Photo Tip for Photographing Sunsets

Make sure to always do this when you are out shooting a sunset.

It is a simple thing to do but many people miss some spectacular photographs by not doing this – and it is not at all technical. Keep your eyes moving, scanning your surroundings. Pay attention to the entire sky – not just the setting sun. Look to your right, look to your left and always, always look directly behind you. That’s it.

Excalibur Condominium in an Ocean City Sunset
Excalibur Condominium in an Ocean City Sunset

You should always be on the lookout for the “big picture” – looking all around you. There are changing light conditions throughout the sky and the area whenever the sun is rising or setting. Some of those changes are not remarkable but some can prove to be quite dramatic. Don’t fall victim to missing a shot by becoming fixated on the main event, so to speak.

Snow Geese? Some comments received on this photograph indicated there appeared to be a flock of snow geese flying over the Excalibur Condominium. The white “lights” in the sky are actually a reflection of ceiling lights in the restaurant where we were dining when this special scene lighting appeared against the dark sky. We were seated by a large window at Albertino’s Brick Oven Eatery, a wonderful Italian restaurant in Ocean City at 131st Street, bayside.


For more photographs of Ocean City and the beach resort area be sure to visit the Ocean City Gallery online.


Sunset at Grand Beach, Michigan

Catching a sunset while on vacation is a real treat.

A last minute foray to the beach at Grand Beach, New Buffalo, MI provided us with an interesting sunset view over Lake Michigan. The weather had been cloudy, chilly and windy all day but the clouds opened up enough near dusk that I was able to photograph one of the most interesting sunset images of our trip.

sunset over lake michigan
The sun sets over the horizon, casting a beautiful orange hue over the sky and water. The waves rush to the shore, providing a calming background noise. The sand is cool and soft, providing a comfortable seat to watch Mother Nature perform her magic. The sunset is a perfect way to end a day at Grand Beach.

The elements all worked together to create this breathtaking sunset photograph. The high winds during the day created moderate waves washing up on the beach that provided a wet sand “mirror” reflecting the colors in the sky. The half buried driftwood added a bit of foreground interest – looking a bit like a miniature mountain range on the beach. The sky, itself, was – well, it was just beautiful.

Of course, all of this splendor was not of my making. It was all provided by the artist known as Mother Nature – I was just there to observe and, hopefully, catch something to share with you.

Purchase:

Prints are available: CLICK HERE

Coastal Collection vs. Rolling Stone and Bill Swartwout Photography

Indian River Bridge graces the cover of Coastal Collection.

“…the thrill that’ll gitcha when you get your picture on the cover of the Rolling Stone.” (1972, Dr. Hook, written by Shel Silverstein)

My guitar playing will never get me on the cover of the Rolling Stone but my photography has gotten me close. One of my popular Indian River Inlet Bridge photographs is the front/back cover of the prestigious Ocean Atlantic Sotheby’s International Realty “Coastal Collection” magazine.Coastal Collection Magazine w Narrative

I am honored to have my photograph of one of my favorite places, the Indian River Inlet Bridge, grace the cover of this popular and sought after local magazine. Ocean Atlantic Sotheby’s International Realty is the premier real estate firm of coastal Delaware, from Lewes to Fenwick Island.

I do live here and I enjoy helping to promote my love of the area through my photography endeavors.  Hopefully, my images of this wonderful place will help others learn more about why we love living here.

Links:
Ocean Atlantic Sotheby’s International Realty
Coastal Collection Magazine Online
My original “Sunset Under the Indian River Inlet Bridge