The Landscape Photography Book

You Want the Clouds Moving

There are two main things that long exposure brings to the table when it comes to daytime landscape photography, and they are: (1) smooth, silky water, and (2) awesomely streaked skies. However, to get that awesomely streaked sky, the clouds have to be moving, and the faster the better. If the clouds aren’t moving—they’re just kind of sitting there still in the sky (as is sometimes the case)—there’s no sense in even doing a long exposure because all you’ll get are some slightly out-of-focus clouds. Of course, if you don’t have clouds at all, just keep your gear in your car and keep driving.