Foggy mornings and moody atmospheres can add a surreal quality to your landscape shots, but capturing the perfect image isn’t always easy. Sometimes, you have to keep returning to the same spot, waiting for the right conditions. And when you’re determined to get that postcard-worthy shot, persistence becomes just as important as your technical skills.
Coming to you from Ben Harvey Photography, this thoughtful video dives into the value of sticking with a location to capture the shot you envision. Harvey describes his many trips to Arundel Castle, often finding the conditions less than ideal. Yet, despite setbacks, he’s back again, hoping that patience will pay off. This time, the forecast calls for 100% fog, and he’s prepared. With his drone ready, Harvey finally captures the misty scene he’s been waiting for. His message is simple: sometimes, achieving the perfect photo is about showing up and trying again, even when past attempts have come up short.
Another key part of Harvey’s approach is having a backup plan. He shares a practical tip about what to do if you arrive early or if the weather doesn’t cooperate. Harvey suggests planning out alternate shots, like capturing nearby details or exploring different vantage points for future visits. He talks about using his time at Arundel wisely, checking out both sides of the river so he knows exactly where to go if his primary location doesn’t work out. A macro lens also comes in handy, allowing him to shoot small subjects like dew-covered spiderwebs, bees, or butterflies. This way, even if the main shot doesn’t happen, you’ll leave with images worth keeping.
Harvey also mentions some of his past visits to Arundel, where he shot with an infrared camera, capturing unique and striking images from his favorite spot. By varying his gear and perspectives over several visits, he built a diverse portfolio of the location. This approach not only gives you more options but also makes each return trip feel worthwhile, especially when conditions aren’t perfect for your primary goal. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Harvey.
And if you really want to dive into landscape photography, check out our latest tutorial, "Photographing the World: Japan II - Discovering Hidden Gems with Elia Locardi!”
