IN THE FIELD: Autumn And Winter Atmospheres
During the autumn and winter seasons, conditions are often favorable for brilliant and colorful sunrises and sunsets.
Ever wonder why the sunrises and sunsets are often very vibrant during the autumn and winter months? Well, it’s partly due to the light from the sun at sunrise and sunset must pass through more of the earth’s atmosphere before it reaches our eyes. That’s mostly due to the angle or tilt of the earth in relation to the sun. Because of this, the light comes in contact with more molecules in the air. Much of the blue light gets scattered or diffused away leaving behind the pinks, reds, oranges and yellows which become more pronounced. Another factor is the clear dry air that is present this time of year compared to the more humid air of spring and summer.
For sunset photos, be sure to stick around for 15 -20 minutes or so after the sun dips below the horizon. That’s when the color can really be intense. For sunrises, get in position about a 1/2 hour before the sun peeks over the horizon and you may just have some of the most beautiful color of the day.
If you would like to reward yourself with some fantastic images that are taken in the cooler seasons, grab some gloves, boots, a warm coat and hat, pick up your camera and tripod and go out and feast your eyes. Just remember…there is no such thing as bad weather…it’s bad clothing.
f6.7
1/45th
cloudy WB
ISO 200
Shot in RAW
David Heilman 
Love that sky!!!
The sunsets…and sunrises for that matter…sure have been outstanding lately! I’m building up quite a collection…I just can’t help myself!
It’s true, it’s true! (about the bad clothing.) Great photo!
Thanks Jane….they sure have been colorful lately! We heard that saying from a small radio station DJ while visiting Minnesota a few years ago. I think we were west of Minnetonka and turned on the car radio for some local flavor and that’s when we heard the saying LOL but so true!
Love that beautiful sky! Great capture, David.
Thanks Gracie, the sunsets have been so pretty lately I make dinner for the pups and ourselves late because I have to get a few shots. What we won’t do ….
Beautiful image, David! We have been taking photos of sunrises and sunsets, too – late November and early December brought some spectacular skies. By coincidence I’ve got a post ready with some photos!
Thanks Jo, the skies sure have been flushed with color this year. Post away…I love sunsets and sunrises!
YES!! Winter photography is my favorite (I think … 🙂 )
Your tips are right on target and your results are gorgeous!
Thanks LB, I do enjoy winter photography also…especially shadows in the snow. I hope we get more snow at night…I’ve got some ideas for long exposures and colored lights.
Beautiful colours, so crisp. I love a dramatic sunset or sunrise 🙂
The colors sure have been bright and beautiful this year!!! I could watch the sunrise and set everyday!
Love the contrast between the light and dark.
We have a perfect vantage point from our back door for sunsets…we have a beautiful sunset almost everyday. Hope I don’t overdo it with posting!!!
Beautiful and atmospheric. Makes one feel truly alive.
Wishing you a wonderful and absolutely marvellous New Year!
They sure have been vibrant lately! Wishing you a fabulous year ahead too!!!
I love that last comment about bad clothing. So true! When I first moved to Maine, I was really worried that I wouldn’t be able to handle the winters. I’ve always hated the cold – and really felt it! I learned that I’d just never had the right clothing for it. The first thing I did was buy a warm down parka, and I was good to go!
I have to give up my source for the “bad clothing” metaphor…we were on vacation in Minnesota and we heard a local DJ on a small radio station discussing the weather with a fellow on air person when he said the bad clothing thing. We both laughed out loud and then realized he was absolutely correct. Today is a day for good clothing! It’s 6 degrees with wind chills in the minus teens…brrrrrrrr
Same here! It’s also a good day for staying inside!