advice on sunrise? - Digital Photography Q&A Forum

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Q. advice on sunrise?
Asked by Jowie (K=361) on 9/7/2006

hi im still a beginner and photography is one of my new hobbies.

i am thinking of taking snapshots of the sunrise, with the SONY DSC-V1.

if i went about taking photos of the sunrise without any polorized lens, will the sunlight cause damages to the camera lens?

if i wanted to take a series of the sun rising, how many shots would you recommend me taking? example: 1 shot every 30 sec?

thank you for your time.

Chris Hunter (K=25631) - Comment Date 9/7/2006

No - it will not damage the lens or sensor - but may damage your eyes.

Snapshots of a sunrise/set are not easy. Use a tripod. Try shooting before the sun completely comes up. Bracket exposures where some are dakrer and some are lighter. I shoot photos as soon as the light looks good and as quickly as I can compose them.

Your biggest problem will be the exposure latitude of your digital sensor - because the difference between the darkest dark and brighest bright will be too great for your camera to capture. Serious amateaturs and pros use graduated screw-on filters that make the sky darker, or take multiple exposures and combine them to increse the dynamic range of the exposures.

Richard Dakin (K=12852) - Comment Date 5/20/2007

Check on the time of sunrise, and plan to arrive at least 1/2 hour earlier. I know everyone likes the dramatic shots taken towards the sun, but don't hesitate to take some shots away from the sunrise. The early light can make even the most mundane scene magical.

Jeroen Wenting

(K=24628) - Comment Date 5/20/2007

yes, the intense light CAN damage your sensor, but more seriously it can damage your eyes!
Sensors can be replaced, eyes can't be, so be careful.

Do NOT stare into the sun, either through the camera or directly (especially not through the camera as it will focus the intense light, greater chance of damage).

So work quickly, don't leave the exposed lens pointed at the sun for prolonged periods (cover it or move it in between shots).

And don't take very long exposures to prevent possible damage to the sensor (sensor elements can burn out due to overheating, but it will take time, more time than a normal shot of a fraction of a second).

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