A Controversial Opinion
I’m going to say something controversial as a photographer. Even more so because I live in Maui. Maybe you’ve even wondered why I don’t share sunset photos…
The truth is I think sunset photos are boring. Simple as that. It’s not that I don’t appreciate a stunning sunset mind you. The rainbow palette ranging from soft blush to fuschia truly is one of nature’s awe-inspiring marvels. Witnessing a Hawaiian sunset on the beach is a prized experience for any traveler to our islands. The reverence for that fleeting moment as the sun slips below the horizon, leaving its bold and colorful mark in the sky is a moment locals and tourists alike appreciate. A moment of pause and reflection, even gratitude.
But why do I think it’s a boring subject in the world of photography? Because it’s too easy. Too obvious. Over captured. It gets old quickly seeing sunset after sunset on the feed. It’s one thing to witness it in reality, and another entirely shared across social media and portfolios. Seeing sunset after sunset begets a yawn from me I’m afraid. It’s a bit cliché. In most instances, there’s not much left to the imagination or curiosity, it is what it is. No one can deny the beauty of a glorious sunset, but really, it doesn’t leave your mind wanting more or trying to uncover the subtext or a story. I think when we do have a subject in our frame, it can be completely overshadowed by the colorful sky. As a result, the photograph is more about the sunset rather than the subject. Moreover, the light becomes the subject itself. The star of the frame. It has to be said that most photographs purely of sunsets aim to have the sunset as the subject of the photography, but I find it rather boring. Often my initial reaction is “Oh wow” that’s beautiful and then that thought trails off to nothing. All that is there to be revealed is revealed. There’s nothing original or thought-provoking about it. Seeing them over and over again in a photographer’s portfolio gets old really fast.
In actuality, I will gush and awe over an incredible sunset, after all, they are one of a kind, but when I’m behind my lens I’m drawn to photos that have a story or spark curiosity and are imperfect. I think imperfection is partly what makes a good photograph interesting. They make you question what’s happening here: Who are they? What are they doing? Where are they going? What does that ___mean? They make you want to explore more within the frame to understand all of the elements and the perspective behind it. I liken it to a scent or perfume. A good photograph may have top notes of this and that, revealing one after another as you examine it further while a sunset is just one flat note. It just is what it is — beautiful light in a beautiful setting.
Does this mean I won’t take a photo of a beautiful sunset ever? Definitely not. However, I am very mindful of sharing it within my portfolio or online. I’ll keep these photos for myself personally rather than sharing them professionally. By no means am I suggesting you stop taking sunset photos. But maybe rethink your composition or maybe how you can incorporate storytelling into your frame. Including elements into your composition that tell a story can make those majestic sunsets even more captivating.
The golden hour is the prime time of day for soft, glowy photographs for good reason. I still love to shoot at that time of day. But lately, I’ve been experimenting with shooting at different times throughout the day such as mid-day or the blue hour after sunset. I think if we limit ourselves only to shooting at prime times like sunset or sunrise, we limit ourselves to so many other photographic opportunities.
This is just some food for thought and maybe you completely disagree and I respect that. I still will be looking at the sky in wonder just like any other photographer or human being, but maybe put my camera down sometimes to just appreciate and be present in the moment.
