7 gorgeous misty scenes (and why Autumn is the ideal time to shoot them)

First published:
October 14, 2022
Updated:
February 6, 2024

7 gorgeous misty scenes (and why Autumn is the ideal time to shoot them)

First published:
October 14, 2022
Updated:
February 6, 2024

Cover image by Howard Renshaw

Be inspired by these gorgeously atmospheric misty images and learn how you can get the most out of the 'misty' season

Landscape and outdoor image featuring mist is a highly-popular subject with both photographers and buyers. Simply put, photos with misty conditions are gorgeous to the eye, emanating feelings of tranquillity and calm, and Autumn is the perfect time for capturing landscape images with foggy conditions.

As the Fall season rolls in, the nights get longer, and the temperatures get cooler, creating the necessary conditions for misty weather. This is because as the air cools, it cannot hold as much moisture, so water droplets get condensed and are suspended in the air - creating mist. As the sun rises and the warm air heats the ground, the mist dissipates, making dawn and early morning the ideal time to capture misty conditions.

Below you'll see seven beautiful shots of misty conditions, along with some of the settings dialled in by the photographers. Moreover, you'll also see a video tutorial on how to get the best out of your foggy scenes in post-production, and I hope you find it inspiring to get out there with your camera.

A light layer of mist on the surface of Coniston Water, Lake District. Photo by Howard Renshaw
Beetham Tower Hilton, Manchester by Lucas Smith - f/8 | 1/250s | ISO 100
Light, mist and trees blended together for a great mid-morning atmosphere. Photo by Florent Chouffot - f/8 | 1/100s | ISO 200
Into the mist by Mel Brackstone - f/8 | 10s | ISO 100
Trees and Mist reflect over the calm waters of Sparks Lake during sunrise in Central Oregon. Photo by Richard Bacon - f/7.1 | 1/400s | ISO 320
Tipton Place in the Fog, Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, USA. Photo by Doug and Marcy Wielfaert - f/14 | 1/80s | ISO 2800
Mist rolling through pasture and trees in the Hope Valley. Photo by Chris Day - f/7.1 | 1/340s | ISO 200

Video tutorial

With these quick post-production techniques in Adobe Lightroom, learn how to enhance existing tones and colours in your autumnal shots. As demonstrated by Lightroom expert and landscape photographer, James Abbott.

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