P#4 Making A Photo Of A Beach Sunset Interesting With A Silhouette

Getting the perfect beach sunset shot with multiple exposures

Scott Stulberg: I have an image of a guy playing football on the beach. This is in Thailand, another travel image. I just came out of my hut on the beach and the sun was going down, and I heard the guys playing football. The palm tree leaves are hanging over.

I grabbed my 70mm to 200mm again, which is my favorite lens, and I yelled to the guy, "Hey, hey, could you go over there?" and I positioned him where I wanted, kind of where the setting sun was hitting the water.
(click the image for a larger version)

I said, "Yeah, yeah, just kick the ball." He spoke a little English even though he was Thai. I was shooting into the sun -- I knew I was going to get a silhouette. Silhouettes do very well for stock.

I shot a lot and when I edited it, I realized I got one where the ball was perfect just above his leg.

This is one of my favorite shots. To get a beach sunset shot like this, you have to shoot a lot because to get that ball right above his foot is not the easiest thing in the world.

I was shooting at least five minutes.

In conclusion

A beach sunset by itself can make a beautiful photograph. Add interest by including a person in silhouette.