them portraits, in the National
Geographic. Those photographers captured the magic that occurs during
the "golden hour".
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Good photographs begin with good light. In the digital photography world, the quality of light corresponds to the quality of the photograph. The dramatic light of the early morning and late afternoon can raise the quality of your images. In poorly lit situations use supplemental lighting from the camera's flash in the fill-flash mode.
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Adobe's Photoshop is very expensive at nearly $700, Is it worth it?
Dear PS,
Adobe's Photoshop is very expensive at nearly $700, Is it worth it?
On the cheap in Oregon
Dear On the cheap,
Yes! If you plan to take creative steps in dealing with your images, photoshop and the lastest Creative Suite 2 are simply the best and most efficients image handling programs available. Is it "worth it" to you, that depends on what you hope to achieve with your images. I would suggest the Elements version of photoshop as an entry level position. Better yet, check a local computer store or even the Apple Store an invest a little time in attending a couple of their tutorial classes for a "test drive" of the program. Then you'll be better informed before you spend your money.
Thanks for your question,
Michael at PS
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 Michael E. Keating is an award winning portrait photographer...
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