Techniques for Capturing the Sky Fantastically | Knowledge #188

To capture the sky dramatically, the state of light is key. Especially during the short time before sunrise and after sunset known as the 'magic hour', when the sky turns orange or pink, it is truly magical. The 'blue moment', just after sunset or before sunrise, when the sky turns deep blue, is perfect for expressing tranquility and mystery.

On calm, humid days with many clouds, these effects are even more pronounced. Check the weather forecast before shooting and pay attention to changes in the sky.

To bring out the beauty of the sky, careful attention to camera settings is necessary. By setting exposure compensation to negative, the colors of the sky become more vivid and impressive. Additionally, setting the white balance to 'cloudy' or 'shade' can bring out warm tones, making the colors of sunsets and sunrises more vibrant.

By setting the aperture (F-number) around F8, the entire sky will be in focus, resulting in a sharp and clear image. Furthermore, by setting a slower shutter speed and using a tripod, you can smoothly capture the gradient and subtle color changes of the sky.

In capturing beautiful skies, the ingenuity of composition and perspective is also essential. When making the sky the main subject, using an ultra-wide-angle lens to boldly capture the expanse of the sky is effective. On the other hand, to utilize the contrast between the sky and the ground, adjusting the ratio of sky to ground to 2:1 or 3:1 can emphasize the scale of the sky, resulting in a powerful photo.

Furthermore, shooting from high places such as observation decks or pedestrian bridges allows you to dynamically capture a wider range of the sky. By paying attention to the position of the sun and the shape of the clouds, you can capture light streaks and color changes, resulting in impressive works.