The Importance of Waiting for Good Light in Landscape Photography

Perhaps the greatest challenge and source of frustration in landscape photography is the fact that we have no control over the light. While we can do our best to predict how things will shape up, nature does not always cooperate. When that happens, a bit of patience can be your best friend. This excellent video details why. 

Coming to you from Adam Gibbs, this great video tutorial discusses why waiting for good light is so important. It can be particularly frustrating when you wake up early and trek out to a location only for the light to not cooperate for the images you had in mind, but trying to force them into existence will likely only lead to more frustration down the road. Rather, be willing to adjust the images you are trying to create on the fly, or if you are really committed to a certain shot, wait for the light to evolve to what you need. This might mean waiting a few hours, or it might mean you will need to return to the location another time. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Gibbs. 

And if you really want to dive into landscape photography, check out "Photographing The World 1: Landscape Photography and Post-Processing with Elia Locardi." 

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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A good video that demonstrates the value of waiting and being able to revisit an area at different times. Sadly, it's something many of us can't do when traveling. Also kudos to them for using a single wall tent in BC.