I took this photograph on September 28, 2025, at 18:27. The result reflects two fundamental elements of photography: careful planning and familiarity with one’s gear.
As mentioned in a previous publication, I used The Photographer’s Ephemeris to identify local sunset and sunrise locations that I could reach in less than twenty minutes. The weather forecast was favourable, and sunset on that date was at 18:39. Experience has taught me that arriving at the vantage point at least fifteen minutes before sunset is essential.
Once on location, I set up my tripod, camera, cable release, and Leica DG wide-angle lens. From experience, I know this lens produces pleasing star effects when used at a very small aperture, in this case f/22.
To ensure I captured the full dynamic range of the scene, I programmed the camera to take three exposures with a two-stop increment, allowing me to merge them later into an HDR image in Lightroom.
At 18:21, I captured this scene. Then I moved my tripod. When I saw these coloured bushes, I set it up again. I composed and framed the image using a 26 mm focal length. I used the rule of thirds to compose the image. The sun is set on the upper left third of the frame.
Behind the camera, I was amazed to see the coloured elements in the foreground and the setting sun with its reflection on the river under a blue sky. At 18:27, I triggered the shutter.
It is worth asking yourself whether there are interesting locations close to home where you could experience and photograph such a magical moment.
