(BPT) - Golden hour is the most magical - and photogenic - time of day. Shortly before sunset, golden hour is known for warm, soft, diffused light; long, lazy shadows and an almost otherworldly glow that makes the landscape and everyone in it look their best. Professional photographers seek out this time of day because of its stunning natural lighting, and the rest of us with our smartphone cameras know it's the perfect time to snap a selfie.
Unfortunately, golden hour is also a peak time for mosquito activity. It's a little hard for you to capture the moment when you're swatting those buzzing pests. OFF!® repellents teamed up with Los Angeles-based adventure travel photographer Tiffany Nguyen to help you capture every sunset without mosquitoes, making it easier to enjoy the moment.
Here are Tiffany's best tips for getting great sunset photos.
Don't forget to check the forecast. I always like to double-check the weather forecast to make sure I'm not trekking to the perfect location just for it to start raining at the worst possible time. The Weather Channel app has always been reliable for me, plus it has everything I need in one place - weather forecast, sunset times, and now, the local mosquito forecast from OFF!Cast Mosquito Forecast™! Just pop in your ZIP code and you can see a seven-day forecast of mosquito activity in your area.
Don't miss the shot swatting away and dodging mosquitoes. I always apply mosquito repellent when I head outside to help ensure I'm not distracted by pests. My favorites to use are OFF!® Clean Feel insect repellents because they are fragrance-free, feel good on my skin and help keep the mosquitoes away so I can stand still long enough to capture the perfect sunset photo.
Don't forget to check the lighting. Before deciding where to shoot, it's important to determine whether the lighting at a location is better for sunrise or sunset.
Don't use the wrong camera settings. When shooting in well-lit conditions, using a low ISO setting is best to prevent excess light from affecting your final image. Adjusting the ISO based on the available light will help ensure a clearer and more professional-looking result.
Don't shoot directly into the sun. If you're taking a sunset photo outdoors, you can enhance the quality of your picture by partially blocking the sun with an object or a person. This technique can help create a more balanced and evenly exposed image.
Whether you choose OFF!® Clean Feel Aerosol, OFF!® Clean Feel Spritz, or new this season OFF!® Clean Feel Gel, these products are easy to use and provide long-lasting mosquito protection. Head to OFF.com to learn more about OFF!® Clean Feel repellents.
Now, go out and snap that perfect sunset photo!
