Plan Ahead for Excellent Sunset Photographs

From the photographers perspective, at first glance, beautiful Vancouver Island sunset photographs are not a difficult subject. A splash of colour, mountains and clouds for texture, depth and perspective – it’s pretty much a point-and-shoot mission. But… and this is a big But, when you really stop and think about it, vantage point and location are everything. Investing some time and planning into hunting the best locations, sets you up for the best possible photography. See more of our exclusive canvases at www.ravenrockgallery.com

Plan the shot, find the best location

If you consistently experience great sunsets where you are, try putting a little thought and advance planning into where the best places to capture interesting angles of the sun as it transects the mountains, or sinks below the sea on the horizon line. I’ve discovered vantage points that, at first glance, don’t seem that inviting, but over time, micro-weather patterns become obvious, or places where a low mist rolls from certain bays and inlets at dusk in the late Spring, for instance. Or, there are other locations where, every evening around seven o’clock (Springtime again), facing from east to west on Vancouver Island, a thin cloud bank forms just above the foothills of the Beaufort Range, which, themselves frame the larger Arrowsmith Mountains in behind it.

Identify consistent weather patterns and dramatic visuals

Another interesting effect I see from time to time, that really makes for excellent nature photographs, is when a lower set of foothills, or, in this case, a intermediate range standing in front of a larger one which looms behind it, with a few minor camera adjustments to bring the darker hills in front in distinct contrast and relief – silhouetted against the larger mountains in behind, makes for dramatic visuals and interesting photo narrative. Here, during the winter on Vancouver Island, I’ve noticed that the sunsets from the East coast of the island are muted and relatively short events (due to the angle of the sun and unpredictable weather patterns), as opposed to the summer, when sunsets are long, sensual affairs – a dance of colour and light and landscape.

Watch for resident wildlife

Be on the lookout for resident wildlife at your chosen location, as well as what migratory animals might be visiting the area and at what specific times of year. Here on Vancouver Island, BC, there are photographers who do nothing else but specialize in whale photography. These specialists are passionate about their art and often work with other photographers and supply information networks in order to spot for and track whale activity around the Island. Knowing what you might see in a given photography location and planning for that eventuality, will ensure you are prepared to snap the sine-qua-non of your chosen art.

Scout Your Photo Location

After putting some thought into it and picking a few likely locations for your next sunset photography outing, visit your favourite online map website ( I use Google Earth and Google Maps as they are regularly updated) and chart your course. Trace side-roads in order to get as close to your ideal location as possible. Spend some time doing reconnaissance. Throw the camera in the car and do the whole Sunday drive thing, and pinpoint likely spots on your working map, so that you are ready when the weather provides optimum opportunity. Over time, if you take a well-planned, directed approach to your craft, you will wind up with a handful of keepers and even a few gems – photographs that define the art of Vancouver Island sunset photography.