My latest Pioneer Woman photography post is up now, and if you’ve been holding back from shooting at night, maybe I can encourage you to give it a try.

I probably wouldn’t have tried it myself if not for my love of taking sunset photos. I eventually noticed that, in the Philippines, night invariably came almost right after sunset. It took some getting used to, and it prompted me to try and figure out the reason behind it.

I know, I know. I’m a nerd like that.

The reason is actually quite interesting. It has to do with the distance from the equator, the angle at which the sun sets in relation to the horizon and all that lovely geometrical stuff that I won’t impose on you. What it really boils down to is that near the equator, the sun dips below the horizon more quickly, plunging you into darkness faster. As you move away from the equator, the sun will appear to set slower, thereby delaying the onset of nightfall.

Enthusiastic to share my new knowledge, I attempted to explain it to this little guy.

He just shook is head and muttered something about tourists masquerading as locals.

Obviously, he’s already heard it before.