Sun Position Calculator Photography

This sun position calculator helps photographers determine the sun's azimuth and altitude angles for any location and time. Understanding these angles is crucial for achieving the right lighting conditions in your photos.

What is Sun Position?

The sun's position in the sky is defined by two key angles: azimuth and altitude.

Azimuth - The compass direction of the sun, measured in degrees from north (0°) to east (90°), south (180°), and west (270°).
Altitude - The angle of the sun above the horizon, measured in degrees from 0° (on the horizon) to 90° (directly overhead).

These angles change throughout the day and vary with the season and location on Earth. Photographers use this information to plan their shoots for optimal lighting conditions.

How to Use This Calculator

Enter your location's latitude and longitude in decimal degrees.
Select the date and time for your photo shoot.
Click "Calculate" to get the sun's azimuth and altitude angles.
Review the results and use the chart to visualize the sun's path.

For best results, use local time and accurate coordinates. The calculator uses the NOAA solar position algorithm for precise calculations.

Sun Position Formulas

The calculator uses these simplified formulas to determine sun position:

Julian Day = Day of Year + (Hour - 12)/24 + (Minute + Second/60)/1440 Solar Declination = 23.45 * sin(360*(284 + Julian Day)/365) Hour Angle = 15 * (Hour - 12) Altitude = asin(sin(Latitude) * sin(Solar Declination) + cos(Latitude) * cos(Solar Declination) * cos(Hour Angle)) Azimuth = acos((sin(Solar Declination) * cos(Latitude) - cos(Solar Declination) * sin(Latitude) * cos(Hour Angle)) / cos(Altitude))

These calculations account for Earth's axial tilt and orbital position to provide accurate sun angles.

Photography Applications

Understanding sun position helps photographers:

Plan outdoor shoots for golden hour (soft, warm light)
Avoid harsh midday shadows
Position subjects for backlighting effects
Use polarizing filters effectively
Calculate exposure based on light intensity

For example, a photographer in New York on June 21 at 6:00 PM might find the sun at 150° azimuth and 35° altitude, creating ideal evening lighting conditions.

FAQ

What time of day has the best lighting for photography?: Golden hour (about 1 hour before sunset and after sunrise) provides the softest, most flattering light.
How does the sun's position change throughout the year?: The sun's path changes with seasons due to Earth's axial tilt. It's highest in summer and lowest in winter.
Can I use this calculator for any location on Earth?: Yes, the calculator works for any latitude and longitude on Earth.
What's the difference between solar time and clock time?: Solar time is based on the sun's position, while clock time follows standardized time zones. The difference varies by location and time of year.
How accurate are these calculations?: The calculator uses the NOAA solar position algorithm with an accuracy of about ±1° for most locations.