Robert Coe wrote:


That makes it sound as though your problem is a fairly simple case of
overexposure. If you're using auto exposure settings, it may be that your lens
can't stop down enough to get the exposure right, in which case using a lower
ISO setting should help. (I believe someone suggested you turn the ISO setting
up, but that's wrong. You want to tell the camera to make the sensor less
light-sensitive, and you do that by using a lower ISO setting.) Also, make
sure you use center-weighted metering; that's the usual way to avoid blown
highlights in a backlit scene (which a sunrise or sunset is, by definition).
As a last resort, you could add a neutral-density filter.

If you're using any auto mode you're simply lucky if you get it right.
Manual exposure is the way to go.

BTW, I don't believe I've ever photographed a sunrise, but it figures to be
more difficult to get right than a sunset. That's because sunsets get dimmer
and redder, so the extra shots you take have a good chance of being usable and
may even be better. But if you let the right moment get away with a sunrise,
you may as well pack up and come back tomorrow.

Or go back to bed!

--
john mcwilliams