I've heard of a few apps like photopills that will provide information on the best time to photograph at particular viewpoints around the world. Since I'm just a beginning and amateur photographer, I'm hoping to find something easy to use and not terribly expensive (or free!) In particular, I'm looking for best times of day to shoot from particular viewpoints in Spain--Arcos, Zahara, Ronda, from San Nicolas viewpoint in Granada, Toledo, Segovia and Cordoba. RS does orientate all his maps with North at the top, so obviously, that's a decent start. It is just so sad to get to a particular viewpoint and find myself facing the sun!
Posted by
Atlanta, GA
697 posts
There are a number of good apps out there, and I have tried most of them. PhotoPills is probably the most robust, but the learning curve is steep. I have to watch the tutorials almost every time I use it. The Photographer's Ephemeris (TPE) is one of the most popular, and probably strikes the best balance between power and ease of use. It is available for just about every platform, including desktops. My go-to on the iPhone is an old app called LightTrac. I find it to be the easiest to use for figuring out where the sun is going to be at any given time or place. Even though it doesn't have all the bells and whistles --- augmented reality, elevation data and such --- of the other two apps, I find that it does what I need most of the time. I have been using LightTrac for years.
Posted by
Dana Point
1188 posts
I've used The Photographer's Ephemeris and have found it useful. I forget how much it cost, but it was negligible (~ $10, if memory serves.) You can figure out sunrise/sunset angles (or any time of day) anywhere in the world with it. Found is saves me time figuring out where to set up in the wee hours of the morning.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA ☔️
6788 posts
Another vote here for TPE.
Only problem with these things is that your photos tend to look like everyone else's. Kind of a bummer when you come home, google the place, and see 10,000 photos posted online that look identical to yours...
Posted by
US
391 posts
I'm looking for best times of day to shoot from particular viewpoints in Spain--Arcos, Zahara, Ronda, from San Nicolas viewpoint in Granada, Toledo, Segovia and Cordoba.
At the break of dawn in Ronda, I hiked from the top down to the gorge. Soft changing light lit up the distant peaks, vast fields, tiny villas and farm houses. A full moon and morning mist didn't hurt either.
From San Nicolas, the Alhambra was in its full glory just before sunset. Further enhanced by the fall foliage colors around it. Got there early to claim a spot for my tripod.
The Cordoba Mesquita has free admission for individuals, i.e. no groups, Mon to Sat, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Much better chance to have shots without people in it.
http://www.andalucia.com/cities/cordoba/mosque.htm
It is just so sad to get to a particular viewpoint and find myself facing the sun!
The light direction is only one element for a great landscape shot. Mother Nature has to chip in with more help, such as drifting clouds instead of boring blue sky for a background, no breeze for a mirror like reflection on a lake, etc. When in doubt, shoot at dawn and dusk.
Posted by
Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico
1743 posts
Only problem with these things is that your photos tend to look like everyone else's. Kind of a bummer when you come home, google the place, and see 10,000 photos posted online that look identical to yours...
This, to be honest, is something I will never comprehend.
When I travel, I try to take pictures that will capture my experiences and my memories. I don't want my photos to look like everyone else's.
Can someone explain to me the joy of travel photography that isn't about bringing home a personal record of your individual trip?