magazine
2024.09.29

Illusory Sky Phenomena and Photography Tips | Knowledge #120

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Cover photo by としくん

The sky shows different expressions every day, and capturing its ever-changing appearance in photos makes it special. Particularly during the short periods of dawn and dusk, there are moments called the "magic hour" when the sky is enveloped in enchanting colors and light.

This time, we introduce tips for beautifully capturing such moments, focusing on specific phenomena.

Afterglow

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Photo by ユウ3850

The afterglow is a phenomenon where the entire sky is dyed red, pink, or orange during the short time after sunset or before sunrise. To beautifully capture the afterglow, first check the weather forecast and aim for days with high humidity or many clouds.

Choose a location with a wide view of the sky and set the camera's exposure compensation to negative. This will tighten the colors of the sky and express a dramatic afterglow.

Golden Hour

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Photo by ス・ギー

The golden hour refers to about an hour immediately after sunrise or just before sunset. During this time, the sun is low, and soft orange light envelops the subjects.

Shooting against the light can create the effect of "rim light," which gently highlights the contours of the subject. Also, slightly increasing the exposure compensation will result in a photo that emphasizes the warmth of the light.

Blue Moment

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Photo by eriko

The blue moment is the few minutes before sunrise or after sunset when the sky turns blue. During this time, the blue light in the air is emphasized, creating a magical and tranquil atmosphere.

When photographing the blue moment, use a tripod and set a slow shutter speed. This will allow the blue of the sky to be expressed more deeply and vividly, highlighting the lights of the city and reflections on the water.

Venus Belt

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Photo by niko

The Venus belt refers to the faint pink band that appears in the lower part of the sky just before sunrise or just after sunset. This is a mysterious phenomenon visible in the direction opposite the sun, where the pink color emerges as the sky gradually darkens.

When photographing the Venus belt, include the horizon or skyline in the frame to create a composition. Adjust the exposure to negative to enhance the background colors, creating an enchanting and mystical atmosphere.