Landscape photography often carries a widespread myth—the belief that bad light equals bad photos. Many photographers, especially those starting out, follow the conventional wisdom that only certain times of day, particularly golden hour, produce the best images. This belief has been perpetuated by social media, tutorials, and even some photography experts. But here’s the truth: the myth of “bad light” is limiting, and it’s holding you back from expanding your creative potential.
The Problem With Light Bias
If you spend enough time on photography forums or browsing social media, you’ll likely notice a pattern. The most popular images often feature the soft, warm glow of golden hour or the cool hues of blue hour. As a result, many landscape photographers are conditioned to believe that these are the only valid lighting conditions for taking great photos. Golden hour gets all the attention, and while it's certainly a magical time, it’s not the only time you can create compelling work.
Some photography tutorials and social media platforms reinforce this bias by showcasing landscapes shot in ideal conditions, which often means soft, diffuse light or warm, golden tones. But this creates a false narrative that anything else—midday sun, overcast skies, or stormy weather—is "bad light."
The reality, however, is that photography isn’t just about waiting for perfect light to appear—it’s about how you use the available light. Great photos happen not just when the light is "right," but when you’re able to adapt to whatever lighting conditions you face. When you’re able to challenge the idea of "bad light," you'll find yourself producing more creative, dynamic, and unique images.
The Myth of Midday Sun
Let’s start by addressing the most frequently criticized lighting condition: midday sun. This is the time of day when the sun is at its highest, and shadows are harsh, often resulting in a high-contrast scene. Many of us photographers avoid shooting during this time, thinking the light is too harsh. But there’s a place for harsh midday light, and in the right setting, it can add tremendous value to your images.
Midday light, while intense, has the potential to highlight textures and details in a way that softer light cannot. Think of desert landscapes or rugged mountain terrain, where the harsh sunlight casts long shadows and enhances textures. In black and white photography, these strong contrasts create striking, dramatic images that capture the essence of the scene in a way that softer light simply cannot.
The Beauty of Overcast and Foggy Conditions
On the flip side, some photographers shy away from overcast days. Overcast skies are often perceived as dull, with flat, even lighting that lacks contrast. But in reality, overcast conditions provide a unique opportunity to capture intimate landscapes. The soft, diffused light reduces harsh shadows and creates a calm, even exposure throughout the scene. I have to deal with this type of light a lot here in Ireland, and if I were waiting for non-overcast days, I am sure I wouldn’t get out with my camera a lot.
When shooting forests, waterfalls, or misty coastal landscapes, overcast light can produce stunning results. It softens the textures, minimizes distractions, and brings out the atmosphere in a way that harsh sunlight cannot. Foggy weather, in particular, can add layers of mystery and depth to your images, often transforming an ordinary scene into something far more captivating.
Stormy Weather as a Creative Opportunity
Some of the most dramatic and striking landscape photos come from stormy weather. Whether you’re photographing a thunderstorm rolling in over a mountain range or the aftermath of a heavy rainstorm, stormy conditions offer incredibly dynamic lighting that can transform a landscape. Dark clouds, shifting light, and the occasional burst of sunlight breaking through the clouds can add drama and intensity to your photographs.
Personally, I love to get out in a good storm. I find it invigorating, challenging, and mostly rewarding. Plus, there aren’t as many other photographers or people out in these conditions, which can also be an added bonus.
There’s an unpredictability to shooting in stormy weather, but that’s exactly what makes it so compelling. The light is constantly changing, and the atmosphere shifts from dark and moody to bright and sharp in a matter of moments. This variety offers countless opportunities to create one-of-a-kind images that are full of energy and emotion.
Mastering Backlighting and Silhouettes
Another powerful technique for making the most of harsh lighting is using backlighting and silhouettes. When the sun is high in the sky, it may seem like an undesirable time to shoot, but this is exactly when backlighting can be most effective. By positioning yourself so that the light comes from behind your subject, you can create stunning silhouettes, rim lighting, or even soft halos around objects.
Backlighting can work particularly well for subjects like trees, rock formations, or even people in the landscape. The light can add depth and dimension to your photos, and when done correctly, it can produce striking, artistic results that are impossible to achieve during the golden hour.
Breaking Free From the Golden Hour Trap
While golden hour undoubtedly provides stunning light, it’s not the only time to create captivating images. If you rely solely on this narrow window of time, you may find yourself limiting your creativity and missing out on a wealth of opportunities. The key is to embrace all lighting conditions, adapt to them, and use them to your advantage. Of course, golden hour is great, but there are so many other times of the day to shoot, so why waste them?
When you stop waiting for "perfect" light and start experimenting with what’s available to you, your photography will grow. You'll learn to see beauty in unexpected places, and you'll start capturing images that stand out from the crowd. Countless moments in nature can be transformed into powerful photographs, even when the light isn't ideal.
Finally
The myth that bad light equals bad photography is one that you need to challenge. There are no “bad” lighting conditions—only opportunities to adapt and create something unique. Whether it’s harsh midday light, overcast skies, or stormy weather, every condition has its potential. The real challenge is learning how to use the available light to bring out the best in your scene. By doing so, you’ll elevate your photography and expand your creative range.
What’s your take on shooting in unconventional light? Do you embrace it, or do you wait for golden hour? Let’s discuss it in the comments below!
I have also made a video about this topic, which you can watch above.
Thanks for reading.
