Sunset questions

[BlueStar-57]

I have seen a couple of beautiful sunsets where the sun is completely red, and if I happen to see it again I'd like to get some pictures of it.I have read that you do not want to look through the lens at the sun directly or aim the sensor straight at the sun. If the sun is about a half a inch or inch above the horizon how do you try to catch it at an angle where it won't harm your eyes or the sensor?Also do you use any filter when taking such shots?

[kenw]

just take the pic as you would normally. Most of the stuff you read about damaged sensors is urban legend (it CAN happen, but is rare).

Typically I have some clouds or something to give it some interest, these will block most of the harsh light anyway.

you may want to underexpose the image, but play with your exposures to get it like YOU want it.

Some examples:
http://www.texasphotoforum.com/galle...17&ppuser=4447
http://www.texasphotoforum.com/galle...11&ppuser=4447

and a sunrise
http://www.railroadforums.com/photos...634/ppuser/136

now, for a REALLY red sunset:
http://www.railroadforums.com/photos...519/ppuser/136

[fivegrand]

Shoot as normal, and bracket your exposures. Most likely the best results will come from a small aperture and slow shutter. Try the "Sunny 16" rule as a starting point and go from there.

[BlueStar-57]

Nice shots Ken, and the red glow is the type of sunset I am talking about. But the ones I have seen have only put out a few rays around the sun (no clouds nearbly). Out in the field it looked pretty behind a tree, but I also wanted to get one without it behind the tree. I'm not as worried about damaging the sensor (can be replaced) as I am about damaging my eyes.

I'm new at this Jon, thus I don't know what the Sunny 16 rule is. But I did a search on it and found out what it is, thanks for the tip.