SLC-S29/W5 | How to Photograph Beach / Sea / Reservoir by @marwene
Sajnen Beach during golden hour where light transforms the sea.
Hello Steemians,
For this Week 5 challenge, I chose a place far from the capital, where silence is deeper and the horizon feels endless. During a camping trip to Sajnen Beach in northern Tunisia, I decided not only to enjoy the moment, but to chase it to capture both sunset and sunrise using the power of golden hour light.
Some places are beautiful during the day.
But during golden hour, they become unforgettable.
Sajnen Beach A Remote Horizon of Light
Sajnen Beach is located in the Bizerte region, in northern Tunisia. It is not crowded like other famous beaches near Tunis. Reaching it requires time and intention, which makes the experience even more rewarding.
We chose to camp there specifically to witness both transitions of light the evening sunset and the following sunrise. In Tunisia (UTC+1), sunset during this period happens around 17:3018:00, while sunrise appears around 06:3007:00. These two short windows are where photography becomes emotion.
Golden hour is not just about warm light. It is about softness, shadows, and atmosphere.
Golden Hour When the Sea Turns to Gold
The tents facing the sunset as warm light fills the beach.
As the sun began to descend, the sky slowly shifted from blue to orange, then to deep amber. The sea reflected this transformation like a mirror. The tents in front of us became part of the composition, grounding the image and giving it depth.
During golden hour, shadows become longer and softer. The noise in the image reduces, and colors feel richer but natural. I avoided heavy filters to preserve the authenticity of the moment.
The warmth of the light changed everything even the sand looked softer.
Silhouette Telling a Story Without Details
Silhouette facing the horizon during sunset.
One of the strongest techniques of this challenge is silhouette. By positioning myself between the camera and the sun, my body turned into a dark shape while the sky remained bright and dramatic.
A silhouette removes facial details but keeps emotion. You do not need to see the expression to understand the feeling. The posture, the direction of the head, and the position toward the sun tell the story.
This contrast between dark foreground and luminous sky creates drama without complexity.
Sky Colors The Transition of Atmosphere
Morning sky transitioning from blue to soft orange.
The next morning, before 7:00 AM, the sky offered a completely different palette. The colors were softer, more delicate light blue blending into pastel orange and pale pink.
Sunrise feels calmer than sunset. The wind was lighter, the beach quieter, and the reflection on the water more subtle. By adjusting exposure slightly downward, I preserved the sky’s natural gradient without overexposing the bright areas.
Sky color is not just background it is the emotional temperature of the photo.
Water Composition Using Lines and Depth
Shoreline and waves guiding the eye toward the horizon.
Composition in beach photography depends heavily on water lines. The shoreline, the small waves, and even the wet sand act as leading lines directing the viewer’s eye toward the sun.
By placing the horizon in the upper third of the frame, I allowed the water to dominate the foreground, giving the image depth and balance. The natural curve of the coast becomes a visual guide.
Foreground + middle ground + background this structure makes the scene immersive rather than flat.
Human Presence Inside the Light
Selfie at Sajnen Beach during golden hour.
Camping there was not only about photography; it was about presence. Sitting in front of the sea while the sky changes color reminds you that light moves whether you capture it or not.
Photography teaches patience. Golden hour lasts less than one hour, but its impact stays longer.
Video Documentation
I also recorded a one-minute video showing the transition of light during sunset and sunrise at Sajnen Beach. The video captures the changing sky colors, the sound of waves, and the atmosphere of our camping experience.
https://speem.watch/p/marwene/slc-s29-w5-or-how-to-photograph-beach-golden-hour-at-sajnen
Location and Practical Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Place | Sajnen Beach |
| Region | Bizerte |
| Country | Tunisia |
| Type | Natural beach |
| Best Time | 3060 min before sunset / after sunrise |
| Camera | iPhone 13 Pro Max |
| SteemAtlas | [//]:# (!steematlas 37.2167781 lat 9.23851092 long Sajnen Beach d3scr) |
| Google Maps | https://maps.app.goo.gl/WMBFPNV2eUyyM4246 |
Final Reflection
Golden hour is not just about photography technique. It is about timing, patience, and understanding how light interacts with water, sky, and human presence.
At Sajnen Beach, I did not only photograph the sea.
I photographed the moment when light reshapes it.
Sunset brings warmth and drama.
Sunrise brings calm and clarity.
And between these two moments, you realize that the sea never changes only the light does.
I invite these active Steemians to join the challenge: @kouba01, @max-pro, @solaymann
Best Regards,
@marwene
Photo Credits: All photos in this post were taken by me, @marwene using an iPhone 13 Pro Max.
Posted with Speem
Curated by @mamun123456