Sunrise photography in Hua Hin: Why an alarm clock is all you need
If you want to start taking good photos, here’s something that might surprise you — you don’t need a fancy camera. In fact, when it comes to capturing those early morning moments, all you really need is an alarm clock.
Before we go any further, let’s talk about what a “good” photo even means. I’m not claiming any of mine are, not for a second. Photography is subjective. But if you're just starting out and want to explore what makes a photo work — in terms of light, composition, and feeling — then sunrise is one of the best times of day to begin.
Why sunrise makes everything look better
There’s something about the light just after dawn. It’s soft, directional, and ever-changing. Between 5:40am and 6:30am on Hua Hin beach, the light often feels like it’s doing all the hard work for you. Whether you’re using a DSLR, a mirrorless camera, or just your phone, that first light of the day gives your photos mood, colour, and depth. It’s no secret that early morning light — often called golden hour or magic hour — is one of the best times to take photos. Photographers have long favoured this time of day for its warmth, softness and how it flatters everything from landscapes to portraits.
Your phone is good enough
Don’t let equipment stop you. You don’t need to spend thousands on gear to take photos that are print-worthy. Some of my favourite shots were taken on a smartphone. The real challenge isn’t technical — it’s setting the alarm and getting out the door.
So, if you want to improve your photography, be consistent. Make a habit of getting up early, walking down to the beach (or wherever your local sunrise spot is), and just start taking photos. The more often you do it, the more you’ll notice — and the better your photos will get.
Sunrise reflections on Hua Hin beach.
I took this with my iPhone 13. The colours in the sky, a reflection and a silhouette - three things I try to look for when taking photos at sunrise.
What to look for
Here are things that I look out for when taking photos at sunrise:
Colours in the sky — purples, oranges, and soft blues that rarely appear later in the day
Silhouettes — people walking, dogs running, boats in the distance
Reflections on the water — ideal for symmetry and layering
When you combine these elements — often just by observing what’s in front of you — the photo almost takes itself.
A few quick tips for beginners shooting sunrise at the beach
Arrive early: Try to get there 10–15 minutes before sunrise to catch the changing light.
Clean your lens: Especially important if you're using your phone — a quick wipe makes a difference.
Find foreground interest: A moored fishing boat, a person, or even footprints in the sand can add depth.
Tap to expose: On your phone, tap the part of the image you want properly exposed — usually the sky.
Experiment: Try different angles, crouch low, or shoot into the light to get creative results.
Join the 5am club, set your alarm, and I’ll see you on the beach.
