Magic Light and the Dynamic Landscape

Moments of peak action are well-known in sports photography, but they also happen in nature photography. The light can change within seconds and the best light may occur only long enough for a single frame. To create dramatic images, landscape photographers must first recognize those moments of magic light that get the heart pumping and blood flowing. While the sunrise and sunset hours provide recognized opportunities, the keen photographer will soon see that magic light can also happen at other times of the day. (Have you ever noticed how dramatic the sky can be before or after storm? Or seen a shaft of light shimmering through a snow squall over the mountain ridge?) After identifying the light, capturing the moment requires fast action; often, you need to set up fast and shoot within seconds to get the shot. At every phase of the process, from finding magic light throughout the day to making best use of it when you do, this book arms you with the skills you need to succeed—and use magic light to transform everyday landscapes into ethereal visions.