In Landscape Photography there is no bad light

The word photography comes from the French photographie and is based on the Greek for light and stylus or paintbrush or graphe (a representation by means of lines or drawing), basically meaning “drawing with light”. With that in mind landscape photography is a combination of drawing light across the land. Light in particular is, in my opinion what the landscape is all about, light is what makes the scene, transforming it throughout the day. The ability to consider light first and foremost is what sets one photographer apart from the other.

In landscape photography there is bad light and we can take our photographs in virtually any light but the intensity, direction and colour of the light will have an enormous influence on how the scene looks in front of us. We may find a stunning location but know we will have to come back at another time to ensure the direction of light is just how we would like it to be, this may be a different time of the day or indeed a different time of the year.

Whilst the time of day has a significant bearing on the quality of light so too does the time of year, the position of the sun is significantly higher in summer than in winter at the same time of day. So for example if we want the light on part of a particular landscape scene we may only be able to shoot it at a certain time of the year.

There is no such thing as bad light for landscape photography, there is only changing light and our ability to make the most of it. Dark, heavy cloud may not be everyones idea of the perfect day but for the landscape photographer it can be perfect, providing both mood and drama.

Light can change very quickly, the scene in front of us literally changing before our eyes. Sometimes the changes are quite subtle, as illustrated in the two images above taken only minutes apart, other times they can be dramatic. With a strong composition it is often good to wait and see what happens. Being in the right place at the right time is just about luck.

Even at times of flat un-directional lighting that is less than ideal for the grand scenic we need not despair, we can always concentrate on inner landscapes, those small details within the great outdoors that are often overlooked. This kind of lighting is perfect for these details, removing harsh shadow so the intricacies and fine details can be recorded.

Weather will always affect the quality of light, dark and sombre or bright and cheery we should try and see the potential of every occasion. Showery days can be interesting as changes occur constantly with the possibility of rainbows.

So as photographers we need to be very aware of changing light, be alert to potential changes when out in the field to make the most of our landscape photography opportunities. Look ahead for breaks in the cloud that may provide a shaft of light and be ready for it.

© Phil McDermott

Articles by Phil McDermott Isle of Mull Photography for commercial and wedding photography.