Beyond Golden Hour: How to Take Better Landscape Photos All Day

Key Points:

• Photographer Matt Suess advocates for landscape photographers to spend an entire day shooting in one location, from before sunrise until after dark, to experience diverse lighting conditions and discover unique photographic opportunities often missed by others.
• Suess emphasizes the value of shooting during overlooked times such as blue hour and midday, using variable weather and cloud cover to create dynamic light and shadow effects, and experimenting with in-camera filters to enhance images in challenging light.
• Safety and preparedness are priorities for Suess, who travels light with essential gear including bear spray, waterproof clothing, and a versatile 12-100mm lens, allowing flexibility and focus on the landscape rather than equipment.
• His approach includes careful composition before sunrise in soft, low-contrast light, rapid shooting during sunrise’s fleeting colors, and creative use of night photography techniques like Live Composite and light painting to capture unique nighttime scenes.
• Ultimately, Suess values the experience and learning gained from spending extended time in nature over producing perfect images every time, encouraging photographers to slow down, observe, and enjoy the outdoors fully.