Capturing a Sandbanks Sunset: Your Guide to Magical Photos

I love this shot taken at the foot of Evening Hill, Poole, Dorset.

I like this shot. I love the warm sunset colours, the calmness and tranquillity of the water, and the depth and content provided by the wall and the jetty leading the eye to Brownsea Island in the background on the horizon.

This is a single handheld shot taken on my Canon 6D. Processing was done entirely in Lightroom.

Capturing a Sandbanks Sunset: Your Guide to Magical Photos

There are few sights more serene than a sunset over the water, and Sandbanks Beach offers one of the best views on the south coast. The combination of its long, sandy spit, the calm waters of Poole Harbour, and a westward-facing view makes it a photographer's paradise. As a photographer, I find the unique light and atmosphere here provide endless opportunities to capture truly magical images.

The photo that accompanies this post is a stunning example of this, capturing the dramatic colours of the sky reflecting on the wet sand, with a long jetty leading the eye out towards the distant silhouette of Brownsea Island.

This guide will walk you through how to capture the perfect sunset shot, making the most of everything this beautiful location has to offer.

1. Timing is Everything: Arrive Early

The best photos are rarely taken at the exact moment the sun dips below the horizon. The most beautiful light, often called the "golden hour," occurs in the 30-60 minutes before sunset. This is when the light is soft, warm, and perfect for creating stunning colours. Arrive early to set up your shot, scout your composition, and be ready to capture the changing light as it unfolds.

2. Embrace the Reflections

One of the most powerful elements of sunset photography at Sandbanks is the reflections. When the tide is low, the wet sand acts as a giant mirror, perfectly reflecting the vibrant colours of the sky. To maximize this effect, position your camera low to the ground. This will make the reflections appear larger and more prominent in your final image, creating a beautiful symmetry between the sky and the sand.

3. The Purbeck Hills & The Harbour Entrance

Look beyond the sun itself and find compelling subjects to anchor your composition. The jetty is a perfect example of a leading line that draws the viewer's eye into the scene. You can also use the distant silhouette of the Purbeck Hills and the subtle shape of Brownsea Island across the harbour entrance as beautiful, dark outlines against the colourful sky. Their simple shapes will create a strong contrast against the dramatic sunset, adding a sense of scale and life to your photograph.

4. Get Creative with Silhouettes

A sunset is a fantastic opportunity to create silhouettes. Place your subject—a person, a dog, or a simple piece of driftwood—directly between you and the sun. By exposing for the bright sky, your subject will appear as a black shape, creating a powerful and graphic image. These silhouettes can tell a story, evoke emotion, and add a sense of mystery to your photos. The simple lines of a person walking along the beach can be transformed into a work of art at sunset.

5. Don't Forget the Details

While the wide-angle landscape is a must, don’t forget to look for smaller details. The intricate patterns in the sand, the texture of a piece of weathered wood, or the way the light catches a blade of grass can all make for stunning, intimate shots. Use the final moments of light to focus on these small elements and capture the character of the beach itself.

Final Thoughts

A sunset at Sandbanks is a truly unforgettable experience, and with these simple tips, you can capture that magic in a way that truly reflects the moment. Remember to arrive early, use reflections, find your focal point, and be ready to get creative with silhouettes. Enjoy the process, and you’ll walk away with some truly incredible photographs.

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