The way you handle natural light shapes your landscape photography, determining whether an image feels captivating or merely ordinary. Knowing when and how to harness specific types of light is key to transforming your shots from standard captures into something more meaningful.
Coming to you from Toma Bonciu of Photo Tom, this practical video offers personal insights into recognizing and working with special lighting conditions. Bonciu describes several standout experiences he's encountered, illustrating precisely why timing and patience often trump pure technical skill. One key example he shares is a lake near his home, nestled between two mountain peaks. Although beautiful year-round, the lake reaches its photographic peak during a brief window in late August, when sunrise perfectly aligns between the mountains and cold overnight temperatures produce a thin mist hovering above the water. Understanding this seasonal timing allows you to intentionally plan and capture that uniquely vivid atmosphere.
Another compelling scenario Bonciu recounts highlights the value of persistence. After a daylong rainfall in the mountains, he considered abandoning his efforts, but instead hiked higher in hope of catching sunset. There, another photographer who had waited fruitlessly discouraged him, insisting conditions wouldn’t improve. Minutes after this person left, however, Bonciu witnessed a fleeting moment of extraordinary beauty: a sudden shaft of sunlight piercing the clouds, illuminating the entire valley below. The point isn’t merely luck, but rather the necessity of trusting your instincts and experience over immediate impressions. Even seasoned photographers can misjudge conditions—staying just a little longer often yields moments worth capturing.
Beyond specific examples, Bonciu emphasizes practical approaches for making the most of different lighting conditions. For instance, he advises waiting patiently after finding your ideal composition because great images frequently require both timing and restraint. Crucially, it’s not just about capturing the golden hour’s warm tones, but about positioning yourself where light selectively illuminates your subject. Bonciu demonstrates how shadows play an essential role in defining form, depth, and scale within a scene. Without contrast, landscapes can feel flat; strategic use of shadows ensures your images remain dynamic and engaging.
Bonciu also covers scenarios beyond sunrise and sunset. He explains how blue hour, occurring just before sunrise or immediately after sunset, offers serene, moody atmospheres ideal for conveying tranquility. Additionally, overcast weather, often overlooked, can create ideal conditions for capturing soft, even lighting in forests or around waterfalls. Harsh midday sunlight, typically avoided, can even produce powerful images if you're open to experimenting—especially when rendered in black-and-white. Stormy and foggy conditions present yet another opportunity, delivering naturally dramatic, evocative scenes that require minimal processing to stand out. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Bonciu.
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!”
