Weather conditions are not always conducive to capturing great images. This has been particularly true as we've entered the so-called Dog Days of Summer, characterized by a pattern of heat and humidity that leaves little opportunity for atmospheric changes that enhance images. Conditions like early morning fog and mist can add color, atmosphere, and even a sense of mystery, or broken cloud cover that can brighten the sky or create reflections on a lake's surface.
I'm lucky to live near two locations that provide opportunities to take beautiful landscape photos: Long Run Park and The Parklands at Floyd’s Fork. I've been venturing out early in the morning to catch the sunrise at Long Run Lake. Recently, I was welcomed by a perfect morning with thick fog that lingered throughout the morning, slow to dissipate even as the sun began to rise and herald the new day.
Days with perfect weather are rare, and to assist, I use several apps that provide detailed forecasts of weather conditions such as cloud cover, fog, and temperature. However, conditions on the lake can change, and sometimes it's necessary to go out and see for yourself instead of solely relying on technology.
In essence, my foray to the Lake lets me perceive the world in a way I hadn't imagined. It's an ongoing adventure of peeling back layers, uncovering stories, and finding beauty in that changes every day. This isn't just about clouds and fog, it's about seeing life through a lens that captures the poetry in the beauty of a sunrise, the rhythm in nature, and the stories whispered with the start of a new day.
Even on days that are not ideal for creating images, just getting out there is a great way to begin my day. It allows me to reflect on and appreciate what both nature and life have to offer.