Chasing the Light: How to Predict the Perfect Sunset for Landscape Photography

II’ve talked before about how to predict when a good sunrise or sunset might happen (see the blog here). But after a couple of recent experiences, I thought it might be useful to share some real‑life examples. So here’s a quick look at two recent sunset trips — one that went perfectly, and one that didn’t!

Case study 1: When it all came together

On a Sunday back in January it was raining (as usual), but a quick look at the Met Office cloud and rainfall maps suggested it might clear around sunset – ideal conditions for a moody sky overhead and a clear gap to the west for the sun to light the clouds from below. I kept an eye on the satellite cloud cover and rainfall radar, and things seemed to be going roughly to plan​.

I had two possible locations in mind, depending on how quickly the cloud cleared: Topsham to the west, or West Bay to the east. With sunset at about 5pm, and knowing I’d want to be in position at least an hour before to catch the best light, I made the call at 3pm when the cloud was already breaking over Honiton and decided to chase the weather east to West Bay.

On the drive down I caught up with the back edge of the rain and pushed through torrents, arriving at West Bay around 4pm just as the rain stopped and a perfect rainbow arched over the cliffs. I then had over an hour of changing light as the storm clouds moved away and the sun set behind me, giving constantly evolving skies and sculpted light on the iconic West Bay cliffs.

I worked the scene as the conditions shifted – trying different compositions on the rocks and beach, varying shutter speeds for the water, and adjusting my framing as the clouds caught the last warm light. The image above show exactly what can happen when the forecast, the real‑time data and a bit of planning and persistence all line up.

Below are the Met Office forecast (top) cloud and rain maps for 5pm (viewed several hours before) which I used to make my decisions - these shows the rain and cloud moving away from the south west (the marker shows the location of Honiton). Below these are the actual satellite cloud and rainfall maps for 4pm showing a good match with the forecast.

Case study 2: When it didn't quite work out

After days of rain I was keen to get out, so on a rare fairly sunny afternoon I decided to head out for sunset. I stayed local and checked the satellite images before I left, which showed the next bank of cloud still off the coast of Cornwall and roughly 75 miles away from Honiton, so I assumed it would sit low enough not to block the sun before it set.

I drove over to Beer Head, a reliable sunset spot about 25 minutes from home, and walked out to a viewpoint I know well. Unfortunately, once I arrived it was obvious that the bank of cloud was sitting exactly where the sun would drop, a dark line on the horizon that grew more solid as time went on.

There was a brief spell of colour as the sun approached the horizon, but the cloud bank soon swallowed it and killed off any chance of a dramatic sky. It had always been a bit touch and go, which is why I hadn’t travelled far, but I was still surprised by how completely that distant cloud blocked the light.

The silver lining was the lesson: even when a cloud bank looks a long way off on the satellite image, if it sits on the same bearing as the sunset it can still be a total spoiler. Next time, I’ll pay closer attention to where that cloud is and stick to my usual rule that it needs to be a minimum of 100 miles away!

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About Gary Holpin Photography

As a professional photographer based in Devon, my journey began along the stunning South West Coast Path. Disappointed with my initial attempts to capture its beauty, I embarked on a second 630-mile journey, this time dedicated to mastering photography. Today, I'm a nationally acclaimed photographer with award-winning landscape photos.

I specialize in providing top-notch property photography, business photography, and drone photography services to businesses across the South West. Additionally, I offer comprehensive photography training courses tailored for both businesses and individuals. Whether you're looking to enhance your corporate image or improve your personal photography skills, my training programs are designed to help you capture stunning images.

As an award-winning and widely published photographer, I frequently share my passion for photography and Devon through engaging talks at local camera clubs and community groups. My expertise spans the entire South West region, ensuring that clients from Devon, Dorset & Somerset benefit from high-quality photography services and training.