f/8 and Be There?

[PFDarkside]

I know this is a photojournalist phrase to say "Stop worrying about equipment and get to where the action is" but it seems to have some relevance in nature/landscape photography as well.

Since owning a decent camera with intent to photograph landscapes, I've really started to pay attention to light and the way it transforms a scene. I know it's elementary to any semi-experienced photographer, but as a newbie it's really a eureka moment when you sit at a good location and watch the light develop. A spectactular vista can be flat and washed out at noon yet have a 3D depth when that late afternoon golden light falls on it. I guess it isn't called "Explorers of Light" for nothing. :)

[neilwood32]

Once of the best things that can be done to "develop" the eye is to pick a location and be there for a number of hours (boring i know) and take photos at various intervals. Then look at them when you get back and you will see the wonderful ways light can affect a scene.

Once you have done this a few times, it quickly dawns (see what i did there :D) on you about the "golden hours" just after sunrise and just before sunset.

[mikekelley]

Sometimes it's nice to just go out without a camera and watch the light. I get to do this a lot because of surfing - If I go at 4pm, and stay till 8pm, and catch the whole sunset, it really makes you see the difference between harsh overhead lighting and beautiful golden sunset light, especially over water where it bounces around and fills in shadows.

[Mark_Cohran]

I occasionally make myself get up before dawn to get to a spot where I can photograph the sunrise and the first hour of light. I don't do this too often, but the morning light is so different from the evening light - softer and more subdued it seems to me. If you haven't done this, I recommend it.

[bps]

That's awesome that you're starting to notice this. It's all part of training your eye. As time goes on, your awareness of light will continue to evolve...

Bryan