The Magic Of Light’s Edges

But the low-angle rays of morning and evening light are only part of the story for nature photographers looking to expand their photographic opportunities and skills. There is also what I call the "magic of light's edges,” those amazing lighting effects created by weather or atmospheric conditions that give you the ability to create truly magnificent images of the landscape. These atmospheric effects are most pronounced when weather conditions are just forming or clearing, hence the "edge of light" aspect

While sunrise often produces warm golden light on the landscape, when a clearing storm with striking cloud formations is added to the mix the results can be spectacular. Point Imperial on the North Rim of Grand Canyon is a favorite for many landscape photographers since its location allows uninterrupted sunrise light to bathe the canyon walls and Mount Hayden in that golden light. When sunrise monsoon storm clouds over the canyon add atmospheric filtering to the light—as well as a strong element to the composition—you have the opportunity to create a very unique, long-remembered image.

Light edge" landscape photography demands patience, perseverance, understanding of weather and atmospheric conditions and that most critical of photographic techniques: luck. Luck belongs to the well-prepared. Being in the right place at the right time because you have knowledge, patience and perseverance usually gets you the photographic opportunity.

While clearing conditions can create beautiful "light edge" conditions, you do not need to wait for storms or fog or mist to really clear. Work with the storm light, looking for openings in the cloud cover that create highlights or spot lighting on the landscape. These accentuated areas where the bright light edges bring out detail and add color can create opportunities for really striking images like this image of storm light on the sea stacks near Bandon Beach in Oregon.

When you have this beautiful, soft, filtered light, look for unique elements in the landscape to feature in your composition, and use the filtered light to add color and contour. I had a situation like this in Yosemite Valley one winter when I stopped at my favorite place, Gates of the Valley, but the light was not cooperating. The heavy cloud cover made the land featureless, but I had spectacular rime ice formations on the rocks in the Merced River right in front of me. So, again, applying a little patience I waited (and froze) to see if the cloud cover might ease up. After about 30 minutes, the clouds behind me opened slightly, allowing the light to cast beautiful reddish highlights on El Capitan and the clouds to the north. I had my unique rime ice and my "light edge" color. It all came together.