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How to: Twilight photography

06:00
30 January 2023

How to
Twilight photography

twilight photography

We recently shared why twilight produces such a magnificent explosion of colours across our sky, but do you know how to capture it?

Our own Weather Photographer shares top tips

Light and colour are among the most important elements in photography. That's why the colours of twilight during sunrises and sunsets are a particularly popular subject. "Because a colourful sky enhances almost every photo.

The warm and shallow light not only enhances the contrasts, it usually also creates an exceptionally beautiful mood that makes everyone feel good," explains Dennis Oswald, Meteorologist and Weather Photographer at WetterOnline, the company behind the Weather & Radar app.

Even the so-called blue hour, the time before sunrise and after sunset, can trigger an explosion of colours in the sky. "Make sure you expose your shot correctly during this time.

The lighting conditions are often difficult for the cameras to capture because of the contrast between the bright sky and the dark foreground," says Dennis Oswald.

Useful equipment

  • Wide-angle lens
  • Telephoto lens
  • Polarising filter (to enhance the contrast of colours)
  • Graduated filter (to even out light contrasts), if available
  • Tripod

Graduated filters have a darker upper part and a transparent lower part. This compensates for the strong light contrast between the bright sky and the dark foreground.

Correct exposure therefore becomes much easier. They are available in various strengths both for plugging in, in which case a corresponding filter holder is required, and for screwing onto the lens.

If you have any luck from our tips, feel free to share your shots via our uploader for us to feature!

Weather & Radar editorial team
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