When the fog rolls in, and the views disappear, it does not mean that it is time to put the camera away in your bag. Now is the time to try something different and use the fog to produce more creative images. Take this time to slow down and watch how fog and mist can transform the landscape or your immediate environment. Look for scenes that would not ordinarily be there in any other weather conditions and seize the short-lived photography opportunities.
Mist and fog can be especially effective in removing distracting backgrounds, allowing you to really focus on the subject.
Fog is constantly moving. If you want to freeze the movement, then use a faster shutter speed to create a more realistic result. Watch out for what it reveals and conceals when moving across a landscape. Use this to define your composition. Also be aware of how fast fog can move in certain conditions. A scene can disappear or reappear in an instant.
If you prefer a smoother fog in your pictures, then set up a tripod and dial in a slower shutter speed for a longer exposure. This lack of movement and stillness creates calm in the scene.
Heavy fog can often obscure the view and the landscape can be swallowed up. Focus on detail instead. What lies within your radius? Can you create an appealing composition that depicts the weather conditions?
Fog and mist move in line with the landscape. Use this to enhance the shape of the landscape. This works particularly well with curves.
Combining light and fog can create beautiful nature and landscape images. This works especially well when shooting in low, warm light.
Most times, there will be no helpful addition of light. This means shooting in low light situations. Use a tripod or increase your ISO to reduce blur.
Use leading lines to show how thick the fog is in your image. The first few feet will be clear before fading to nothing, further into the scene.
The further away from your subject you are, the less contrast there is in the image. The subject fades into the fog. Use this effect to demonstrate the thickness of the fog.
And last but not least, use the fog to capture the mood and create beautiful, dream like images.
