Morning Photography HikeSaturday, September 9, 2017

Sanborn County Park, Saratoga, CA

Instructor: Scott Kranz

Introduction

Welcome to the Morning Photography Hike Session at SF Pursuit! Get ready to start the day with a short hike to capture the beautiful morning light in the Sanborn area. This session will focus on the proper shooting techniques for capturing the unique colors and lighting of a sunrise.

Morning Planning and Tips

Research the timing of sunrise.If you plan to capture sunrise, be sure to research the exact timing of sunrise for the day and location in question. Also, learn the sun’s positioning at the time of sunrise. We’ve all heard the age-old adage “the sun rises to the east,” but near summer solstice the sun actually rises in the northeast, and near winter solstice it rises in the southeast. Plan accordingly!

Shoot the morning “golden hour.” Rather than shooting the harsh, midday light, shoot the morning golden hour. “When the sun is near the horizon, its light must travel through increasingly thick layers of atmosphere; this diffuses the source of the light and creates a gentle glow.” (Credit: Benjamin Everett, @bejamin). In short, “golden hour” can often produce more beautiful colors in the sky and more balanced lighting.

Camera Gear Choices

CameraAfter you’ve researched up on sunrise, you need to bring the right tools. In addition to your outdoor gear, you will need the right camera. Will you bring a DSLR? A mirrorless camera? A compact? A camera phone? Some or all of the above? Sometimes the particular adventure you’ve selected will make that decision an easier one. If it’s a short hike, perhaps you’ll be more inclined to bring a heavier camera, or an extra lens or two. Be sure to have the tools you need to capture the images you’ve envisioned.

Lenses and filtersIf you have a camera with detachable or interchangeable lenses, you’ll have more decisions to make on what lenses and filters to bring. It’s not uncommon for a landscape photographer to own multiple lenses covering the entire spectrum of focal lengths, e.g. a 16-35mm wide-angle lens, a 24-70mm lens, and a 70-300mm telephoto lens. A wide-angle lens is ideal, but not absolutely necessary.

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For each lens you bring, also consider the need for certain filters, such as a protective UV filter or a (graduated) neutral-density filter, which can allow you to control the quality and intensity of the morning sun’s light that reaches the camera’s sensor.

Other gearIn addition to the right camera, lenses, and filters, other gear to consider bringing is a tripod to shoot longer exposures in low light, as well as extra batteries, memory cards, and cleaning tools (such as a microfiber cloth), as needed.

Packing and Carrying Your Camera Gear.There are a variety of ways to pack and carry your camera gear out in the field. For example, some photographers use camera “holsters” along their hip belt. Some use camera “clips” attached to their backpack strap on their chest. Some simply keep their cameras in their jacket or pants pocket. Whatever system you adopt, make sure the camera is accessible on a moment’s notice. Be ready to take the shot!

Compositions for Sunrise

Identify your subject.While on your sunrise adventure, observe your surroundings and keep your eye out for the subject or subjects you wish to photograph. Subjects might include a person, such as your adventure buddy hiking through a landscape. Or the subject can be as simple as the sky or the landscape itself as the sun is rising.

Explore new compositions and different perspectives.Once you identify your subject, ask how you can guide the viewer’s eye through the image and to the subject. Here are a few examples to consider and explore:

As the morning unfolds, consider the placement of the rising sun and the horizon. For example, if there are beautiful colors or clouds, consider placing the horizon near the bottom of the frame to accentuate the sky.

Maybe use a leading line (whether natural or artificial) as a pathway that leads the viewer’s eye to your subject.

Look out for points of contrast, including warm/cool colors, light/dark elements, or sharp/blurred objects, that could draw the viewer in.

Photograph the sunrise or your subject from higher or lower. Turn around away from the sunrise. (Remember, the sun need not be in the photo if you find its beauty and effects elsewhere.) Explore new angles and perspectives that might peek the viewer’s interest.

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There is no right or wrong way to compose a sunrise or morning landscape image, so get creative, explore all possibilities, and have fun!

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About Your InstructorScott Kranz is a full-time commercial and editorial photographer based in Seattle, specializing in outdoor sports, lifestyle, landscapes, and travel photography and storytelling. Partnering with the world’s leading outdoor brands, Scott’s professional work includes hiking and alpine climbing in the Cascade, Sierra, and Rocky mountain ranges; trekking in both the European and New Zealand Alps; canyoneering and mountain bike expeditions in the Southwest desert; and backcountry skiing among the active volcanoes of Japan. Contact Scott and follow his work on his website (scott-kranz.com) and social media (@scott_kranz).

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