Flash Photography for Sunsets (Even When There’s No Sunset!)

Not every day delivers a breathtaking, colorful sunset. But that doesn’t mean your photos have to suffer! With a few tricks and the right lighting setup, you can create stunning sunset-inspired images even when the sky is… less than magical.

In this post, I’ll share my step-by-step approach to capturing sunset-style photos using off-camera flash, gels, and a bit of in-camera magic.

Why Flash Works for Sunset Photography

Shooting during golden hour or sunset is beautiful — but relying solely on nature can leave you with bland skies if the sun doesn’t cooperate. Using off-camera flash, you can:

• Add depth to your subjects
  
• Control highlights and shadows
  
• Manipulate the color of the light for dramatic effect
  

This technique is especially useful if you want magenta-toned sunsets, my personal favorite.

My Setup for a Magenta Sunset

Here’s what I used for this shoot:

• Backlight: Profoto B10 with a magenta (rose pink) gel
  
• Front light: Profoto A1X (or A10) with a green gel inside a softbox
  

The backlight creates a soft glow behind your subjects, while the front light illuminates them naturally, adding dimension and separation from the background.

Step 1: Positioning Your Subjects

For this shoot, I had my models stand off to the side of the sunset (I don’t like shooting directly into the sun). For a natural and flattering silhouette:

• Have your couple slightly angled toward each other
  
• Position their hands and arms naturally (draped over shoulders, holding hands)
  
• Use the backlight to gently separate them from the background
  

The goal is to silhouette them first before adding the colored flash.

Step 2: Setting Up Your Lights

Backlight

• Place the B10 behind the subjects
  
• Add a magenta gel for a pinkish sunset hue
  
• Start at auto, then switch to manual to control the intensity
  
  

Front Light

• Use a softbox with a green gel for flattering skin tones
  
• Aim the light at a 45° angle to your subjects’ faces
  
• Adjust power to give just a “kiss of light” — you want it subtle, not overpowering
  
  

Step 3: Adjusting Camera Settings

• Start with auto white balance, then adjust Kelvin to balance skin tones
  
• Shift the picture profile towards magenta to counteract green tones from the gel
  
• Take a few test shots and tweak exposure as needed
  
  

Step 4: Capture the Moment

Once the lights are set:

1. Position your couple for a natural, intimate pose
   
2. Check that your backlight creates a soft rim light behind them
   
3. Adjust front light for a flattering side or profile illumination
   
4. Snap multiple shots and tweak colors as needed
   

Even on a dull or cloudy evening, this technique allows you to create the feeling of a warm, romantic sunset without relying on the actual sun.

Bonus Tips

• Use gels creatively: Magenta, pink, or orange gels can transform neutral skies into a dramatic scene
  
• Keep the light subtle: The goal is to enhance, not overpower
  
• Combine with real sunset light if available: Even a little natural glow helps
  
  

Conclusion

With off-camera flash and colored gels, you’re never at the mercy of the sky. Whether you’re shooting an engagement session, wedding, or night portraits, you can create a magical sunset look anytime.

Remember: one strobe, one speedlight, and a little creativity can go a long way!

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