What is the Best Weather for Photography?
Aspiring photographers might chase the "perfect" weather conditions such as the golden hour, but the truth is, every weather condition presents unique opportunities (and challenges) to capture stunning photographs. Photography could be described as the ability to paint with light, and as a photographer you must learn to use what’s available to you based on the time of day and conditions. Ultimately, the “best” weather depends on your personal style, skill and preferences. Let’s explore the versatility of weather and how to use it to your advantage.
There’s No Such Thing As Bad Weather Photography
In landscape photography, the weather and time of day you’re shooting is everything. It impacts the light, shadows, texture, and the overall mood of your photos. There really isn’t a perfect or better type of weather or light, or time of day, just your imagination and ability to paint with the light available to you. That being said, there are certain times of day or weather conditions when you can expect more specific light conditions, colors and tone.
Landscape photography is generally best done with dramatic weather including clouds, snow and soft light. There's nothing quite like the drama and contrast of a stormy day, or the warm, golden glow of a sunset. That being said, overcast days are often underrated for photography. The soft, diffused light can add a certain moodiness and depth to your images that you just can't get on a bright, sunny day.
Here are some things to expect while taking photos during different types of weather.
Sunny Days:
Classic Beauty: Harsh light can be a challenge, but it also creates crisp lines, deep shadows, and vibrant colors. Think landscapes, architecture, and portraits with strategic use of shade or diffusers.
Golden Hour Magic: The hour after sunrise and before sunset bathes the world in a warm, golden light which is perfect for capturing portraits, landscapes, and anything that benefits from a touch of softness.
Cloudy Days:
Soft, Diffused Light: Overcast skies act as a natural softbox, eliminating harsh shadows and creating a dreamy, ethereal quality. Ideal for portraits, close-ups, and capturing the texture of objects.
Dramatic Skies: Stormy clouds can add a sense of drama and mystery to your photos. Play with reflections, silhouettes, and leading lines to create a captivating scene.
Rainy Days:
Reflective Magic: Puddles and wet surfaces become mirrors reflecting the world around them. Experiment with leading lines, city or landscapes, and capturing the movement of raindrops.
Moody Atmosphere: Rain creates a melancholic and atmospheric mood, harnessing the raw emotion of an approaching storm.
Snowy Days:
Winter Wonderland: Fresh snow transforms landscapes into a blank canvas. Capture the pristine beauty of nature, the contrast of dark tree branches against the white background, or the serene energy of an ice laden stream.
Soft, Diffused Light: Similar to cloudy days, snow acts as a natural diffuser, creating soft light and muted tones which can be ideal for portraits, close-up details of snowflakes, or capturing the stillness of a winter scene.
By understanding how different conditions affect light and mood, you can transform any day into a photographic opportunity. We encourage photographers to explore their creativity and discover the magic of light and shadow in all its diverse forms.
Chasing the Glow: Photography During the Golden Hour
Magic and golden hours often get used interchangeably, however they’re different when it comes to lighting. Magic hour is after sunset and before sunrise, compared to golden hour, which is before sunset and after sunrise. Magic hour produces warm colors of gold, pink, and blue, and the glow of magic hour photography is less intense, not as bright, and less yellow than that of golden hour.
Golden hour occurs twice a day, right after sunrise and again before sunset. In the morning, it begins when the Sun is at -4º of elevation and it ends when the Sun is at 6º above the horizon. It marks the end of civil twilight, just after the blue hour, a brief interval that happens just before sunrise or just after dusk. In the evening, it begins when the Sun is at 6º of elevation and ends when the Sun is at -4º above the horizon, and marks the beginning of civil twilight, right before the blue hour.
Here's what makes golden hour so special for photographers:
Flattering Light: The low angle of the sun creates soft, diffused light that minimizes harsh shadows adding a touch of warmth to the overall image.
Dramatic Scenes: Golden hour bathes landscapes in a warm glow, highlighting textures and details. Imagine golden light cascading over rolling hills, casting long shadows across fields, or illuminating the intricate details of a historical building.
Rich Colors: The filtered sunlight during golden hour intensifies the vibrancy of colors in a scene. Greens become more lush, blues take on a deeper hue, and reds appear richer, creating a visually stunning image.
During these times, the daylight color temperature shifts to the red end of the spectrum, and the light takes on a warm, golden hue. Lighting is soft, diffused, and with little contrast, since the sun is low in the sky and it creates that warm, glowy effect. To work during these special hours, look up when sunrise and sunset are. Golden hour runs for about an hour after sunrise and an hour before sunset, and may be longer or shorter depending on your latitude and the time of year. The type of light you can expect during these periods will also be dependent on the weather conditions.
By understanding how different weather conditions affect light and mood, you can transform any day into a photographic opportunity. Want a little insider info? Our guidebooks offer tons of resources, including photography tips, ideal times and spots, as well as location-specific insights, all aimed at ensuring you make the most of your trip.