BebuLamar

When I am traveling I would take the shot regardless of how the light is. If I intend to take a picture of certain landscape I would go there when the light is right.

SteveLew Loc: Sugar Land, TX

G Brown:

Thanks for your comments.

SteveLew Loc: Sugar Land, TX

Sharpshooter:

Good solid advise.

SteveLew Loc: Sugar Land, TX

Babu:

I have set out when the light is good where I begin my hike and then when reaching my destination the light has diminished. Thanks for your comments.

sunsandwater

I recently took a trip to the smoky Pacific Northwest. We hardly saw the sun shine but I took pictures anyway. I'm glad I did.

BlueMorel Loc: Southwest Michigan

One of my favorite shots of Wyoming's Devil's Tower was on a rainy dismal Fall day - maybe the Tower wasn't crisp, but the mood with the muted colors and rainy road pleased me.

srt101fan

Jimmy T Loc: Virginia

When I am in control I shoot when the light is "right". When I am on a cruise ship, I plan and make the most of the light available to me even if it means using flash, grin. When I am on a tour that has to stay on a group's schedule, I make the best of the light available and "document" the tour as pleasantly as I can for the memories. "Obvious Man" has now shared the "secrets" of mediocre photography, which is, always make the most of the light you have and enjoy your photographic journey.

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

Because of my living situation, I rarely get out during the golden and blue hours. As a result, I have "discovered" B &W for less than ideal light. I also use a circular polarizing filter. Mid-day can also be great for high contrast or capturing small details.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

If there's no light, then it's dark. Using a flash for a landscape isn't realistic. I like shooting at blue hour, when there's very little light, but it shows up well in photos. A tripod and long exposure can compensate for low light.

Tjohn Loc: Inverness, FL formerly Arivaca, AZ

I try to make the best of the situation and shoot anything that moves or sits still, from the vast expanse to the smallest flower. I almost never go out to shoot and not find something worthwhile. Sometimes I find things I never expected. It helps to be a cockeyed optimist.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

Professionals need to get the shot. They are being paid for that. We shoot for pleasure and if we are traveling and weather conditions deteriorate we have two choices, or we keep on photographing or we go home without images from the place we are visiting. I prefer to use my humble abilities and keep on shooting trying to do the best I can under the unfavorable weather conditions. I know for sure I most probably will have to get the best of me when it comes to editing.

We all face those unfavorable circumstances at one time or another. Early morning and late evening light is usually soft and beautiful and we prefer to photograph when that light favors our subjects. That does not mean we could not be facing a storm, snow, rain, windy conditions or other unwanted weather but it simply means we have to try to get the best of what we have and at times we could be pleasantly surprised with the results.

I remember in one occasion visiting the Grand Tetons National Park (2006) that we got up early to photograph the area around Snake River, a similar scene made famous by Ansel Adams in the 40's. The previous evening we had a heavy downpour and as the early light began to illuminate that area we still had ominous dark clouds lingering around from the night before. It really looked dark and ugly and many in the group decided to go back and wait for more favorable conditions. I stayed along with some others in the hope that we would be able to take advantage of the conditions present at the time. When the early sunlight began to illuminate the high peaks of the Tetons range everything changed and we were ready for it.

I am presenting here the image I made just for illustration and hoping it will help others to see the light and wait for the "decisive moment" in landscape photography.

(Download)

Country Boy Loc: Beckley, WV

I take photos of what I am seeing - if they don't suit me later the cost of using the "delete" button is within my expense plan. That said, I have gone back to a specific location to get the shot with better light.

dbjazz Loc: Long Island, NY

Memory is cheap. Just shoot. It's better to have some shots that you might decide to discard than to have no shots at all. You might get a pleasant surprise.

mkiegold86 Loc: New York, NY. U.S.A.

I always take the shot. At the very least it will end up in my scouting folder for future reference.

Not to long ago I had a shoot planed. When the day came I woke up to clouds and rain. Rather then postpone I went out anyway. While I didn't get what I had in mind I did get some nice images. By shooting RAW (Which is my routine) I had lossless originals I was able to manipulate in Photo Shop to create something different. I will share one example...

A Stormy Morning

(Download)