Natural light cannot be controlled, but you can learn how to use what you have to yield superb photography works. As an outdoor photographer, you will encounter all kinds of weather conditions that can be your best friend or worst enemy. Beautiful shots can be created using the landscape even on wet cloudy days.

In landscape photography, you should know that there are 2 premium hours that are the best for making great shots. All professional photographers agree that the two premium hours occur right after the sun rises and again just before the sun sets. Some people wonder why during summer the two premium hours last longer but do much shorter in winter. During these premium hours we see that the sun provides dramatic lighting without creating deep shadows or intense areas of light. This is especially important when shooting people.

If you have ever taken the model as the subject outside at midday for a photo shoot, probably you will be disappointing since they are trying to avoid squinting from the sun. Or probably you will find that the model is too dark because the sun is behind them causing a silhouette. You’ll also notice that even though they may not be looking into the sun, or facing away from it, you still get very bright portions on your subject while other areas are in shadow. This is why those premium, or golden hours of the day are so important. See also how to trick the light and how to trick the camera exposure.

Pictured courtesy of National Geography

Have a look at the above picture, the photographer successfully captured this beautiful landscape when the sun illuminate from the left side of the hill in the golden hour.

At midday your shadows almost completely disappear due to the highness of the sun, unfortunately the effect is flattening the landscape for photography. Actually this is not interesting images. Sunrise and sunset provide you with the right combination of light and shadow, a great photo-op, and more dramatic color in the sky. See also photography white balance for best tone selection.

Alright so you use the sun at the golden hours of the day. But it doesn’t mean you always need the sun for outdoor photography, great photos can still be created on cloudy or overcast days. Actually the cloud is a natural huge diffuser for the sun light, illuminating the subject with natural light while ridding the scenery of harsh shadows.

In this condition, you may consider of using the fill-flash if you feel the pictures appear flat. Or probably you can also consider shooting in black and white style. Black and white is an excellent choice for overcast days because of the dramatic images you can get while the colors are normally washed out anyway.

What about the rain? Will you be afraid of it too? Basically you can still get some great pictures because the rain adds an interesting element to the scene. But remember that you should protect the camera and other camera equipment. Many photographers actually use a sandwich bag over their camera while they are shooting in order to keep it dry and protected. Why not bring a friend along to hold an umbrella or hold your bags of gear off the wet ground? Keep a positive attitude and use the rain to get stunning effects and produce some unexpected great shots.

By: Don Bordua

Don was born in Massachusetts, grew up in Michigan and worked for General Motors until retiring. He and his wife moved to Texas and later to S. Carolina. They both enjoy their growing family and of course their dogs. Travel has always been enjoyable for both, but especially for Don as he enjoyed photographing all the beautiful places around the world and the wonderful memories he’s recorded. Check out our great deals on Digital Cameras, Scopes and Accessories at BorduasBargains.com/

• How to trick the dark and bright background
• Understanding photography lighting techniques
• Fine nature photography guideline
• Basic concept of composition photography
• Basic concept of photography exposure techniques