How to Take Stunning Sunset Photos with Your Phone

Capture the magic, no fancy camera required!

There’s just something about a sunset, isn’t there? That golden light, the dramatic colours, the way everything slows down for just a moment. And if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably found yourself standing on the edge at Rex Smeal Park or strolling along a beach, phone in hand, snapping way more photos than you planned. (No regrets. Every sunset deserves its own photoshoot, right?)

If you’ve ever looked at your sunset shots later and thought, “Hmm… it didn’t look quite like that…” — don’t worry, you’re not alone. Taking great sunset photos on your phone is totally possible—you just need a few easy techniques to make your photos pop.

Here’s how to capture that stunning sunset with your phone like a pro (without needing to be one).

🌅 1. Reduce the Exposure to Avoid a Blown-Out Sky

This is the number one trick I wish everyone knew.

Most phones try to balance the light in a scene, but sunsets are dramatic—they’ve got a bright sky and darker foregrounds. So what does your phone do? It often tries to lighten the shadows… and ends up washing out those gorgeous colours in the sky.

Fix it in two seconds:

• Tap on the brightest part of the sky on your screen.

• A little sun icon should appear (this varies by phone).

• Drag it down to reduce the exposure—watch the colours come back!

This helps your phone capture the depth, warmth, and contrast of the scene. Don’t be afraid of a darker photo—the moodier, the better. You're aiming for atmosphere, not clinical perfection.

📱 Tracey Tip: Try taking a few shots at different exposure levels—you’ll be surprised at how much variety you can get just by tweaking this one thing.

🌇 2. Look for Silhouettes to Add Drama

Sunsets are the perfect time to get creative with silhouettes. People, palm trees, boats, or even a dramatic hat—anything can be turned into a striking shadow with that bold backlight.

To create a silhouette:

• Place your subject between you and the sunset.

• Tap on the sky to focus and expose for the bright area.

• The subject will go dark, and boom—instant drama.

This works especially well at places like the Sugar Wharf or Rex Smeal Park, where the structures and palm trees make excellent shapes against the sky.

🖼️ Tracey Moment: I’ve taken some of my favourite phone shots just standing back from the water at Rex Smeal Park, capturing strangers walking past or birds flying through the frame. Some of them are completely unplanned, but that’s half the fun.

🌴 3. Use the Landscape to Frame the Scene

A stunning sunset is great on its own—but your photo gets a serious upgrade when you include elements from the landscape to frame the shot.

Here are some ideas:

• Look for leading lines—a jetty, path, or row of trees that guides the eye to the sunset.

• Use reflections—wet sand or calm water can double the colour and add interest.

• Frame with branches or leaves—this gives depth and adds a storytelling element.

🏝️ Try this next time you’re at the beach: look for small pools of water left behind at low tide and get low to include the reflection. It’s simple, effective, and makes your photo feel like a painting.

📸 4. Clean Your Lens!

Yes, I know this sounds basic, but I’ve seen it too many times to skip. A quick wipe (with your shirt, if nothing else is handy) can take your photo from meh to magic. Sunset light catches every smudge, so a clean lens = sharper, clearer photos.

🧭 5. Stay A While—The Best Light Isn’t Always at the Peak

Don’t pack up when the sun dips below the horizon! The 15–30 minutes after sunset often deliver the dreamiest light. We’re talking purples, pinks, soft blues… it’s what I call “the blue hour,” and it’s pure magic.

Some of the best photos from my Sunset Photography Tour are taken during this time—when the colours are rich, and the crowds are thinning out. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and incredibly photogenic.

🌟 Bonus Tips for Next-Level Sunset Photos

Want to go the extra step? Try these:

• Turn on gridlines in your camera settings and use the rule of thirds.

• Hold your phone steady (rest it on a railing, rock, or your knee).

• Avoid zooming in—you’ll lose quality. Instead, move closer or crop later.

• Take more than one shot—you can delete later, but you can’t go back in time.

Ready to Level Up? Come Shoot a Sunset With Me 🌞

If this has you itching to try out your new sunset skills, why not come along on one of my Sunset Photography Tours in Port Douglas?

We visit some of the most photogenic sunset spots (like Rex Smeal Park and the Sugar Wharf), and I’ll guide you through capturing the best possible photos—whether you’ve got a phone or a big fancy camera. It’s relaxed, fun, and a perfect way to wind down your day with like-minded sunset lovers.

👉 Check out the next available tour dates here.

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This

Remember, you don’t need to be a pro—or have expensive gear—to take stunning sunset photos. Your phone is already more powerful than you think. With a little know-how (and a clean lens!), you can capture moments that take your breath away and make everyone else say, “Wait, you took that with your phone!?”

So next time you see the sky lighting up in gold and pink, don’t just admire it—capture it. And if you’re in Port Douglas, come along and watch the sunset with me. I’ll be the one grinning behind my phone, taking just one more shot.