Is It Worth Waking Up Early for Sunrise Photography?

[@scotty4418]

Moving into the lighter mornings means earlier rises but it also means having those moments to saviour to yourself as everyone else sleeps. I love that feeling of well being which you mentioned Thomas as the freshness of a new day sweeps over you

[@doubletphotography8014]

Lol. That little scenario at the start was so relatable!

[@barb4rian]

Perfect representation, no notes!

[@earlspiece9403]

Your scene of having all the good intentions of getting up early then going back to bed is hysterical... I've done that twice in the past two weeks!!!😀

[@brainreconnecting]

"People are out and about, so that means it's time for me to leave." truly relatable words lol

[@urszulaszpila]

This year, for the first time in my life, I got up at 3 a.m. to photograph the sunrise on the longest day of the year. I knew that if I got up like that, the place must be special. I chose the best place in Krakow for this type of photos. I had a beautiful view of the whole of Krakow and the photos turned out amazing. it was worth it! I know that I want to repeat it, because the waking day, the waking life of the city is something extraordinary in the photo and not only in the photo 🤩

[@rickcaffee9690]

You hit the nail on the head with the beginning scenario! I work second shift and think about the glorious morning photography I'll do on Saturday morning. Sometimes I make it out there and sometimes I don't.

[@andrewcrossley2448]

Fun vid. I never regret getting up at dawn to take photos at the Taj Mahal on MF back in 1991 when you could get in early. Crowds were minuscule too…pink light on white marble… unforgettable.

[@Thereison]

It's crazy how *accurate* your inner monologue is...I feel seen. I fancy myself a morning person until the alarm goes off when it's still dark outside.

[@danielhenzphotography]

For me it is so inportant to prepare in the evening, as it helps me to a) not forgot everything and b) gets me excited to get up.

[@dennisdksing]

I watched your video last night, and decided to pack my bag there and then, and it worked - I went out for a shoot this morning!

[@pmc7105]

Yep, talked myself out of it many times, but realized a few years ago that when I do go out at sunrise there's never been a single instance when I've regretted it.

[@AmorLucisPhotography]

Yep. That's exactly how it goes prior to a morning shoot.

[@gladysperrier4270]

Love this video. Note to self - no more scrolling if I want to go out before dawn tomorrow.

[@Bcelinette]

Living in Paris, I love getting up early for the sunrise (even if it's sometimes difficult) because you get that feeling that the city belongs to you, that you've got Paris to yourself. Which is far from the case later in the day. And the beginning of the video is so accurate 😁

[@TheRonHockman]

1. That chair looks comfortable. 2. The starting skit is extremely true.

[@richmilligan5881]

Never struggle with getting up early for sunrise, love the early morning, quiet and not crawling with people. If nothing else my dog and I watch the sun rise and the day start

[@NeilArthurs]

Ah the sunrise photography shoot, they can still sometimes escape me but couldn't agree more with the overall message here. They are so worth it, regardless of the images taken or not. Being awake for the dawning of a new day is something worth its wait in gold! Smashing video, cheers!

[@listonheinz9103]

Where I live in northern Sweden the sun doesn’t even set nor rise in the summer… And during winter it’s so damn cold I’m barely outside, taking pictures just makes my fingers turn to icicles. Sunsets and sunrises… Those are southern privileges. 😂

[@rebecadiezm]

And northern lights yours!

[@listonheinz9103]

@@rebecadiezm That’s actually true. We get them every so often during winter, but you get so spoiled so you forget about them… It’s like “Oh I missed one? No worries, I’ll get the next one next week.” Spoiled.

[@rebecadiezm]

@@listonheinz9103 I'm so jealous...

[@MrBlairskie]

I live in Alberta Canada and let me tell you I know a thing or 2 about the cold. You need some photography gloves and some warmer clothes my friend :)

[@listonheinz9103]

@@MrBlairskie You’re right, buddy! But I think it’s mostly a mentality thing, you know? It’s so warm and cosy inside and so cold and harsh outside… But I’ll never get any good photos with that attitude, I just need to man up a bit.

[@CelticSurferGaming]

I'm not at all a morning person, but when I lived in Virginia, I was always so happy with myself every weekend when I would wake up for sunrise to go hike in the woods and look for woodland photos. It was always very rewarding.

[@marshalljvanderhoofphoto]

I totally enjoy shooting in the morning! It is such a great time to go places and beat the crowds! Getting out of bed is hard, but so worth the beautiful morning light.

[@michaeltillman886]

What's up Thomas? You are so right about getting up in the mornings. It's easier once you get started. That's the trouble. Getting started past the first morning. Take it easy friend. Peace!

[@thatstevegeezer]

I liked the drama, Tom. Well done for having a go. You cheered me up this morning

[@CyberEditing]

My vehicle is pre-packed the day before. All batteries charged 2 days before. I wake at 4, leave at 5 & arrive at 6. Traffic is always minimal. No regrets & I consistently get the videos that others don't.

[@mikegoodwin9896]

This was perfect timing for me. I watched the video, committed to a 04:15 start and got one of my favourite images of the year so far of Dunstanburgh from Embleton beach. Thanks!

[@cameraprepper7938]

Sunset is much nicer, you do not have to get early up and it is often warmer at sunset than at sunrise, a win-win 😊 !

[@aviationsongs]

Super useful advice 👍

[@bernardjohnwright]

Love it. Agree the mornings the best, easier at weekends the day job gets in the way during the week.

[@petesuchon7340]

Get up. Get going. Life is short and every sunrise is different. Thanks for the video.

[@NatanielsArt]

2:27 omg this is so relatable for my early spring Milky Way shoots after 1-2 hours nap lol

[@tonymckeage1028]

Great Video Thomas, 7:02 the sunlight highlighting the leading line makes this image, 9:49 the rocks balance the upper portion of the image as does the warm sand hue, I am a morning person but have talked myself out of it since i retired and for us winter is coming, thanks for sharing

[@lakesrhino1]

Brilliant, that's me, re getting up. I live in the Lakes, so not much driving (there's still the walk and climb), I'm good at planning and getting Mt gear ready. BUT, the weather apps!!! all showing different conditions. And when you've talked yourself from getting up early, you've guessed it, perfect conditions. I must just do it and not think so much.

[@RFGfotografie]

And the most important advice. After you've done the shoot. Take your time to eat and drink something NICE. Basically reward yourself. It will help making it that bit more special and give you more motivation to GO.

[@allynscott1983]

I love that you're looking at the Galen Rowell Retrospective book. Nice touch!

[@M.Mchale]

You've inspired me to buy a cameras set up, ive bought a Panasonic Lumix Gh4 plus bundle, im an absolute novice but my photography journey starts today. Thanks for all your videos.

[@BrownieX001]

Actually did a sunrise shoot after a sunset shoot over the weekend before this video was uploaded. And I can say you described my entire process, even the times I didn't go!

[@GetToKnowNature]

The trying to decide where to go and checking the weather over and over are so relatable!

[@michaellee9220]

2 and a bit months ago I broke 5 ribs, haven’t taken a photo since. This is a now familiar scenario, warm bed, searching for perfection. Must try and get out again……and charge my batteries! Great video Mr H

[@1958zed]

Two years ago, I headed to Death Valley for the first time, and I really wanted to catch sunrise on Mesquite Dunes. I was staying in Furnace Creek, about 30 minutes away, and after a scouting trip the previous afternoon, I knew I would need to walk 45 - 60 minutes through the dunes to get to a decent location. That meant that I left the hotel around 4 a.m. to get there in time for the sunrise. The biggest challenge that I had was trying to frame up a composition in the darkness. When there was enough light to see the outline of my surroundings, I saw that I was in a crap location and had to scramble (not easily done in the dunes) to move to a better spot. At that point, the light changed so rapidly with the rising sun that it was tough to try and find the "perfect" composition. I came away with decent shots, but not what I had imagined them to be. For me, the take-away was it would be better to use the waning hours of daylight before sunset to find and set up the best composition than to fumble around in the dark before sunrise, especially at unfamiliar locations. That, of course, assumes that the geography of your location allows for sunset shots. (The Alabama Hills/Eastern Sierra are definitely better at sunrise.)

[@Martinbeef]

Yes, scouting out a place before a shoot is a good idea.

[@malhayes4725]

Yes 100%. I love the mornings. I work most nights so the weekend is my only real chance to get out. I live on the east coast of Australia so ocean sunrises are me. I once read you get over sunrises because it's just all about the colour. But it's the moment, it's the privacy and the light isn't always the same. I do tend to pick a spot and just mess around with focal length and f stop, shutter speed. But thats me.

[@Stov11]

Honestly being awful for mornings and now seeing Thomas is the same makes me feel better. That look out the window to check conditions even though I’m not shooting local made me die 😂😂

[@PMCN53]

Agree 100% Thomas!! The procrastination syndrome will get you ZERO images every time. We are heading into Autumn -Winter in Australia, therefore the sundrises are later... PERFECT! Love you images and work ethic😃👍

[@douglasadams1105]

What is funny to me is this is not an exaggeration!! I do this just about every time …every one of those things you mentioned. Hahahaha.

[@MatthiesWesche]

The prepping sequence hit home hard, and so many times I've regretted not getting up afterwards. Contrary to this, I've never ever complained about having gotten up even when I didn't bring home anything particularly print worthy! So recently I started doing exactly as you suggested. I check the conditions once. If even. And for my latest sunrise shoot I was rewarded with conditions I couldn't wish to be better! After all, weather predictions are merely chrystal ball readings, but it's always nice to start the day early and come home just when others wake up. And you can bring freshly baked rolls on your way home!

[@jeremyleath]

I live in Lexington, North Carolina USA. I wanted to capture a cloud inversion once in the mountains. Where I live the coast is 2 hours away east, and mountains are 1.5 away west. I kept checking all the local weather and it all said it was gonna be hazy, but nothing local said fog or cloud inversion at all. I downloaded the app ‘clear outside’ it is UK based. It not only forecasted cloud inversion but gave specifics for low, mid, and high level clouds. So I was able to safely gamble on this trip, I departed my home at 11pm arrived at the trail head on my chosen location at 3am and started my Hike up in the dark and got the captures of a lifetime!

[@timobalk.photography]

Good point about the weather apps... I often get obsessed by the weather forecast which often ruins my motivation to go out. Always checking for the perfect conditions, thinking I will miss out on great photographs if I pick the "wrong" location. It's stressful haha

[@reddogtwelve]

Man-it’s like you’re in my head!!! Great vid.

[@christianwetzel1862]

The same is true for wildlife photography btw, where light and absence of other people are equally crucial. I was never not happy to have forced me out of the bed. Love the second image with the boulders!

[@CarterCommaJ]

I was literally checking the Met Office app for the third time tonight when this video popped up. Thanks for the kick up the backside that I needed!

[@joewelsh1804]

A very typical scenario. At least you didn't travel far. Seen that sunrise on that beach many times and it's always refreshing.

[@RalphHightower]

In the year 2012, I had a photography project to photograph the sunrise over Columbia, South Carolina skyline on the equinoxes and solstices from the Lake Murray dam pedestrian walkway, a distance of about eleven miles. The walkway is popular at all hours to walk from one end of the dam and back. Winter 2012 was brutal! Freezing cold! Very windy! The wind blowing off the lake was probably 20 MPH, gusting up to 35MPH. I was the only fool on the walkway that day. January 2012, I took a three frame panorama of a quiet cove on Lake Murray; the sun was still behind the trees, but would clear the tree tops in about 15 minutes. I liked how the stitching of the three frames turned out. There are no visible seams in the stitching.

[@johnedington221]

Ha Ha "I don't see anything. It all so cloudy and grey." I can so relate to this!!

[@moghali22]

Waking up is hard for me. I really benefit from committing the night before like you recommend. Still hard to wake up, but I'll get moving and make the best of it.

[@paulflatt1518]

Great beginning with your video. Indeed, getting out of a warm bed to slog into the unknown can be daunting. And how many times have we gotten up to see that grand landscape with a phenomenal sunrise to realize a grey sky that is dull? Far too many times. So, will this sunrise be great? You never know until you know. Thomas, your story telling is great.

[@timrosenburgh8597]

I must admit Thomas i prefer a sunset shoot as i am too lazy to get up really early in the morning. Still you managed to get some really nice image's as usual. Look forward to the next one.

[@davidcrighton3431]

Regarding locations. I try to to have two in mind that are close together. That way if one doesn't pan out due to bad light then I can switch to subjects that benefit from diffused light.

[@O.Persson]

I highly apreciate the effort you make in your videos. Even though I still probably won't get up in time for a sunrise anytime soon...

[@shaydlens]

I love sunrise in general. However, I actually prefer sunset for photography. Lots of wildlife come out and stunning sunsets. Beautiful pink skies.

[@SteveMorris1964]

I've realised that I do that far far too often, I'm always trying to talk myself out of getting out, it's almost like something doesn't want you out enjoying the gloriousness of nature in all of it's ealy morning glory. But after watching this video, I'm going to make a concerted effort to stick to my plans and not look for any excuse not to go.

[@SKHP2425]

Well done! It’s the process that is the root of it.

[@CelsoMollo]

Exactly what happens!!!! You described it perfectly. 😂😂😂😂

[@paulasimson4939]

I'm really enjoying these more light hearted videos. You're really branching out with the Nick Page film street photography one and now this. And I love the message too!

[@OwlzzZRelaxation]

As a KZbinr who films sunsets, this video almost convinced me to wake up for sunrises too. 😂 I can relate to a lot of the scenarios you showed!

[@mazurkiewiczp]

Hahaha story of my life :D But satisfaction (if you succeed) is enormous!

[@alangauld6079]

When I as working I used to catch the red-eye shuttle from Glasgow to London several times a week. It meant getting up at 4:20am. After I retired, I vowed never to do that again! The physical pain of waking up and rising at that time is just too much to contemplate! And it only gets worse as you get older. I'll stick to sunsets thanks.

[@elwick_photo]

I always hate getting up early, or maybe its more going to bed early that i really hate 😂 But once I'm actually out there, and its almost completely silent other than the birds and the wind then its just amazing, such peace and tranquility. Still manage to talk myself out of getting up at 4am when i wake up.

[@brianbeattyphotography]

sunrise is especially difficult to wake up for in the winter when it's well below freezing. but! those winter sunrises are so excellent. the light is unreal! I found going to bed super early helps at least a little, but finding the right spot to go is always the biggest challenge. glad I'm not the only one! There's so much prep into it

[@jbairdexp]

It's sunsets I tend to talk myself out of! I'm much more committed when I plan and pack the night before. If the conditions suck I have breakfast and coffee to look forward to! 🙂

[@RayneDr0ps]

I'm 100% my own worst enemy for getting out to shoot, regardless of time of day! Trying to work on that this year though.

[@DavidUstick]

Yah... me also. I agree with you

[@millymucci]

er?........ .....naaaaaahhhh. 😂 (kidding!) loved the 3s lighthouse/shore image.

[@danieloswatching7932]

The sketch in the beginning nailed it :-) and its always worth to get up, thanks for the inspiring video

[@mikebrownhill4662]

I think I'm quite "fortunate" when it comes to early photography starts, as I've had to get up at 02:15am for work for the past 20-plus years. It means that when I plan a photo trip, getting up isn't a problem because my body clock is already in tune with very early starts. Admittedly, I primarily photograph wildlife so I don't have to be on location before sunrise, but it often helps and I really enjoy having the world to myself for a few hours. Very early starts also broaden my scope for locations because I can use the dark hours to travel. Most of the other problems you mention still apply though because I still need to plan my trip the day before and - most important - pack my gear the day before. If I don't do these two things, then I still sometimes persuade myself to stay home if the weather is bad or I feel a bit worn down - or any of the usual excuses! I enjoy early morning photo sessions and I wouldn't change things - although it does mean I'm useless at the other end of the day. I can't do evening sessions at all - I need to be in bed before 9pm and I'm often there by 8pm!

[@stefanschneider3681]

Getting up early is easy for me, it’s just my biorhythm. Ask me about staying up late … great motivational video and beautiful images!

[@philbraithwaite1316]

I’m an owl and couple that with over a quarter of a century of night work and my mornings are a struggle. About 5pm I perk up. I remember doing a summer solstice shoot a couple of years ago. I got some lovely shots but I was completely crocked later. I’m also an old git (just turned 64) so I’m always waking up at the crack of dawn after going to bed too late. Basically I’m permanently tired!

[@ashstubbings2603]

I'm so glad you mentioned you are NOT a morning person, because neither am I! Couple that with the fact that I have no self-discipline whatsoever and, well, you can guess that the hard drive on my computer has FAR many more sunsets than sunrises! 😏😏

[@nottambula79]

Exactly the same till 2'18" :-D In Verona the last days I was checking 3-4 websites, but when I woke up, then I'll never go back to sleep. Thank you for sharing, I feel more "normal" now :-)

[@iwasapirateonce1639]

As someone who loves mountain photography, and especially sunrises, ... yeah at this time of year and going forward wildcamping is really the only way I can make it work, the UK just desperately needs a break in the sideways rain and howling wind, pretty please jetstream..

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Absolutely brilliant video Tom - and beautifully crafted. Non-morning person here.. so I can identify very well with this. Great tips.

[@houseofcarltonrocks]

Greetings Thomas I certainly can relate to this video! I was amazed at all the views and likes you were getting while watching, I have never seen that on any of my video's! Been watching your channel for over three years now...love your pics and your messages thanks...cheers!

[@Chromatomic]

Way too relatable, especially committing to waking up and then not sleeping (worse when it's optional), it's my worst struggle. I can do it when I'm traveling, but if I want to do a sunrise trip from home it's so difficult. Unfortunately it's my favorite light too.

[@james.kayaks]

I actually did make my own website with your link, and got my first print sale a couple weeks ago. Such a great feeling!

[@michaeldutsonlandscapephot2184]

Ha! I feel I could have written this film clip I'm not a morning person at all. What I tend to do now is go out the night before - lob in a sunset shoot, do a bit of Astro later on (if the skies are favourable), then kip in the car for a couple of hours, and wake up and head to the location for the sunrise shoot. Seems to work best for me, and you are already sort of half-up for that sunrise shoot anyway (well, you're dressed and the camera kit is to hand). Each to their own.

[@neilcole3406]

I have never been an early morning person ! But since taking up photography, l now know what lm missing!

[@flightographist]

Ya, I know. Every time I get up before sunrise it's magic; all two times.

[@user-markparker]

Great video & have definitely been there, in fact I’ve been there for the last few months. I’ve made all sorts of excuses & talked myself out of it, but this video outlined to me that I’m not the only one that feels like that or has been in that situation, thanks Thomas, a really helpful video. 👍👍👍👍

[@ryancrouch3238]

You can’t blame yourself for getting lost in a Galen Rowell book! He was amazing! I still remember where I was when I found out he passed away 😢

[@stewartreadman4194]

I totally relate to this

[@bjoernsviews]

That's perfectly me on an evening before a sunrise shoot.

[@MeAMuse]

As a hobbyist and someone who does not like early mornings, I am resigned to the fact that I don't have the motivation to get up early at weekends. I am conscious that I also do not want to resent my hobby. In the end photography is full of compromises and it's up to you to choose which ones you want to embrace. For example, I love going out on rainy / moody days, and I do some Astro, - which other photographers would avoid. I think though if I was a pro, or a youtuber, I would force myself to.

[@thomaspopple2291]

This is me so much. I work until late so sunrise photography is extra difficult and I always have a reason why I should just sleep in. lol. Regarding getting your kit together the night before, I agree except, as a film shooter, I say do not load film until you get on site. Invariably the roll you load will not be the one you want to shoot once on site. Has happened to me so often.

[@aaronza7218]

Absolutely...

[@gkm077]

I know this pain. I was just in New York last week thinking I was going to get up for every sunrise and shoot and I talked myself out of it all but one day. Not surprisingly, the ones I took on that one morning are my favorite.

[@Martinbeef]

What a great video!! You’re so different from other KZbin presenters, which is a great relief. Just got one of your landscape books for Kindle and am very impressed! I like your approach to ND filters and would like a video on just that when shooting landscapes, please. I’m thinking of getting some, but don’t know whether to get a single one which works a bit like a polariser, or individual ones? Thanks for your hard work.

[@ayeshaleephotography]

This is so relatable. I’m laughing through the whole thing. That’s me every night. 😂😂 I waited for Winter to pass and now Spring is finally here. It’s still cold in the morning. I’m like ok I’ll go tomorrow for sure. I either don’t get up, something comes up or I make an excuse as why not to go and I’ll try again tomorrow. I’m stuck in a cycle. 😂😂😂

[@bluephoenixtwo]

I loved the waking up story! Thanks!

[@JasonLorette]

Love the picture at 9:50...and those summer sunrises are sooooo early...this is a very 'relatable' video, lol.

[@briancreekphotography]

Yes, it's real. Meeting a friend to shoot helps with accountability. Usually. :)

[@doreenhart2732]

Fully relate to this, why is it when we know we need to sleep to get up early, that or minds just won't let us!

[@stigfloberghagenphotography]

Ha ha. 😅 That thought process before the alarm clock was spot in. Been there many times

[@minecrafttian6]

Thanks for the motivation im currently roof tent camping on Skye. the thought of getting up for sunrise here seemed near on impossible initially. but seeing this has relighted my hopes I'll get at least a couple :)

[@RFGfotografie]

Tip 4 is one I truly need to be doing more. Picking a location. As now I always just drive around mindlessly xD Though I must say, even if your moment was cloudy and windy. I see a lot of potential images there.