Fog transforms a landscape, softening edges and adding depth, but photographing it requires careful planning. Light, shutter speed, and composition all play a role in how the final image turns out.
Coming to you from Christian Möhrle - The Phlog Photography, this insightful video explores techniques for capturing fog from above. Light conditions are key. Golden hour produces warm contrast across the fog’s surface, while post-sunset light introduces deep blues and pinks. Möhrle recommends staying longer than you might expect, as colors can intensify well after the sun disappears. Shooting too late in the morning, however, can result in harsh contrast, where bright highlights and deep shadows make the scene harder to control.
Shutter speed has a direct impact on how the fog appears. Möhrle demonstrates how longer exposures smooth out the movement, creating a soft, almost water-like effect. A 30-second exposure reduces structure in the fog, while a shorter shutter speed preserves texture and detail. The choice depends on the mood you want to convey. For darker, more dramatic scenes, keeping some texture in the fog adds weight to the image. To create a calm, dreamlike effect, a longer exposure removes distractions and emphasizes the smooth flow of the mist.
Composition makes the difference between a good shot and a great one. Möhrle sets up two cameras: one at roughly 100mm to capture a leading road fading into the fog, and another at 200mm to focus solely on distant mountains. A longer focal length compresses the scene, making mountains appear larger while also enhancing the effect of the moving fog. The wider shot includes a natural leading line, giving the image more depth. He also discusses the importance of foreground elements, noting that a church tower or similar structure emerging from the fog would strengthen the composition even more. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Möhrle.
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!”
