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Great Plains Connections: Chasing Sunsets

Every chance I get I’m out chasing the sunset – I’m hooked on chasing the setting sun.

There is a little homework that must be done before the sun goes down to get the perfect image of a good sunset.

I check the sky late in the afternoon to see if there is good cloud cover that will hopefully make a gorgeous reflection of the sun’s setting colors or clouds with interesting shapes in them – but not too many clouds to cover the sunset. I keep track of when the sun sets and when the pretty colors in the sky start and when they stop, that way I’m sure to be where I want to take my photos on time. I also note how long the last bit of light lasts – your images can change as the light changes.

The shapes of the clouds in this photo are interesting especially when you add pretty colors of the sunset.
The shapes of the clouds in this photo are interesting especially when you add pretty colors of the sunset and the reflection off the water. (Buffalo Bill Ranch SRA)

In my travels I’m always searching for unique backgrounds or cool-looking subjects to photograph in the sunset.

Boats at Harlan County Reservoir SRA add to the composition of this sunset photo.
Boats at Harlan County Reservoir SRA add to the composition of this sunset photo.

When you put all this together hopefully the stars will line up and grant you a great sunset photo opportunity.

Last spring I captured some nice sunset images at the Rowe Sanctuary, near Gibbon, of cranes flying the Platte River looking for a place to roost for the night.

Cranes flying in beautiful colors of the sunset make a very nice image.
Cranes flying in beautiful colors of the sunset make a very nice image. (Rowe Sanctuary)

Recently I have been infatuated with different ice sculptures that form when the water levels at area reservoirs fluctuate and cause the ice to pile up – making unique images with the sunset as a backdrop.

The colors of a great sunset really reflect off ice for a great photo.
The colors of a great sunset really reflect off ice for a great photo. (Lake Maloney SRA)

Trying to constantly find great compositions that make interesting sunset photos is a challenge – but it sure is nice to enjoy and share with others that might not get to experience the beauty of a sunset. One thing is for sure; I’ll happily be out chasing another sunset tomorrow.

About julie geiser

Julie Geiser is a Public Information Officer and NEBRASKAland Regional Editor based out of North Platte, where she was born and still happily resides. Geiser worked for the commission previously for over 10 years as an outdoor education instructor – teaching people of all ages about Nebraska’s outdoor offerings. She also coordinates the Becoming an Outdoors Woman program for Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC). Geiser went on to work in marketing and writing an outdoor column for the North Platte Telegraph before returning to NGPC in her current position. She loves spending time outdoors with her family and getting others involved in her passions of hunting, fishing, camping, boating, hiking and enjoying Nebraska’s great outdoors.

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