This was one of the first sunset photographs I’ve ever taken that wasn’t outside my home. This was by the Utah State Capitol in December. You can tell it’s winter by the snow on the ground. This photo was pre-phone camera, pre-mirrorless, and pre-DSLR. Just a simple point-and-shoot, sometimes, I feel like that’s all one needs to take a good photo.

Anyway, as much as I do not like the winter season, I like the winter sunset. There’s something about it. I can’t put a finger on it. It’s definitely earlier but somehow, the sun looks just a little smaller. What do you think?

This sunset was from Taipei earlier this year. I thought the sun looked a little smaller there, too. Perhaps it’s the elevation? Taipei is at around sea level and coming from northern Utah, which elevation is at 4,300 feet, that’s a lot lower.

I did wish I took this photo with my super-zoom lens, though. I would’ve probably zoomed in a little more. …but did I want to lug that heavy lens up the mountain? I didn’t think so.

Now, onto sunrises. Where I live, in northern Utah, I don’t get to see any sunrises because by the time the sun rises over the mountain, it wouldn’t be sunrise anymore. The only way to view the sunrise is by driving to the other side of the mountain.

The first time I saw a sunrise in Utah was when I went to Capitol Reef for the first time in 2018. I remember I wasn’t expecting to see a sunrise. I just wanted to hurry to town, get some breakfast, and catch the guided hike at the park. Along the way, I got this surprise and it’s absolutely beautiful.

This was the second time I saw a sunrise near Capitol Reef. It’s from when I went to the park in 2021. This time, I really got to take my time to make this picture because this time, I was just outside the hotel room, not in a hurry to join a hike or grab breakfast.

I’m not sure how long I stayed but I’m pretty sure I saw the sun go up considerably before I returned to the room.

I’ll tell you one thing, having a tripod for this shot helped.

For SundayStills