Sunset Photography Tip #1. Underexpose. This is the most important tip for taking pictures of sunsets. Slightly underexposing the sunset will make the colors look more rich and defined. The entire scene will become more dramatic. You can underexpose by using manual mode and selecting a fast shutter speed, or you can shoot in aperture priority and use exposure compensation.
Sunset Photography Tip #2. Find the foreground first. The best recipe for a good sunset is some object of interest in the foreground. It could be a pond, a pier, or whatever else. Just find something interesting to put in the foreground to add depth to the scene.
Sunset Photography Tip #3. Don't put the horizon line in the middle of the photo. A good general rule is to put the horizon on the bottom third of the photo if the sunset is pretty, and on the top third of the photo if the sunset is lackluster.
Sunset Photography Tip #4. TURN AROUND! Sometimes the scene behind you can be gorgeous and all the photographers miss it because they are too busy looking at the sun. The sunset produces beautiful warm light and a beautiful scene might be bathing in that warm light behind you. Don't forget to look over your shoulder.
