Misty-Moisty Morning

It's a good thing I became serious about photography later in my life. In my younger years, even if circumstances had allowed, I don't think I ever would have convinced myself to get up out of bed on a chilly morning, full of rain and fog, to wander the fields and back roads enjoying the muted splendor nature has to offer.

It's not easy to capture fog well. Depth and texture disappear  in the fog. Distant objects have no definition. Contrast is limited. Landscape scenes are dimly lit and because fog is reflective, your camera gets confused about exposure.  But the mood created, whether melancholy, spooky or calming, is worth the effort.

Here are some useful tips:

        (1)  The most effective shots use a foreground object.

            The clarity of that object defines the thickness of the                

            fog.

     (2)  Because of the dim light, use longer exposure or 

             positive compensation.

         (3)  To avoid a "bright-out," use backlighting. That's why 

             early morning or evening hours heighten the effect of 

             the fog.

      (4) With texture and contrast gone, look for subjects 

           that are all about shape. Then walk around and play

          with how to best showcase them. Great silhouettes
 are within your reach if you place yourself
accordingly.

Here's a link to a great article from "Cambridge in Colour" that recently inspired me:           http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/fog-photography.htm

FOG

BY CARL SANDBURG

THE FOG COMES

ON LITTLE CAT FEET

IT SITS LOOKING

OVER HARBOR AND CITY

ON SILENT HAUNCHES

AND THEN MOVES ON

have fun...