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