Waking up early for sunrise photography sessions can transform a photographer's portfolio, offering unique lighting conditions and serene landscapes devoid of crowds. This practice is not just about capturing the golden hour but also about embracing the discipline required to seize these moments, for which you'll often be greatly awarded.
Coming to you from Thomas Heaton, this candid video explores the common challenges photographers face when attempting to wake up for sunrise shoots, including the comfort of a warm bed versus the cold, early morning outside. Heaton humorously illustrates the mental gymnastics many undergo the night before a planned shoot, from checking weather apps to questioning gear preparedness. This relatable account emphasizes the importance of preparation and mindset in overcoming these hurdles. Heaton's reflections serve as a valuable lesson on commitment and the rewards of early morning photography, reminding viewers that sometimes, the hardest part of capturing stunning sunrise images is simply getting out of bed. I know that's certainly the case for me.
Heaton further gets into practical tips for making sunrise photography more feasible and less daunting. By committing to a shoot early, preparing gear ahead of time, checking the weather once, and sticking to a chosen location, photographers can streamline their morning process, making it easier to overcome the temptation to stay in bed or scramble to be ready. These strategies not only increase the chances of capturing remarkable sunrise photos but also highlight the importance of persistence and adaptability. Heaton's advice underscores the idea that success in photography often requires more than technical skills—it demands dedication and the willingness to face discomfort for the sake of art. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Heaton.
Very, VERY GOOD show of what you think of in the early several hours before getting the boot to getting out for the sunrise and not knowing really not knowing what will be there.
The harder to do and time it is Milky Way photography, to explain here in the US and down at the 30th degree it all starts in Feb at an hour before even before first light even the light only the camera sees it. As the months roll on you have to be ready about 2 hours before the MW rises so Mar, Apr. and May it happens after midnight and Jun. Jul. and Aug. mostly right after sunset which means an all nighter. If along coastal areas and tides you have to use Planit Pro app for it shows the tides highs and lows in a sine wave at the bottom hour/minute scale way better than reading a tide chart (not a fisherman). A thing you learn is as the moon rises the tide rolls out in certain months mainly before the new moon. And as mentioned in the video it is always cold so long handles all ways.
Gear to invest in rubber boots, warm clothing even headgear, mittens with finger gloves under and even camera warmers. Just a few things to start and this down at the 30 degree line say Florida and Georgia.
Now the rewards of going out 10 days before and after the new moon!
96% of the time you get a threefer! First the MW till sunrise, then the blue hour with stars and that orange light only the camera see, next golden hour after which you pass through a swamp with birds getting breakfast. If the tide is going out you get a clean beach with no footprints, just walk the high point and walk down to your target foreground and backup. What you pray for is none of the ones that do video stuff with red head lamps (blue better) and the rear monitor left on, you want to say go find a street lamp. Also the images you capture are the biggest reward the whole morning. If you really like it no alarm needed and your gear will be setting by the door with only two water bottles. clothes will be laid out. You can stay near in a hotel, camping in a solid trailer and a big tire bike to get there. There are always hotels/motels near the ocean. For those golden hour times and the bugs get Avon Skin So Soft oil and put a little in a small spray bottle full of water. It is a miracle!
1. Sometimes you have to wait so play some.
2. Feb. MW and crescent moon rise
3. The July vertical MW
4. Lest we forget those lunar eclipses that may last many hours from beginning to end