Nando Harmsen

Code orange or red? Go out and take photos!

Tuesday 1 September 2026, 14:14 by | 35 views | 0 comments

This article was translated from Dutch with the help of AI. Read the original.

When you photograph landscapes, you want to capture the finest moments. That could be a sunrise or sunset. It could also be during stormy weather.

There are moments that allow you to photograph beautiful and dramatic landscapes. Of course, there are the moments at the beginning and end of the day. They are not the only moments.

Dramatic landscapes often come with impressive cloudscapes. This means you need to go out when those skies are there. Or better still, when they are on their way. 

Cantabria 2026 2026 - f/8, 8s, 100 ISO @ 21mm

A brief glimpse of sunshine beneath a heavily clouded sky in Cantabria, while heavy rain had been forecast - f/8, 8s, 100 ISO @ 21mm


Keep an eye on the weather forecast. These days, warning codes are used at the drop of a hat. Is there a yellow, orange or red warning? Then go to your favourite location. It is a sign that you could encounter that beautiful sky.

Of course, you should not put yourself in unnecessary danger. Thunderstorms remain dangerous, and you need to deal with them sensibly. But a heavy shower will not do any harm. You can dress for it.

Cantabria 2026 2 - f/8, 1.6s, 200 ISO @ 44mm

A thunderstorm on the horizon in Cantabria - f/8, 1.6s, 200 ISO @ 44mm


So keep an eye on the weather forecast and consider going out when the time comes. Make sure you have suitable clothing, a good location, and capture the landscape in those conditions.

This gives you the chance of impressive clouds, local showers, and breathtaking colours in the sky. Who knows, you might capture lightning from a safe distance, or come across a rainbow.

Wadden 2021 - f/8, 1/200s, 200 ISO @ 24mm

The sunset illuminates the rain clouds above the Wadden Islands, with a beautiful double rainbow - f/8, 1/200s, 200 ISO @ 24mm


Do you go out when the weather conditions are 'less than ideal'? Or are you a fair-weather photographer? Let us know in a comment below this post.

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Nando Harmsen

About the author

Nando Harmsen has been photographing for more than 40 years. He specialises in wedding photography and landscape photography. Nando also gives talks, workshops, masterclasses and photo trips, and regularly reviews new and interesting equipment.

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