Here are some tips to capturing great sunrises and sunsets using your digital camera.

1) Scout out the location beforehand. Find a picturesque area during the day when you have plenty of time, not while you are scrambling around during short periods of sunrise or dusk.

2) Check out the newspaper or the local television stations for exact sunrise/sunset times. Plan your day accordingly. You don't want to be waiting for a check at a restaurant during the peak sunset period.

3) Be very careful when pointing your lens towards or at the sun! The sun can damage your camera lens, so after taking your photographs, immediately place a lens cap on your digital camera.

4) Experiment. Don't just do the standard 50% landscape 50% sky photo. Take some photos where more of the sky is present, others where more landscape is visible. Take a couple turning your camera 90 degrees to the side to get even more of the sky or landscape in your photograph.

5) Use a tripod when possible. Set it up before the sun starts to rise or set and you'll be able to take very clear, crisp photographs.

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