How to Differentiate Between Sunrise and Sunset in Photography
Distinguishing between sunrise and sunset has always been an intriguing topic in photography. With the advancements in color grading technology, it has become increasingly difficult to tell if the sun in a photo is rising in the east or setting in the west based solely on color. So, how can one differentiate between sunrise and sunset without any contextual background or directional information? This article explores this question and provides some tips for observation and judgment.
Below, you'll find a series of photos. Can you tell the difference between sunrise and sunset? Sunrise VS Sunset What’s the Difference?
Sunrise VS Sunset What’s the Difference? How to Differentiate Between? A Photographer’s Guide
Sunrise from the Zhushan Viewing Platform in Alishan, Chiayi
Changes in Sunlight and Sky Colors
When sunlight enters Earth’s atmosphere, it undergoes reflection and refraction, causing variations in different wavelengths of light. Cool colors like blue and violet, with shorter wavelengths, are more easily absorbed and scattered, while warm colors like yellow and red, with longer wavelengths, are less scattered. This is why the sky appears blue during the day, as blue light is more strongly scattered, while warm colors reach the ground more evenly.
During sunrise and sunset, sunlight enters the atmosphere at a lower angle and travels through a thicker atmospheric layer. As a result, more blue light is scattered and absorbed, leaving predominantly red and yellow light, giving the sky its warm orange or red hues.
Refraction of Sunlight During Sunrise and Sunset
The sun's position during sunrise and sunset is affected by refraction, making it appear slightly higher above the horizon than it actually is. At sunset, the sun seems to partially sink below the horizon until it disappears, even though it is already about 18 degrees below the horizon. This effect prolongs the sunset process. Moreover, the refraction of cooler light can create a “Golden Hour” or “Magic Hour,” where even after the sun has set, cooler tones may still be refracted onto the surface, creating stunning visuals.
Sunset in the Afternoon from Alishan, Chiayi
Color Variations in Sunrise and Sunset
Sunrise: As the sun rises, light transitions from cool tones to yellow, orange, and red, eventually becoming white. This process is rapid because the reduced atmospheric particles during the night minimize refraction effects, causing red hues to fade quickly and the sky to shift to white and blue tones.
Sunset: As the sun sets, light fades from red to orange to yellow, with only cooler tones remaining. The process is longer because the atmosphere contains more particles in the evening, increasing the absorption and scattering of light, resulting in a gradual fading of colors and softer sky tones.
Observing Sunrise and Sunset
Those who have observed both sunrise and sunset will notice key differences:
Sunrise: The process is shorter, with red light quickly illuminating the ground before shifting to white and blue tones.
Sunset: The process is longer, with the sun gradually sinking and colors fading gently. The light at sunset feels softer, evoking a sense of warmth and comfort.
Summary
To be honest, if you don’t want to wake up in the middle of the night and navigate in the dark, photographing sunsets is the way to go for 99% of people. However, if you’re after grand, empty landscapes with no one around, sunrise is your best bet!
While it can be challenging to distinguish between sunrise and sunset based on colors alone, observing the refraction and progression of sunlight and colors can help. Sunrise transitions from cool to warm tones, while sunset shifts from warm to cool tones. Sunrise is faster, while sunset is slower and gentler. These differences provide photographers with unique opportunities for observation and creative inspiration.
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