Behind The Lens is the name of the blog. The Words Behind the Lens are written over a photo of red canyon walls of Lake Powell Utah with camera with strap tilted on its side.

Chasing the Light or Embracing the Light

Mar 204 min read

Hey everybody, let's go Behind the Lens and talk about light. Light is that essential ingredient that transforms a simple scene into a breathtaking image. As a photographer, I've absorbed a common piece of advice from seasoned landscape pros—great photos are made in great light, so chase the light. Seasoned photographers often wax poetic about the golden hour—those ethereal moments just after sunrise and before sunset when the light is soft, warm, and utterly enchanting. Landscape and nature photographers, in particular, are notorious for their dedication to chasing this elusive light. They're up before dawn, braving the chill and darkness, to capture the soft, ethereal early morning light and wait patiently until dusk for that soft golden late afternoon to evening radiance, all in pursuit of that perfect shot.

Grand Canyon landscape with red and brown layered rock formations under a partly cloudy blue sky. Shadows and depth create a dramatic scene. — Sunrise - Grand Canyon

They'll tell you to avoid the harsh, direct light of midday, which casts unflattering shadows and washes out colors. They'll praise the diffused light of an overcast day, which creates a soft, even illumination. And while I understand and appreciate the beauty of these lighting conditions, I've come to realize that my approach to light is a little different—a truth that challenges the conventional wisdom of shooting only during “ideal” light conditions.

Orange hoodoos in Bryce Canyon under a blue sky, surrounded by distant cliffs. The scene is bright and majestic. — Bryce Knights - shot in harsh light

The Traditional Chase

In the world of landscape photography, the consensus is almost unanimous:

Early Dawn: The soft, pastel hues of sunrise create a delicate canvas.
Late Afternoon/Early Evening: The golden hours bathe the scene in a warm, inviting glow.
Overcast Days: Diffused light avoids unflattering harsh shadows, maintaining a balanced exposure.

Close-up of bamboo sticks tied to a tree trunk with green, blurred background. The image is natural and earthy, suggesting tranquility. — Bent Reeds - Shot on an overcast day

These times are celebrated because the light is not only flattering but also seems to imbue nature with a sense of mystery and inspiration. It’s as if time slows down, and every detail is draped in a beautiful, transient quality that you can only capture when nature itself is in a state of gentle transition.

A Different Perspective: Safety and Style

As a woman, often traveling solo to my shoot locations, the practical side of photography sometimes diverges from the textbook “ideal.” The idea of setting up in remote areas before dawn or staying out late after dark can feel daunting, if not downright unsafe. The early hours may promise breathtaking light, but the solitude of pre-dawn darkness or the risks of shooting after dark weigh heavily on my mind. Personal safety is paramount, and I refuse to compromise it, not even to capture the "ideal" image.

So, what's a fine art photographer to do? Are we relegated to chasing the golden hour, forever bound by the constraints of "ideal" light? I say, absolutely not! I’ve learned to embrace the full spectrum of light as an equally viable—and often safer—option. I find beauty in the strong contrasts and bold shadows that direct light creates. I love the way it illuminates details and brings out the vibrancy of colors. In other words, I love well-lit scenes. Harsh, direct light with its dramatic shadows can be just as captivating as soft dawn hues.

When the light isn’t “just right,” I reach for filters, contextually adjusting the mood and tone of my images. Filters let me tweak contrasts, manage glare, and bring out the hidden beauty even when the sun is high in the sky. Filters are a game-changer. I've learned to manipulate the light, rather than being dictated by it.

Is Fine Art Photography Limited by Light?

So, are fine art photographers relegated to those narrow windows of early morning or late afternoon light? I say, not at all. Can we capture a heart-stopping, inspirational scene in any light? My answer is a resounding yes.

Flexibility in Vision: Every scene has its own story, and sometimes a bold, well-lit composition can capture an inspirational, heart-stopping moment that might be lost in the soft glow of the golden hours.
The Power of Filters: With modern tools at our disposal, I can transform even the brightest light into an artistic statement. Filters and post-processing techniques empower us to sculpt the light rather than be solely dependent on natural conditions.
Personal Safety and Creative Freedom: For me, the decision to shoot during full light isn’t a compromise—it's a mindful choice that balances safety with creativity. It reminds me that my art is not about following a rigid formula, but about expressing my unique perspective, wherever and whenever inspiration strikes.

Embracing Your Own Light

Photography is about capturing a moment, an emotion, a feeling. It's about seeing the world through your own unique lens and expressing your vision. And while light plays a crucial role, it's not the only factor. It's about composition, perspective, and the story you want to tell. It's about finding beauty in the unexpected and embracing the imperfections. It's about creativity and resourcefulness.

So, while I respect the wisdom of those who chase the golden hour, I've found my own path. I'm a photographer who embraces all light, who prioritizes safety, and who believes that inspiration can be found at any time of day.

Don't let anyone tell you that you can only create beautiful images in certain lighting conditions. Experiment, explore, and find what works for you. Chase your own light and let your creativity shine! Let your creative vision guide you beyond conventional wisdom. Embrace every hue, every shadow, and every moment under the sun. Whether you're harnessing the quiet mystery of dawn, the vibrant energy of full daylight, or the soft whispers of an overcast sky, each setting offers a new way to tell your story.

What are your thoughts on shooting in different lighting conditions? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!