If your outdoor shots aren’t turning out how you want, the problem might not be your camera settings. It could be your timing.
Coming to you from Jason Row Photography, this insightful video breaks down why dawn is the best time to shoot landscapes and how you can make the most of it. The light at sunrise is warmer, shadows are softer, and the atmosphere feels more tranquil. Even on overcast days, the early hours offer a unique stillness that enhances composition. Mist, fog, and dew often appear at this time, adding layers of texture. Locations that become packed with tourists later in the day are empty in the morning, giving you more freedom to work without distractions.
Aside from lighting, shooting early maximizes your time. Arriving before sunrise lets you scout compositions, set up, and experiment without feeling rushed. As the sun rises and conditions change, you can adapt and capture different moods. Planning is key. Checking weather forecasts helps but isn’t always reliable. The best way to know if the light will be good is to go out and see for yourself. Using apps like PhotoPills can help predict sunrise direction and light movement, giving you an advantage when planning your shots.
Getting up early isn’t always easy, but a few tricks can help. Setting multiple alarms and placing them across the room forces you to get out of bed. Dressing in layers ensures you stay comfortable, whether it’s cold before dawn or heating up after sunrise. If motivation is an issue, making plans with a friend can help. Committing to meet someone at a location makes it harder to skip the shoot. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Row.
