Fog can turn an ordinary photo into a masterpiece. Almost for sure. At the very least, the image won't be boring. It will definitely add a mystical touch.
So how does fog affect photography?
The first thing is that it limits visibility. Fog scatters light, which we are not able to see in clear weather. But if there is something in the air for the light to reflect off, we will see voluminous light streams. Fog reduces image contrast. The scattering of light has several other effects. Fog dulls colors, but not uniformly. So when photographing in fog or haze, you can see a completely different set of colors than in day or night. Fog can also be colored by artificial light sources, which can be very beautiful. Fog increases the depth of the image, creating tonal perspective, and changes the entire mood of the photograph. Streetlights in the fog become magical, and unnecessary details are hidden.
How to take pictures in fog?
The time of the year and location matter. Fog needs a contrasting temperature, so autumn and spring are the most likely times it will form. In some parts of the world, fog is common. Fog forms where there is a temperature differential that allows water to condense to liquid. These include coastal areas on seas, oceans and lakes. Mountains are also a good location for fog, as are forests. Of course, it is also clear that fog collects in low-lying areas. If you are on a hike, go before dawn, and fog will add volume and depth to your photos. If you are in the city, you will be better off looking for fog near rivers as well. Generally, fog is best to photography in the early morning.
Here are a few more useful tips
Take a tripod. Fog seriously reduces lighting, and if you increase the ISO, you will get a noisy image. Condensation can be dangerous. Do not expose your camera to sudden temperature changes. Use the histogram. It really helps to understand what the image will look like on a large monitor. Use backlighting. In the case of lanterns and spotlights, you will get a soft light. In the case of the morning sun, the fog will make it visible.
Think about the composition. All the flaws in the composition will be more noticeable. Only silhouettes may remain in the image. Always try to shoot in RAW. You can make exposure corrections or take pictures with compensation when you retouch travel photos later. The camera's exposure meter will almost certainly be wrong when you are shooting in fog, so don't trust it.
Wake up early. This is universal advice for all travel and natural landscapes photographers. Fog doesn't last long, so be prepared in advance. As the sun rises, the color of the fog itself will also change.
