St. John

How To Capture the Best Island Sunsets

One thing you can count on is being wowed by St. John’s stunning sunsets. Often times, crowds line up in Cruz Bay just to watch the show. After all, we have all the ingredients for the perfect sunset: over the ocean; hues of pink, orange, purple and yellow; from a palm-tree dotted shoreline; with boats in the foreground!

Though pictures don’t do it justice, we can’t help but snap every single moment-by-moment transition before our very eyes. Most of us are point-and-click photographers and have no clue what a DSLR camera is. So, what’s the secret to capturing beautiful sunset pictures?

First, we recommend preparing properly with your favorite beverage then securing a front row seat in one of the chairs on the beach long before dusk. Check the sunset schedule so you know when to be armed and ready.

Take a couple of test shots before the big moment. The simplest equipment can take great pictures, most cell phone cameras work wonders. The longer you wait for the sun to set, the more vibrant the colors will be. Clouds are your friend. They allow the sun’s rays to peek through the horizon, producing a scattering effect and a variety of color. Consider the rule of thirds when it comes to composition, which means don’t place the sun in the center of your frame.

Lastly, don’t forget to turn the camera around for a selfie as this is known as the golden hour, the most flattering light of the day. No doubt you’ll be glowing, you’re on vacation!