How to Capture the Perfect Gold Coast Sunset for Printing

The Gold Coast is famous for its breathtaking sunsets, and capturing the perfect shot for high-quality printing requires a combination of timing, technique, and creativity. Follow these steps to ensure your sunset photos are print-worthy.

1. Choose the Right Location

The Gold Coast offers stunning coastal and hinterland views, perfect for sunset photography. Some of the best spots include:

Burleigh Hill – Iconic ocean views with Surfers Paradise in the background.
Currumbin Rock Pools – A peaceful setting with natural reflections.
The Spit – A dramatic coastal scene with long exposure possibilities.
Snapper Rocks – A rugged seascape with vibrant sunset hues.

2. Shoot at the Golden Hour & Blue Hour

Arrive 30-45 minutes before sunset to capture the golden hues, and stay afterward for the blue hour, when deep blues and purples emerge. This adds depth and variety to your shots.

3. Use the Right Camera Settings

Shoot in RAW – This preserves more detail for high-quality prints.
Lower ISO (100-200) – Keeps images sharp and reduces noise.
Small Aperture (f/8 - f/16) – Ensures a deep depth of field for clarity.
Slow Shutter Speed (1/4s - 1/60s) – For smooth water effects or light trails.

4. Incorporate Composition Techniques

Rule of Thirds – Position the subject (in this case the surfer) slighlty off centre in one of the lower third's for balance.
Leading Lines – Use waves, pathways, or piers to guide the eye.
Silhouettes & Reflections – Add interest with palm trees, surfers, or rock formations.

5. Edit for Print Perfection

Enhance your image with subtle adjustments in Lightroom or Photoshop:

Adjust exposure & contrast to balance light and shadows.
Boost vibrancy & saturation to enhance sunset tones without overdoing it (be careful with saturation adjustments not to push colours into an un-printable range, otherwise known as out-of-gamut)
Sharpen details for a crisp, high-quality print. (Again, not to much as this can cause unsightly artifacts through the image.)

6. Print with a High-Quality Photo Lab

For the best results, print with a professional fine art photo printer like Gold Coast Prints. We use archival-quality papers and premium inks, ensuring your sunset shots look vibrant and last a lifetime.

With the right location, technique, and printing process, your Gold Coast sunset photos can become stunning, gallery-worthy photo prints of the Gold Coast.

How to Capture the Perfect Gold Coast Sunset for Printing