Lone acacia tree at sunset over grassland

Golden Hour on the Udawalawe Plains

When the light softens, the plains come alive. A photographer's notes on capturing the park's best evening scenes.

Contents

The afternoon safari has a different character from the morning. The heat eases, shadows lengthen, and for a short time the whole landscape glows.

Planning the shot

Ask your driver to position the jeep with the sun behind or to the side of your subject. Elephants silhouetted against a low sun make some of the most striking images in the park.

Settings that help

  • Shoot in RAW if your camera allows
  • Underexpose slightly to keep colour in the sky
  • Use a faster shutter speed when the jeep is moving

Don’t forget to look

The best evenings are the ones you remember, not just the ones you photograph. Put the camera down for a few minutes and simply watch.