Cheat sheet · Landscape & nature

Camera settings for sunset photography

Expose for the sky, protect highlights and keep shooting 20 minutes after the sun dips for the afterglow.

ModeAperture priority, −0.7 EVOr manual
Aperturef/8–f/11
ShutterAs metered
ISO100
White balanceDaylight or CloudyAuto WB neutralises the warmth
MeteringSpot on bright sky next to sun
Bracketing±2 EV
Quick start: Expose for the sky, protect highlights and keep shooting 20 minutes after the sun dips for the afterglow.

Starting exposures#

Typical scene brightness for this situation is around EV 11. Use these as a first test shot, then check the histogram.

ApertureISO 100ISO 400ISO 1600ISO 6400
f/1.41/1000 s1/4000 stoo brighttoo bright
f/2.81/250 s1/1000 s1/4000 stoo bright
f/5.61/60 s1/250 s1/1000 s1/4000 s
f/81/30 s1/125 s1/500 s1/2000 s
f/111/15 s1/60 s1/250 s1/1000 s

Step by step#

  1. Check exact sunset and golden-hour times for your location.
  2. Compose with silhouettes or reflections.
  3. Keep shooting into blue hour.

Gear checklist#

  • Tripod
  • Graduated ND filter
  • Lens hood

Pro tips#

  • Clouds at mid-height catch the best colour.
  • Use a telephoto to make the sun look larger.

Common mistakes#

  • Setting auto white balance, which kills the warm tones.
  • Leaving before the afterglow.
Sunrise photographyArrive in the dark: the best colour often happens 20–30 minutes before the sun appears.… Golden hour portraitsBacklight with the low sun for glowing hair light, then fill the face with a reflector.… SilhouettesExpose for the bright sky so the subject goes black; keep shapes clean.…

Frequently asked questions#

What are the best camera settings for sunset photography?

Aperture: f/8–f/11 · Shutter: As metered · ISO: 100. Expose for the sky, protect highlights and keep shooting 20 minutes after the sun dips for the afterglow.

What gear do I need for sunset photography?

Tripod, Graduated ND filter, Lens hood.

Last updated October 03, 2026 · How we calculate · Sources