Shooting a misty dawn?

[Dorsetsnapshot]

Afternoon All,

After a long break from photography, I'm now determined to get back into things in 2021 as a way to help both my mental health and physical, setting myself some challenges and really focusing on improving (hopefully).

One shot I know I want to achieve in 2021 is to shoot a misty morning, be it from a hill, or of fields/a river. Now, my question is, how much research/planning can you do to achieve the misty morning look, or is it more luck with getting mist forming?

I tried to look online and found information such as look for a clear/still night with visibility that worsens throughout the night? Is it purely a case of finding that night 1-2 days in advance, then getting to my chosen location and hope that it is misty?

Thanks in advance,
DSS

 

[Jim_Tod]

I would use a range of weather forecasting sites. If you've not already read this, here's some more info.

How to Photograph Magical Morning Mist – Nature TTL

Misty mornings make for magical photographs. Ross Hoddinott shares his expert advice on how to photograph mist and fog.

www.naturettl.com

I would also keep a log of locations you're interested in shooting and see what conditions are like when mist forms or doesn't, e.g. if the notional wind is from a particular direction does that mean mist is more or less likely, in that location etc.

I would suggest if it's part of improving your mental health that you chose locations that are photogenic without mist but with a nice sunrise and treat the presence of mist as a bonus.

 

[JasonPC]

You can learn the weather ‘signals’ - generally low wind/gust, clear skies, high humidity, cooler temps. Water helps as well. The Met Office has humidity and visibilty readings on their forecasts. Clear Outside is another good app.

It‘s worth looking on FlickR for foggy photos nearby as well. Some locations are very prone to fog and with a bit of research and local knowledge you can get a few ’go to’ locations for when the conditions are right.

 

[AgentOrange76]

Clear outside can be a useful app usually if it says fog its foggy.

 

[Stegosaurus]

There is a certain amount of luck involved, but your best chance is to find a location where mist likes to form. Then keep an eye on the weather forecast and be prepared to get up before dawn and wait for what might be a fleeting event. And not to expect too much. Even if mist is elusive, there is no better balm for the soul than watching and listening to day break in a beautiful location.

 

[Suvv]

I use the met office site to see if a morning is likely to be misty, the luck comes from getting good light as well.
You can get almost silhouettes

or some colour in the sky

 

[TCR4x4]

Cold mornings after a clear night and get to high ground works around here.

 

[Dorsetsnapshot]

I would use a range of weather forecasting sites. If you've not already read this, here's some more info.

How to Photograph Magical Morning Mist – Nature TTL

Misty mornings make for magical photographs. Ross Hoddinott shares his expert advice on how to photograph mist and fog.

www.naturettl.com

I would also keep a log of locations you're interested in shooting and see what conditions are like when mist forms or doesn't, e.g. if the notional wind is from a particular direction does that mean mist is more or less likely, in that location etc.

I would suggest if it's part of improving your mental health that you chose locations that are photogenic without mist but with a nice sunrise and treat the presence of mist as a bonus.

Thank you, that's a great idea. I think I will start to document dates, times, conditions, etc, so I can get a log up, but also I can start to learn what places should be like when I go there. Thank you

You can learn the weather ‘signals’ - generally low wind/gust, clear skies, high humidity, cooler temps. Water helps as well. The Met Office has humidity and visibilty readings on their forecasts. Clear Outside is another good app.

It‘s worth looking on FlickR for foggy photos nearby as well. Some locations are very prone to fog and with a bit of research and local knowledge you can get a few ’go to’ locations for when the conditions are right.

Thank you, I'll keep that information aside for when I start to track the weather/try and target mists in the new year. I would never have thought of checking FlickR for photos, can you tell I've been out of the game for a while lol.

Clear outside can be a useful app usually if it says fog its foggy.

I actually have that app on my phone for when I was trying to get into astro/star trails. I'm feeling quite embarrassed that I didn't think of that myself! Thank you!

I use the met office site to see if a morning is likely to be misty, the luck comes from getting good light as well.
You can get almost silhouettesView attachment 301205

or some colour in the sky
View attachment 301206

I love that second photo in particular. It reminds me of my early mornings fishing lakes when I was alot younger!

Cold mornings after a clear night and get to high ground works around here.

That is a stunning phot also. It seems you live in a lovely place!