ncsabaerik
Sunrise
Capturing a Sunrise Photo of the Esztergom Basilica
As a photographer, one of the most exciting challenges is successfully executing a pre-planned shot. My sunrise photo of the Esztergom Basilica is the result of such a project, where the rising sun is visible through the arch spanning the Basilica’s large and small towers, with the silky Danube River in the foreground and the Maria Valeria Bridge in focus.
Below, I will walk you through the preparation and execution steps so that other photographers can draw inspiration from it.
1. Preliminary Planning and Location Scouting
Visualizing the Shot:** The first step was to mentally plan the desired photo. I aimed to capture a shot where the sunrise light shines through the arch of the Basilica, with the silky Danube River reflecting in the foreground and the Maria Valeria Bridge in focus. I knew using a tripod would be necessary for the long exposure.
On-site Visit: Four days before the planned shoot, I visited the location to thoroughly scout the area. Using an app, I checked when the sun would rise precisely through the arch. The app indicated this would happen four days later, so I chose this time.
2. Technical Preparations
Setting Up the Equipment: During the on-site visit, I determined the most stable spot for the tripod. This was on larger stones, requiring one of the tripod's legs to be shorter. I had to be very cautious to ensure my safety when approaching this spot. This mindset is recommended for all photographers! After securing the camera to the tripod, I planned the angle and lens choice to position the sunrise optimally for the composition. I took some test shots and noted the settings to only need fine adjustments on the day of the shoot.
3. The Day of the Shoot
Timing and Weather:I hoped the weather would be favorable for the sunrise four days later, and fortunately, it was. I arrived about 20 minutes early to prepare and make any last-minute adjustments.
Fine-Tuning the Settings: Thanks to the pre-planned settings, I didn’t need much time to set up the technical details on-site. I quickly secured the tripod and camera, set the camera to auto mode focusing on the bridge, then switched to manual mode, turned off the stabilizer, and fine-tuned the focus using focus magnification.
4. Capturing the Photo
Exposure and Composition:** At the moment of sunrise, I took the shot, ensuring the exposure time was enough to achieve the silky effect of the Danube while the sunlight perfectly arched through. The result was a well-composed and spectacular photo that captured the envisioned scene.
5. Post-Processing
Editing: After taking the photo, I performed some basic post-processing to enhance the colors and contrasts, further highlighting the magic of the sunrise and the beauty of the Basilica.
This process required detailed planning and precise execution, but the result was worth all the effort. I hope this summary helps other photographers in creating similar photos.
Sunrise
Capturing a Sunrise Photo of the Esztergom Basilica
As a photographer, one of the most exciting challenges is successfully executing a pre-planned shot. My sunrise photo of the Esztergom Basilica is the result of such a project, where the rising sun is visible through the arch spanning the Basilica’s large and small towers, with the silky Danube River in the foreground and the Maria Valeria Bridge in focus.
Below, I will walk you through the preparation and execution steps so that other photographers can draw inspiration from it.
1. Preliminary Planning and Location Scouting
Visualizing the Shot:** The first step was to mentally plan the desired photo. I aimed to capture a shot where the sunrise light shines through the arch of the Basilica, with the silky Danube River reflecting in the foreground and the Maria Valeria Bridge in focus. I knew using a tripod would be necessary for the long exposure.
On-site Visit: Four days before the planned shoot, I visited the location to thoroughly scout the area. Using an app, I checked when the sun would rise precisely through the arch. The app indicated this would happen four days later, so I chose this time.
2. Technical Preparations
Setting Up the Equipment: During the on-site visit, I determined the most stable spot for the tripod. This was on larger stones, requiring one of the tripod's legs to be shorter. I had to be very cautious to ensure my safety when approaching this spot. This mindset is recommended for all photographers! After securing the camera to the tripod, I planned the angle and lens choice to position the sunrise optimally for the composition. I took some test shots and noted the settings to only need fine adjustments on the day of the shoot.
3. The Day of the Shoot
Timing and Weather:I hoped the weather would be favorable for the sunrise four days later, and fortunately, it was. I arrived about 20 minutes early to prepare and make any last-minute adjustments.
Fine-Tuning the Settings: Thanks to the pre-planned settings, I didn’t need much time to set up the technical details on-site. I quickly secured the tripod and camera, set the camera to auto mode focusing on the bridge, then switched to manual mode, turned off the stabilizer, and fine-tuned the focus using focus magnification.
4. Capturing the Photo
Exposure and Composition:** At the moment of sunrise, I took the shot, ensuring the exposure time was enough to achieve the silky effect of the Danube while the sunlight perfectly arched through. The result was a well-composed and spectacular photo that captured the envisioned scene.
5. Post-Processing
Editing: After taking the photo, I performed some basic post-processing to enhance the colors and contrasts, further highlighting the magic of the sunrise and the beauty of the Basilica.
This process required detailed planning and precise execution, but the result was worth all the effort. I hope this summary helps other photographers in creating similar photos.