The Biggest Lie in Landscape Photography (And Why You Should Ignore It)

Landscape photography is often misled by a pervasive myth: that "perfect conditions" are a must for capturing great images. This belief has caused many photographers to wait for ideal weather or chase forecasts for the best light, missing out on incredible opportunities in the process. However, experienced photographers know that the best images can be captured under any conditions, and waiting for perfection can hold back both creativity and growth.

The Myth (Lie) of Perfect Conditions

The idea that stunning landscape photographs require the golden light of dawn, dramatic skies, or pristine weather has been deeply ingrained in photography culture. Social media, in particular, has played a role by flooding our feeds with pictures of vibrant sunsets and soft, misty mornings. We have all seen these banger images and wished they were ours, right? But these moments are rare, and if you only shoot when everything aligns perfectly, you're greatly reducing your chances for growth—and also your hit rate.

In reality, some of the most striking images come from challenging conditions. Stormy skies, thick fog, or even harsh midday light (although rare) can all produce dramatic, unique shots that stand apart from the typical “perfect light” formula. The key is learning how to adapt to whatever nature gives you and make the most of it. And even if you don't get that banger shot, you have at least been out with your camera, practiced, gotten exercise, and learned something.

We ultimately choose when to go out to take photos, and if we already close the door before it's even open, what chance do we have of getting a unique shot? When we put ourselves in the position of having a chance, we have 100% more of a possibility of getting a shot, rather than sitting at home, longing for adventure and wondering what if.

Ignore what you have seen or heard. We make our own luck, but we can't make it if we are already close-minded in thinking it needs to be perfect to get that shot.

Why This Mentality Holds You Back

Believing that perfect conditions are a prerequisite for great photos can hold you back in several ways:

• Missed Opportunities: If you only wait for ideal light, you will miss out on learning how to deal with difficult scenes and make the most of challenging lighting conditions.

• Creative Stagnation: If you limit yourself to shooting only when conditions are perfect, your portfolio will become predictable. Real creativity comes from working through problems and adapting to whatever is in front of you.

• Lack of Field Experience: Each photography outing, no matter the conditions, teaches you something valuable about composition, exposure, and lighting. Avoiding "bad" days means missing out on important learning experiences.

• The Reality of Travel Photography: When you're traveling for photography, you often have limited time. Waiting for the perfect moment can waste precious opportunities. You need to work with what you have, not what you wish for.

How to Make Any Condition Work for You

Instead of chasing perfect conditions, focus on developing the ability to capture compelling images in all scenarios. Here are a few techniques that I have learned and tested to help you make the most of any situation:

• Embrace the Challenge: If you face harsh light, look for textures and shadows. If the skies are flat and gray, explore intimate scenes or try black-and-white photography. The conditions should guide your approach, not stop you from shooting.

• Understand Light, Don’t Chase It: If the golden hour doesn't show up, don’t fret. Work with the available light. Rain or even fog can add a sense of mystery to a scene, and even dull skies can lend a moody atmosphere to your composition.

• Master Composition First: No amount of good light can salvage a weak composition. Focus on finding strong lines, balanced elements, and subjects that tell a story. A solid composition works in all conditions. Plus, you now have a dialed-in composition to return to should you have another chance at light—and if you don't, then you at least have a strong composition, rather than not going, or even worse, going and not taking the camera out of the bag.

• Use Post-Processing Wisely: Raw files can often look flat, especially in difficult light. By understanding how to adjust contrast, tweak color tones, and bring out fine details, you can transform images captured under subpar conditions. That's the beauty of post-processing—you can do whatever you want to your files. They are your files, after all (just be transparent).

• Experiment and Adapt: Don’t be afraid to experiment. Techniques such as long exposures can turn rough seas into smooth waters, while shooting into the wind can create dramatic motion. Silhouettes can help when details are lost in shadows, transforming a tough scene into a striking image.

Examples of Great Images in 'Bad' Conditions

Some of the most iconic landscape photos have been captured in extreme weather. Think about photos of lightning storms over mountains, dense mist rolling through valleys, or rain-drenched cityscapes. These aren't considered "perfect" conditions in traditional terms, but they generate atmosphere and emotion that sunny skies never could.

Photographers who excel in landscape photography don't just chase sunsets—they embrace nature's raw, untamed side. By capturing those fleeting moments when nature is at its most powerful, they create images that stand out. I have taken many images in conditions that others would classify as bad; however, when they see these types of shots, chances are they wish they had gone out in them.

Change Your Mindset, Change Your Photography

The biggest lie in landscape photography is that conditions need to be perfect. The sooner you stop waiting for that perfect moment, the faster you’ll improve your skills. The best photographers aren’t the ones who wait for the best conditions; they are the ones who know how to make any condition work.

Have you captured some of your best images in unexpected conditions? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Let me know in the comments below, and let's continue this conversation.