Sunrise vs sunset light

[Tom Williams]

I'm new to the forum and relatively new to dslr photography so this may be a naive, rookie question. While I'd like to take advantage of the early morning light when photographing some landscapes, often "rules' get in the way. For example, many government parks/sites do not allow visitors entrance to the location until well after sunrise with the result that you lose the chance to get the rich early morning light. However, often these same locations don't close until dark. Question: will I get similar warm light at sunset as I would get early in the morning? Thanks for your observations.

[BCampbell]

Originally Posted by Tom Williams

Question: will I get similar warm light at sunset as I would get early in the morning? Thanks for your observations.

Generally, yes. The concept of "golden hour" is primarily due to the light from the sun being diffused through more of the atmosphere, and the light appearing more red/orange instead of intensly blue during normal hours. This works the same whether you're talking about sunset/sunrise.

The real difference is the directionality of the light. You're going to have totally different scenes, so scout your location carefully and understand where your light is coming from before setting up.

I'm not a fan of strictly following things like "opening time". It's worth finding contact info and making a request to be allowed in before dawn. But, forgiveness is always easier to get than permission, so what exactly is keeping you out of these parks?

[Tom Williams]

Thanks for those tips-I hadn't thought of that.
re whats keeping me out-a locked gate and fence and a site thats about 2 miles up the road from the entrance!

[BCampbell]

There can't possibly be two miles of fence though...

No, I can't recommend that, though maybe you'd choose to find ways in on your own I guess I'm spoiled by all of the Adirondack and Catskill park area that is free and open to the public 24/7. But, a polite request might unlock those gates for you.

[daft_biker]

Maybe not that applicable to landscapes where the direction of the light is likely to dictate what should be shot when but if you like macros of dew covered beasties morning is the time to do it. If you don't want dew in your shot shoot later on.

[LMAshton]

Originally Posted by daft_biker

Maybe not that applicable to landscapes where the direction of the light is likely to dictate what should be shot when but if you like macros of dew covered beasties morning is the time to do it. If you don't want dew in your shot shoot later on.

Or, um, *cough* bring a spray water bottle that can mist...

[Tom Williams]

Originally Posted by LMAshton

Or, um, *cough* bring a spray water bottle that can mist...

A rookie can learn ALL kinds of tricks on this forum!

[cleamon]

Originally Posted by Tom Williams

I'm new to the forum and relatively new to dslr photography so this may be a naive, rookie question. While I'd like to take advantage of the early morning light when photographing some landscapes, often "rules' get in the way. For example, many government parks/sites do not allow visitors entrance to the location until well after sunrise with the result that you lose the chance to get the rich early morning light. However, often these same locations don't close until dark. Question: will I get similar warm light at sunset as I would get early in the morning? Thanks for your observations.

In addition to the comments regarding the light's direction, you'll find that morning light is a little 'cooler' than evening light. (if that matters to you).

[Rolling Stone]

Find a Jeep owner. They'll take you anywhere you need to go.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by BCampbell

I'm not a fan of strictly following things like "opening time". It's worth finding contact info and making a request to be allowed in before dawn. But, forgiveness is always easier to get than permission, so what exactly is keeping you out of these parks?

Nothing like advocating trespassing on federal land. There's a pretty harsh punishment for that, if I recall correctly.

Many parks may allow camping overnight: if so, go in the night before and get a sunset shot, then wake up early enough for a morning shot.