Light plays a huge role in landscape photography. While many people believe that the best light occurs at sunrise and sunset, you can find great light at any time of day. Understanding how to work with different lighting conditions can transform your photos.
Coming to you from Christian Irmler – Landscape PhotographyThis informative video delves into the importance of light in landscape photography and how to make the most of it. Irmler begins by exploring the idea that great light can occur even at midday, challenging the notion that you should only shoot during the golden hour. He shares his experience of a recent shoot where initially poor lighting was dramatically improved, turning a bad photo opportunity into a portfolio-worthy shot.
Irmler describes how he often uses apps like PhotoPills to plan for the weather, but also emphasizes the importance of being present and ready to capture unexpected changes in light. He explains that sometimes, even when the weather forecast isn’t ideal, you can still find opportunities to create beautiful compositions. This flexibility is essential in landscape photography, where conditions are always changing. Irmler’s approach emphasizes the value of being patient and prepared, even when the weather isn’t perfect.
One notable point in the video is Irmler’s focus on the concept of “open clouds”. These clouds create dynamic lighting with alternating light and shadow, adding depth and interest to your images. Irmler demonstrates how to use these lighting conditions to your advantage, especially when photographing mountainous landscapes. He shows how the interplay of light and shadow can highlight the texture and plasticity of the terrain, making your photos more interesting.
Irmler also covers the technical aspects of landscape photography, such as choosing the right focal length and composition. He advises on the importance of having sturdy tripod but also shows how to use a travel tripod when needed. Check out the video above for the full details from Irmler.
And if you really want to dig deeper into landscape photography, check out our latest guide, “Photographing the World: Japan with Elia Locardi!”
