SUNSET PHOTOGRAPHY SHOT LIST

One evening.
Three different frames.

Plan a wide scene, a clear visual anchor and one small detail. Give yourself a few directions to explore before the light changes.

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ILLUSTRATION / NOT A WEATHER FORECAST

START WITH WHAT IS IN FRONT OF YOU

Choose your scene.

FOR CAMERA CLUBS & PHOTO WALKS

One place. Three ways to see it.

Try this as a small-group exercise: each person makes one wide view, one frame around a clear subject and one close detail. Then compare which choice changes the story most. A phone camera is enough.

  1. Choose a permitted, accessible viewpoint and agree on the return plan.
  2. Build a setup above and copy its link so everyone starts with the same prompts.
  3. Print a field sheet or keep the copied list in your notes.
  4. Afterward, let each person explain one framing decision. No scoring or competition is required.

Clubs and educators may copy or print this original exercise for their activities. An app purchase, backlink or endorsement is not required. The separate Asterfold app is an optional next step.

Move the camera, move the overlap

Try a ten-minute exercise for two people. Make two photos and one crop to see which changes the overlap between a nearby edge and a distant landmark. A phone, a pencil and a mark on a far wall are enough.

Download the one-page field card (PDF)

Leading a group?

The facilitator kit includes the field card, a ten-minute teaching sequence and a short newsletter invitation. Clubs and classrooms may print and share the original material with credit to Honest Little Apps.

Download the facilitator kit (ZIP, 65 KB)

Read the complete exercise on this page

Picture guide. The two drawings show a twig against a distant dot. The twig overlaps the dot in frame A. In frame B, the far dot is in the same part of the picture and the twig appears to its left.

  1. Line up two features. Choose a near vertical edge and a distant fixed mark. Frame them so the edge covers the mark. Pick one zoom setting and take photo A.
  2. Predict, step, compare. Predict which side of the edge will reveal the mark. Move the phone a little sideways on level ground, keep the same zoom and centre the far mark again. Take photo B. A seated pair can slide the phone between two supported positions on a table.
  3. Change the crop, keep the spot. Crop photo B around the mark. Compare the overlap in the crop with photo B, then compare A with B. Which change moved the edge?

Discuss. What did you predict and what happened? Which frame would you keep? What distracts from the subject in the other one?

For a sunset shoot. Asterfold can show dates when sunset fits a chosen lens frame, with two viewpoints in the free tier. Its calculations assume a flat horizon. Check the view at the actual spot for hills and buildings.

Clubs, classrooms and newsletter editors may print and share this original card with credit to Honest Little Apps. The PDF includes an optional link and QR code for Asterfold on the U.S. App Store.

MAKE THE FRAMES DIFFERENT

Choose an anchor.

Find one shape you want someone to notice first. Keep an eye on where it touches the edges of the frame or other shapes.

Finish small.

A reflected colour, lit window or patch of bark can make a different picture from another wide skyline. Use what the evening actually gives you.

Asterfold app icon

WHEN THE SHOT NEEDS A PLACE AND TIME

Plan the light.
Keep the notes.

Asterfold combines Sun-path planning, saved viewpoints, composition notes and a field journal. Use it to plan a session and record what you saw afterward.

Explore Asterfold on the App Store ↗

Free includes Studio, aiming and plans for two viewpoints. Plus expands viewpoints and other features. Requires iOS/iPadOS 18 or later; check current listing terms. This shot list is a separate browser companion; it does not sync to the app.

  1. BEFOREChoose a viewpoint and light window.
  2. DURINGUse your notes as prompts, then adapt.
  3. AFTERRecord the sky you actually observed.

Useful before you head out.

Does this predict sunset time or colour?

No. It only creates composition prompts. It does not use location, weather or astronomy data, and it does not guarantee a visible sunset.

Do I need a dedicated camera?

No. The prompts are about framing, so you can try them with a phone or a camera. This tool does not suggest device-specific exposure settings.

Will my checklist be saved?

Checked-off shots are not saved. Copy the list to your notes or print it before leaving. A setup link restores your three choices, but not checklist progress. Resetting returns to the example setup.

What should I check before going?

Confirm that access is permitted, check local conditions and opening hours, and plan your return route. Keep your position safe; a composition prompt is never a reason to approach an edge, water, traffic or a restricted area.