September 15, 2023The Gulf Coast sunsets are pure magic.
And so is your phone.
When the 30A sky explodes in a riot of colors, reflecting off the shimmering
Gulf of Mexico, preparedness is key. For you and your amazing phone-camera.
Let’s explore not only when and where to experience these breathtaking sunsets,
but also how to capture their beauty with relative ease.
So settle in. We’re excited about a few photo-friendly apps, some valuable tips,
where to find 30A vacation rentals, and where to wind down after your 30A
sunset photo adventure. Let’s roll!
WHERE
Honestly, it seems like anywhere along the Emerald Coast is ideal.
Which is why we’re not going to talk about the best of the best, because everywhere
is great! With no shortage of spectacular views, how do you choose where to shoot?
The ideal location.
Go on a photo scout! Look for a unique setting, explore the beach, the dunes, the coastal dune lakes, and the iconic beach towns. Who knows where or when inspiration will strike. Have your favorite restaurant, shop, or architecture be a part of your photographic sunset story. Put a family member in the shot, or your dog.
Try a unique perspective.
For those seeking a bit of adventure, SUP rentals are a fantastic way to drift on the waters and view the sunset from a different angle. The water in front of you makes for a great photo foreground, the reflections of the sun on the water will be amazing. You’ll need one of these.
Beaches!
From the chic Alys Beach to the rustic charm of Grayton Beach, each spot along 30A offers a unique vantage point. Experiment at different locales. You may already know what makes each 30A beach special, but for the sake of review, let’s go over what makes these places shine well into the evening hours.
Dune Allen: This is where tranquility reigns. Those soft dunes merging with the horizon set a serene stage for twilight. It’s nature’s canvas, with every sunset painting a different story against the placid waters.
Blue Mountain Beach: A place where nature plays with colors. Named after its enchanting blue lupine flowers and the gentle rise of its dunes, it’s as if the world takes on an extra layer of magic at sunset.
Grayton Beach: This is where the locals spill their best-kept secrets. With its untouched natural beauty and eclectic charm, Grayton Beach gives the sunset chasers a spectacle every evening. The state park here rents SUPs and kayaks. Get creative and get on a boat!
WaterColor: A fusion of colors, WaterColor hosts a variety of wonderful locales to shoot a sunset. From a dune lake and shimmering resort pools, to the magnificent Gulf, this place is a visual treat and a photographer’s paradise!
Seaside: It’s not just about the sunsets here. The pastel homes, the coastal allure, and the amphitheater events add a touch of whimsy to the already stunning natural show. Check out Bud & Alleys, an incredible location for a wide range of sunset settings.
Seagrove Beach: Imagine a setting where trees stand tall, and the ocean whispers tales of old. That’s Seagrove Beach for you. The swaying beach grass? Just a perfect partner to the lullabies of the waves.
Alys Beach: Elegance meets the ocean. With its stark white architecture, Alys Beach offers a contrasting backdrop that amplifies the vibrant shades of a setting sun.
Seacrest Beach: Families, fun, and fiery sunsets. Seacrest Beach is buzzing with energy. Those dunes? They’re not just for show – they offer a panoramic seat to nature’s grand spectacle.
Rosemary Beach: Walk down the cobblestone streets and let them lead you to a sunset paradise. The European flair with a sprinkle of coastal charm makes every sunset here feel like a timeless moment.
Inlet Beach: A photographer’s dreamland. The vast coastline, coupled with the reflective tidal pools, creates a play of light and shadow that’s nothing short of mesmerizing.
WHEN
Timing is everything.
Arrive at your chosen location at least 30 minutes before sunset. This allows you to set up
your shot, and experiment with different angles, props, foregrounds, and composition.
30A enjoys mild weather year-round, but the summer and early fall months are particularly
delightful for sunset viewing. The pleasant temperatures and clear skies create the ideal
backdrop for a stunning sunset. To make the most of this natural wonder, follow
these guidelines.
The magical golden hour. The term photographers use to describe the perfect time to capture sunsets, or just about anything. It’s the short window just before the sun sets (yes, there’s also a ‘golden hour’ for sunrises, too) when everything is bathed in a soft, golden hue. For 30A sunsets, this usually happens between 5:30 pm to 7 pm, depending on the time of year.
Check the sunset time. Keep an eye on the local sunset time, which varies throughout the year. Summer? The sun usually sets between 7:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Winter? The skies darken earlier, with the sun setting between 5:00 PM to 5:30 PM.
The afterglow. Don’t put your phone away immediately after the sun disappears. Some of the most vibrant and magical colors often appear in the moments following the sunset, known as the “blue hour”.
HOW
You and your phone!
Taking great pictures of the sunset doesn’t require a ton of gear, though it might take a
little finesse—including a few easy adjustments to your phone-camera settings—to make
your sunset photos match the blazing beauty before you.
1) TIPS
Clean your lens. Before you start snapping away, make sure your smartphone’s camera lens is clean. A smudged lens can result in hazy photos.
Timing! Arrive at your chosen location about 30 minutes before sunset to set up and get ready. The golden hour offers the perfect lighting for your photos.
The Rule of Thirds. Composition is king. Imagine your screen is divided into a 3×3 grid. Position the setting sun or any focal point at the intersections of these lines. This technique lends a professional touch to even the simplest of photos.
Experiment! Don’t just center the sun in your frame. Experiment with different compositions. Include foreground elements like palm trees or beach umbrellas to add depth and interest to your photos. Let your creativity run wild!
Play with angles. Don’t just stick to eye-level shots. Crouch down or find a higher vantage point. Imagine capturing the reflection of the sunset on the waters near WaterColor or the silhouettes of the beachfront homes of Seacrest Beach. Very cool.
Stabilize. While the Gulf Coast’s breezy winds are great for your vacation mood, they can cause shaky hands. Use a mini tripod or rest your phone against a stable object.
The horizon! For balanced compositions, activate the gridlines on your phone’s camera settings. Place the horizon on the lower or upper grid line, adhering to the rule of thirds. Tap your screen to focus on the vibrant hues of the sunset.
HDR mode. This mode captures more details in both light and shadow and can help balance the exposure in your sunset shots, ensuring that both the bright sunset and darker foreground are well-exposed. Great for sunsets! Also, switch off your flash.
Burst mode: To ensure you capture the perfect moment, use burst mode. This lets you snap multiple shots in quick succession.
BONUS TIP
The landscapes along the Emerald Coast are stunning, but sometimes,
a simple silhouette of someone enjoying the scene adds a touch of emotion.
A kid playing on the beach, a family having a picnic, or even you, sipping on a
drink by your 30A vacation rental management property, can add a personal touch.
La Dolce Vita offers full-service bonfires, which include a fire pit, firewood, up to 15 chairs, S’mores, and a stereo. Very nice
2) APPS
PhotoPills An all-in-one photography tool that helps plan and perfect shooting scenarios, especially for those stunning 30A sunsets.
Magic Hour Find that sweet window when the sun graces the horizon, painting the sky in mesmerizing hues.
Sun Surveyor With live camera views and 3D compass, this app predicts the sun’s trajectory, helping you position yourself for that perfect 30A shot.
Sun Seeker Giving a flat compass view of the sun’s path, this is the go-to for shutterbugs looking to capture sunrises, and sunsets.
Snapseed While it’s primarily an editing tool, Snapseed offers dynamic adjustments to enhance those vibrant oranges, purples, and golds, right from your device.
Halide A manual camera app giving pro-level control, so every 30A sunset shot is a keeper!
LightTrac It pinpoints the angle of the sunlight, which is invaluable for finding the best shots right from your device.
Post magic.
Congratulations on your beautiful photos. It was a little extra effort, but of course,
well worth it. It’s time to celebrate and simply relax. Ok. Here’s where to go:
In Rosemary Beach, It’s hard to beat this vista point. After your sunset endeavor, replenish with delicious food, sassy cocktails, and another stunning sunset
A 30A sunset blog would not be complete without this beloved staple. In the heart of Seaside, this is as classic as it gets, serving up casual dining, and refreshing cocktails (try the rooftop bar!) that complement the lingering taste of a spectacular sunset.
Welcome to the perfect place to recount your sunset adventures. With excellent mixologists and an amazing selection, the bar circles inside-out, to the impressive patio, where the sunset views are, you guessed it, breathtaking.
Not just sunsets.
With your phone in hand, every adventure can be a postcard-worthy moment.
Explore the many wonders along Highway 30A with an Oversee beach home
as your home base. Now you have the tools to capture all those magical moments
(and not just the sunsets) with confidence.
Ready to start chasing sunsets? A luxury Oversee beach home awaits.
