Wildfires are once again blazing across the Western United States and Canada, regions many consider the Mecca of nature photography. Climate change is the primary driving force behind these devastating fires, creating a new reality we must unfortunately learn to navigate. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore how to predict wildfire smoke, use it to your advantage in photography, and recognize when it might ruin your outdoor shooting plans.
When Smoke Ruins Your Plans
Before delving into photography techniques, we must acknowledge the tragedy affecting those who have lost homes or face threats from wildfires. This article focuses on how smoke impacts our photography - a less critical but still relevant concern for many nature enthusiasts.
Night Photography
For astrophotographers planning to capture the Milky Way or Aurora Borealis, smoke can be particularly problematic. Dense smoke can obscure the night sky, creating a brown haze that renders images nearly unusable. Always check smoke forecasts before embarking on a night photography expedition.
Wildfire smoke covering up the milky way at Corona Arch in Moab, Utah
Landscape Photography
While smoke can occasionally create compelling images, it typically mars beautiful landscapes with an apocalyptic brown haze. The red sun glowing through smoke might be visually striking, but for many, it now carries negative connotations due to the harsh realities of wildfires.
Air Quality Concerns
When wildfire smoke is present, air quality can rapidly deteriorate to unhealthy levels. This is especially important for individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma. To monitor air quality:
Use AirNow for real-time air quality data across the US.
If the Air Quality Index (AQI) is in the red zone (unhealthy), consider wearing an N95 mask for extended outdoor activities like hiking and photography.
AirNow Screenshot with Smoke and Air Quality Layers
Predicting and Avoiding Smoke
Utilizing Smoke Maps
AirNow also offers a smoke layer map, which is easier to interpret when you disable the air quality monitor layer. This map helps visualize smoke density:
Light grey areas: Slight haze, generally not a major concern.
Dark grey areas: Dense smoke, consider rescheduling your trip.
AirNow Screenshot with Smoke and Active Fire Layers
Predicting Smoke
A valuable tool for smoke prediction is the NOAA Smoke Forecast. This tool provides a model prediction of smoke conditions for the next 12-18 hours. While this doesn't allow for long-term planning, it's a useful short-term forecasting tool. However, keep in mind that even within 12 hours, actual conditions can vary significantly from the forecast due to the many variables involved.
NOAA Smoke Forecast
How to Use the NOAA Smoke Forecast
When you first open the site, you'll see a blank map. Start by turning on the "Surface Smoke" layer. This will populate the map with smoke forecast data. There are two different Surface Smoke layers available:
One under "RAP" (Rapid Refresh)
Another under "HRRR" (High-Resolution Rapid Refresh) The HRRR model is generally more accurate but only covers the continental US, while the RAP covers all of North America. The HRRR allows you to see the forecast out to 12 hours, whereas the RAP extends to 18 hours. Both models are updated hourly.
At the bottom of the page, you'll find a time scale with controls to view different times. By default, this is displayed in Zulu time. To change this to your local time, simply click the area where the time is displayed.
It's important to note that when the site loads, it defaults to the latest predicted model time, not the current time. What you're seeing is the prediction for later in the day or tomorrow. To see the current time, you must drag the slider back to the beginning.
Embracing Smoke in Your Photography
While smoke presents challenges, it also offers unique photographic opportunities:
Intimate Landscapes
Focus on smaller scenes where the warm glow of filtered light can enhance your composition. Experiment with excluding the sky to avoid evoking negative emotions associated with visibly smoky conditions, although including the sky can work at times.
Steam colored by warm wildfire smoke by David Kingham
Fog colored by warm wildfire smoke by David Kingham
Wildfire smoke gives color to the mist at Brink of the Upper Falls in Yellowstone National Park
Creating Fine Art Projects
Consider developing a photo series that showcases beauty amid adversity. Such projects can tell compelling stories when presented thoughtfully. For inspiration, check out Matt Lancaster's project "End of Days" in the Project Critique section of Nature Photographers Network.
It's critical to remember that flying drones near active wildfires is strictly prohibited. Firefighting aircraft operate at very low altitudes, and the presence of drones in the area can force these vital operations to be grounded. This not only hampers firefighting efforts but can also put lives at risk. Always check local regulations and fire status before flying your drone, and never fly near active fire zones.
Conclusion
As nature photographers, we must adapt to changing environmental conditions, including the increasing prevalence of wildfire smoke. By understanding how to predict, avoid, and sometimes utilize smoke in our images, we can continue to create meaningful work while prioritizing our health and safety.
Remember, always stay informed about local fire conditions and follow evacuation orders when issued. Your safety should always be the top priority.
This workshop was a thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding experience! David and Jennifer set the tone for a fun loving, growth experience. A milieu was established where photographers of all experience levels were welcome and provided with the appropriate level of input and feedback. I was gently pushed beyond my comfort zone which is a great place to learn! I highly recommend their workshops.
I highly recommend David’s mentoring! David assisted me by reviewing my images and providing constructive feedback on composition and post processing. This was augmented by improving my post processing skills. Surprisingly, I was able to simplify and reduce post processing time, while significantly improving my ability to realize my artistic vision.
In regards to artistic vision, I thought it would take years to identify my artistic style; however, with David’s help I was able to reach that goal in a few weeks. He accomplished this by having me share the photographers I admire and guiding me through a subset of their images asking me to share which ones resonated with me. He then helped me to identify the attributes of my preferred artistic style and the weather conditions that lend themselves to my artistic/photographic vision.
Wherever you are in your photographic journey, David can assist! The best photographic investment I have ever made by far!
My first trip with David was in August 2014. My most recent trip with David and, now, Jennifer, was last month, October 2024. In between, I took 6 other trips to places including Death Valley, Anza Boreggo, Yellowstone and Coyote Buttes. I continue to travel with them because, first, and most important, they have scouted the areas and know where to go to find really good photographic opportunities. Their taste is impeccable. They get you where you want to be.
Almost equally important is that both of them are just good people. They are easy to relate to and fun to be around. They are patient and helpful, always concerned with the group and not their own work. And, speaking of their work, if you look at what they’ve done over the past few years, you will see how highly regarded their work is.
I have no doubt that I’ll be traveling again with them.
Hi Mark,
It's always a joy to see you, and your kind words truly made our day! Your continued support means the world to us, and it’s been an incredible journey sharing all these adventures together. We're thrilled to know that our scouting efforts and companionship have resonated with you, and we genuinely look forward to creating even more memorable experiences together in the future. Until the next adventure!
During my private lesson with David, I requested processing advice for several images taken in Death Valley. I was so impressed that David did not take a formulaic approach, but rather, he took the time to discuss my personal style before beginning our session. His first question was: “Where do you want to take this image?”. He clearly wanted to explore and understand MY creative vision, before delving into the technical aspects of processing! To help me gain clarity, he asked permission to make a series of observations around some common elements that he had seen in my work, and asked me to provide feedback on his observations. With this approach, David did so much more for me than helping me process a few images, he helped me to identify, and embrace, my own creative style! I’m grateful to both David and Jennifer for helping me to learn and grow, and I’m finding so much more enjoyment in Photography now that I’m creating images that represent my own unique vision. I highly recommend their workshops, as well as online 1:1 sessions!
We're absolutely thrilled to hear about your positive experience with our private online mentoring session! Delving into your unique creative vision was a pleasure, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to explore and nurture your style alongside you. It's wonderful to know that our sessions have reignited your joy in photography, and on behalf of Jennifer and myself, thank you so much for your kind words and recommendation. We're excited to see where your newfound clarity and passion will take you next!
Once again, David and Jennifer provided us an educational and artistic experience in Yellowstone. Even though the weather was less than perfect, they know the Park so well, they were able to guide us to places that worked well with the weather we had. In addition to knowing the appropriate locations for various conditions and times, David and Jennifer provided both technical and artistic inputs to participants, in the field and classroom.
This was my third workshop with David and Jennifer. I highly recommend their workshops if you'd like to experience interesting places, learn new skills, and expand your photographic artistry under expert guidance.
We're thrilled to hear you had such an enriching experience with us in Yellowstone! Navigating the unpredictable weather is all part of the adventure, and we're delighted that our familiarity with the Park helped make the trip memorable for you. It's always a joy to share our technical and artistic perspectives and to see participants like you thrive. Thank you for your continued trust in our workshops; we can't wait to explore more captivating places with you in the future!