Don’t forget to turn around

Adapting to the light as it changes is what makes outdoor photography so exciting

Landscape photographers understand only too well the changeable nature of the weather – and the resulting light. And while setting up a tripod might appear to be a relaxed affair, it’s amazing how intense it can be when the light is changing so quickly.

In the middle of the day, the strength, direction and colour of light is relatively stable, but at the end of the day, that’s when the action happens. The light on the landscape moves quite quickly, either advancing or receding across the Earth. Similarly, if you have a storm passing through, the approach and the clearing are the times at which the light is likely to change and will provide you with some opportunities for stronger, more engaging compositions.

Adapting to the light is more of a mental approach than one of camera technique. How are you going to use the different lighting characteristics as they change? And are you prepared to wait just a little longer, or perhaps a lot longer, to get the light just right?

For instance, sunlight in the early morning gives the objects it touches a red or orange hue. In comparison, at the same time, areas that remain in shade may be illuminated by skylight and appear quite blue. This colour contrast, while quite fleeting, can be used creatively within your compositions, perhaps also playing with tonal and spatial balance at the same time.

Many people point their cameras towards the sun, looking for colour in the sky, but after a while, these sunrise and sunset shots can become a little cliché. Instead, turn your camera to one side or the other and observe how the sidelighting catches crests and peaks in the landscape. These highlights can work like sketch marks in a drawing, potentially creating abstract compositions, plus they can exhibit beautiful colours.

Of course, if there’s a storm coming, rising mist or low cloud, watching the light as it filters through the weather can generate a wealth of opportunities. It’s a matter of spending the time waiting for these moments.

The four photographs on these pages were all taken from one location on three different days. Being prepared to return to a location can also pay big dividends.