• What you’ll learn

  • RAW vs JPEG

  • RAW: captures maximumm image data, greater dynamic range, more latitude for adjusting exposure and white balance in post-processing. Recomended when you want highest quality and flexibility for recovering shadow and highlight detail common in sunrise scenes.

  • JPEG: camera-processed files, smaller file size, immediate usability with less post work. Use when you need quick delivery or limited storage, but be aware of reduced flexibility for exposure and color recovery.

  • Practical guidance: when to shoot RAW, when JPEG is acceptable, and how to set your camera to record both if you want immediate previews plus editable files.

• Composition for sunrise photography

  • Horizon placement: avoid centering the horizon; place it on the top or bottom third depending on whether the sky or foreground is more interesting.

  • Foreground interest: include silhouettes, rocks, water reflections, or leading lines to add depth and scale.

  • Leading lines and layers: use paths, shorelines, or cloud formations to guide the viewer’s eye toward the sunrise.

  • Balance and negative space: let the soft morning light and open sky breathe—negative space can emphasize color and mood.

  • Framing and timing: use natural frames (trees, structures) and shoot before, during, and after sunrise to capture changing light and color.

• Introduction to the exposure triangle

  • Aperture (f-stop): controls depth of field and light entering the lens. For sunrise landscapes, smaller apertures (higher f-stop numbers like f/8–f/16) increase depth of field; wider apertures (lower f-numbers) create shallow depth for selective focus.

  • Shutter speed: controls how motion is recorded and total exposure time. Use faster shutter speeds to freeze motion (waves, birds) and slower speeds to smooth water or blur clouds—tripod recommended for long exposures.

  • ISO: sensor sensitivity to light. Keep ISO as low as practical (ISO 100–400) to minimize noise; raise ISO when you need faster shutter speeds in low light.

  • Practical balancing: learn to prioritize—choose aperture for depth of field, shutter speed for motion control, then adjust ISO to achieve correct exposure. Use exposure compensation and histogram checks to avoid clipping highlights in bright skies.

What to bring

• DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual exposure controls

• Sturdy tripod for low-light and long-exposure shots

• Wide-angle lens (recommended 16–35mm or similar) and optional telephoto for compressed compositions

• Spare batteries and memory cards (cold starts and long shooting drains battery)

• Optional: neutral density filter for long exposures, polarizer for controlling reflections

Outcome By the end of the workshop you will confidently choose between RAW and JPEG, compose stronger sunrise images, and make informed exposure decisions using aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. You’ll leave with practical techniques to capture better early-morning photos and immediate settings to apply on your next sunrise shoot.