Chasing Light
As a landscape photographer, I’ve learned that light is everything. The way natural light transforms a scene can be subtle or dramatic, and knowing how to work with it is one of the most essential skills in capturing the perfect shot. One of the most frequent questions I get asked is, “What’s the best time of day to shoot landscapes?” While the answer can vary depending on the subject, location, and weather, there are certain times of day when the magic of light truly brings a landscape to life. Let's talk about those key moments and how they impact the photographs I take.
50mm | 1/1200s | f8 | ISO 400
For me, nothing compares to the golden hour, that brief period right after sunrise or just before sunset when the sun is low in the sky, casting a warm, golden glow over the landscape. It’s the time when the light is soft, shadows are long, and the textures of the earth seem to pop out at you. I’ve captured some of my favorite shots during golden hour—whether it's a mountain range bathed in warm tones or a peaceful lake reflecting the soft light. What I love most is how forgiving this light can be, softening harsh edges and giving everything a warm, inviting feel. It's the time when even the simplest scenes feel magical.
On the other hand, there’s the blue hour, that twilight period just before sunrise or after sunset. The sky takes on deep blues and purples, and the atmosphere becomes cool and mysterious. It’s not as vibrant as golden hour, but the mood it creates is unparalleled. I’ve often found myself lingering after a sunset shoot, just to catch those last moments of fading light. The calmness of blue hour adds an ethereal quality to landscapes, perfect for creating moody, introspective images. The trick here is to be ready with a tripod, as the lower light requires longer exposure times, but the results are always worth the wait.
Of course, while golden and blue hours are popular, I also believe there’s a place for midday shooting—especially in specific environments. While the harsh light of the midday sun can be tricky, it can also enhance certain landscapes, like deserts or coastal cliffs, where the brightness brings out the stark contrasts and textures. Sometimes, when I’m working in wide-open spaces, the strong light can emphasize the ruggedness of the land, creating sharp, dramatic images. The key is to know when and where this light will work in your favor. Ultimately, the best time to shoot depends on what story I’m trying to tell with the landscape, and understanding how to harness the changing light is what keeps each day behind the lens exciting.
