It’s Been a While… But We’ve Been Busy!
Hey friends!
We know it’s been a minute since our last update, but that’s only because we’ve been soaking up the sunshine and putting in some serious creative work at Studio 5. Summer has brought a wave of energy through the studio — from vibrant portrait sessions to some exciting new projects that we can’t wait to share more about soon.
Whether we’re photographing families, artists, or capturing moments that matter, the studio has been buzzing with good vibes and great work. We've also been taking some time to enjoy the season — because a little fun fuels the creativity!
Thanks for sticking with us. Stay tuned — we’ve got some beautiful work coming your way.
With love,
Studio 5
Tips for Photographing at Dawn
🌅 1. Arrive Early (Like, Really Early)
Spring is here! Dawn light changes quickly—arrive at least 30–45 minutes before sunrise so you can scout, compose your shots, and catch those first pre-dawn colors.
📸 2. Use a Tripod
Low light = slower shutter speeds. A tripod keeps your shots sharp and lets you play with long exposures without blur.
🎯 3. Shoot in Manual Mode
Dawn light can trick auto settings. Control your aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to match the changing light and get the exposure you want.
🌄 4. Watch the Sky (and the Forecast)
Clouds can make or break a dawn photo. A few scattered clouds? Beautiful. Overcast? Maybe wait. Check the weather to set expectations.
🎨 5. Use a Low ISO
To avoid grain and keep that silky, clean look in your images, stick with ISO 100–400—especially when using a tripod.
🌈 6. Chase Color, Not Just the Sun
Some of the best colors happen before the sun actually rises. Look for purples, pinks, oranges—and don’t forget to turn around! The best light isn’t always in front of you.
🧘♂️ 7. Be Still, Be Quiet
Let the world wake up around you. Sometimes, the best dawn photos include people walking, fog rising, or birds flying—all moments you’ll miss if you’re rushing.
🧰 8. Bring Extra Gear
Hand warmers, lens cloths, extra batteries (they drain faster in cold air), and layers to keep warm. Dawn shoots can be chilly and damp.
🕶 9. Use ND or Grad Filters
Neutral density or graduated filters help balance the brightening sky with darker foregrounds, especially in wide landscapes.
💾 10. Shoot RAW
Always. RAW files give you more flexibility to adjust shadows, highlights, and colors in post without sacrificing quality.