Sunset on February 1 by Randy Bayne

Lately, the sunsets have been simply incredible. Earlier in the day I could see that there was potential for another great sunset. I was not disappointed. The sun had just disappeared over the horizon setting off a magnificent glow which seemed to set the sky on fire. The richness of the colorful sky increased as each minute passed. Fade to black.

I love sunsets and sunrises. They are like a show from God and reminder of His presence and divine hand. A sunrise bursts over the horizon declaring His glory, majesty and power. The Great I Am declares, “I Am here.” At sunset the day comes to an end with the assurance that God, in all his glory, majesty and power, is still here as the world settles into peaceful rest and is refreshed in preparation for another day.

Most people take sunset pictures way to early by trying to capture the sun as it sets. While this can produce wonderful pictures, the best show, the most intense color, is usually in the few minutes after the sun disappears below the horizon. That is when the richest colors appear, at the beginning of the blue hour, that time after sunset when light seems to take on a blue hue.

Another great technique for good sunset shots is to not shoot the sunset at all. Turn the other way. By turning away from the sun you may find subjects taking on a beautiful orange to red glow. You know this as alpenglow.

Any thoughts you would like to share on sunsets? Post them in the comments.