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Learn · Light

Light

With no light there is no photography

Light is central to everything in landscape photography and capturing it is routinely the source of both great enjoyment and great frustration, often in equal measure. Remember, with no light there is no photography.

Learn

Learning about where the light is, where it will be, and what it might do to your image will quite simply make you a better photographer. There are so many variables to consider in photography that the greater your understanding of light, the more you can focus on all of the other elements that ultimately fall to chance - especially when shooting landscapes.

Plan

You don't need to become a meteorologist to know when light conditions at a location may or may not work the way you want them to, nor do you need to be a master photographer to know what settings to choose. However, knowing that solid planning and having a fairly good idea of when might be a good time to grab your gear will help any quest for a great image.

The Forth Rail Bridge silhouetted against an orange sunrise in April
Forth Rail Bridge at sunrise in April.
The red Forth Rail Bridge in soft evening light in July
Forth Rail Bridge in the evening in July.

It all begins
with the sun.

All of this begins with basic understanding of sun direction and respecting that it is the greatest source of light you'll encounter. What should then follow on from that is an endless journey of trial, error, skill, luck, and probably some more error, but above all, enjoyment.

Next

Where will the sun be?

The ephemeris dial on every spread and location page shows the direction and height of the sun through the year.

Read the ephemeris guide