It is a common desire among photography enthusiasts to receive guidance from experts in the field, with the hope of gaining insight into their lens selection and location-scouting techniques. However, the planning stages of photography are often overlooked. Professional photographer Albert Dros has recently revealed the meticulous planning that goes into each of his spectacular landscape photos.
Dros sets himself up for success by leaving as little as possible to chance. He gathers information on factors such as the time of sunset and sunrise, cloud cover, and wind speed. By sharing his advice, Dros has provided a valuable resource for landscape photography enthusiasts, offering a detailed plan to help them capture the scenes they desire.
Dros, whose work has been featured in many prestigious publications, including National Geographic, utilizes specific tools to optimize his chances of capturing the perfect shot.
Use a Weather App
When planning the ideal landscape photograph, weather is of utmost importance. WeatherPro is a smart phone application which provides weather forecasts every three hours in its free version, while the paid version updates every hour. For a nominal fee of $1.99, it is a prudent investment to have precise and up-to-date information readily available.
When utilizing the app, it is essential to consider various sections, each of which is significant for distinct reasons, depending on the desired image. Dros has helpfully provided information on each specific weather condition.
- Cloud Cover – In order to capture a magnificent burning sunset, it is imperative to have a sufficient amount of clouds. Ideally, a thick layer of clouds with a sizable opening on the horizon, where the sun can shine through and cast its light upon the clouds during sunset, is optimal.
- Fog and Mist – The application frequently predicts the occurrence of fog and mist, particularly during the morning hours. Additionally, it is advisable to take note of high humidity levels.
- Wind Speed and Wind Direction – When photographing bodies of water such as lakes or canals, it is desirable to capture reflections. To achieve this, a wind speed of less than 20 km/h (approximately 12.5 mph) is recommended for long exposure shots. Furthermore, the direction of the wind is also a crucial factor to consider, as wind blowing towards or from behind the camera produces a vortex effect in the shot, while wind blowing from the side creates a distinct effect, causing the clouds to move sideways in the image.
Rain, Cloud, and Fog Radar
Depending on the location, highly detailed weather radars may be accessible. Fog and visibility radars may prove to be particularly advantageous. For Dros, “In the event that I plan to capture a sunrise and fog is anticipated, I want to ensure that the fog is indeed present when I awaken – so that my early morning efforts are not in vain.”
Numerous countries, including the Netherlands and the United States, offer visibility radars that provide real-time visibility data for every region within the country. If visibility is limited to 3 km (1.86 miles), it is advisable to prepare for departure.
PhotoPills
PhotoPills is a comprehensive application that can cater to all your photography requirements. The app, which is priced at $9.99, enables you to meticulously plan the positioning of celestial bodies such as the sun, moon, Milky Way, stars, star trails, moon phases, sunset and sunrise times, and much more.
By utilizing this feature, you can hold your smartphone in front of you, use the camera of the phone, and receive real-time information. This allows you to plan a sunset/sunrise or moonset/moonrise at a specific location by holding your camera and checking the exact date and time when the sun or moon will be at a particular position.
The app also facilitates planning Milky Way shots by providing information on how the stars align at different times of the night at a given location, thereby eliminating any guesswork from your photography. Additionally, the PhotoPills website offers a wealth of information and helpful articles to enhance your photography knowledge.
Some of the app functions include:
- See the exact daily times of sunset, sunrise, blue hour, twilight, etc
- See the exact locations and elevations from the sun/moon/Milky Way
- Moon calendar for moon phases. For instance, a new moon is important for Milky Way shots
- Augmented reality function to see things in real-time
- Star trails calculator for different exposure times
In the event that you are disinclined to purchase the application, suncalc.org and mooncalc.org present themselves as cost-free alternatives that enable the user to verify the location of the sun and moon on a specified date.
Webcams
Frequently, individuals fail to recognize the existence of a multitude of complimentary webcams that enable them to observe weather patterns and conditions at a specific location without physically venturing outdoors. Additionally, traffic cameras can prove to be advantageous. It is noteworthy that a plethora of webcams are available in various locations. A simple search on Google using the format "PLACE + webcam" can yield surprising results.
Conclusion
There is no substitute for the combination of practical wisdom and expertise. Dros aptly observes that as one embarks on landscape photography, familiarity with weather patterns, at least within one’s own country, is acquired over time. For instance, the appearance of stunning, colorful sunsets is often associated with a sky filled with numerous clouds and a large opening at the horizon just before sunset.
Another aspect that is frequently overlooked is the ease of making a phone call, particularly when planning to photograph a specific building. “I often hear people express a desire to capture an iconic image of a beautiful church or cathedral, only to discover upon arrival that the entire structure is undergoing construction. A simple phone call can quickly clarify the situation!”
While Dros acknowledges that each individual has their own preferred method of managing their workflow, his expert advice underscores the importance of meticulous planning, particularly when working in outdoor environments. Although it is occasionally possible to stumble upon favorable conditions, more often than not, the awe-inspiring landscape photographs that we admire are the result of experience and organization.