Fog Waves: Capturing Nature in Motion
Imperial Flow by Nick Steinberg
As you can see the fog kind of arcs up in that one spot. What amazes me most about fog is the fact that no two shots are ever the same. This is what I call, “subtlety of movement” where there are small windows of opportunity with fog as it evaporates, moves in, and undulates. This requires decisive action, tests your skills, and requires one to be “present” in the moment, and “ride” along with it.
Landscape and cityscape photographers have a love/hate relationship with the fog that inundates the San Francisco Bay area. It can make for some spectacular and moody photos, but it can also leave the area un-shootable – that is unless you seek higher ground. Nick Steinberg and other photographers in the Bay Area have formed a group that they call the “Fogaholics”.
The group consists of around 20 photographers that watch forecasts religiously and seek out the best foggy shooting conditions possible. When the fog rolls in, they make their way to Mt. Tamalpais, which sits at 2,572ft above sea level. This unique vantage point gives them the opportunity to photograph some amazingly beautiful conditions. With the help of an ND filter and exposure times sometimes exceeding two minutes, Nick is able to capture the fog waves as they make their way inland.
To see more of Nick’s work be sure to visit his website and Instagram.
Fog Waves: Capturing Nature in Motion
Fog Waves by Nick Steinberg
This was my original shot entitled fog waves. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I discovered how, when the fog was at the perfect height and density, it would create wave-like movements as it contoured the land. On this particular evening, not only did we have amazing fog flow, but a nice vibrant sky to match.
Fog Waves: Capturing Nature in Motion
Wavy Gravy by Nick Steinberg
I would say the fog on this summer evening was purely magical. It had the perfect consistency that was so delicious. You can even see the Transamerica pyramid sticking out of the fog in the distant San Francisco skyline. An evening to remember!
Fog Waves: Capturing Nature in Motion
Awake in Dream by Nick Steinberg
Mt. Tamalpais is one of my favorite places on earth! On this night I went up there on a whim. I didn’t expect much, but to my surprise, there wasn’t a single person in sight and the fog rolled in perfectly. It truly felt like I was in a dream world!
Fog Waves: Capturing Nature in Motion
Fire Waves by Nick Steinberg
Out of almost daily trips to Mt.Tam in the summer of 2016, I would say that this was by far the best flow i’d seen. Normally the rangers kick everyone out around sunset, but on this evening they came really late and allowed me to get some rare footage of fog coming in at twilight. What I loved about this one was the layers of fog coming through the trees. The beautiful and vibrant red sky was unfortunately lit up due to a nearby fire.
Fog Waves: Capturing Nature in Motion
Candy Land by Nick Steinberg
On this night I was going for a little different feel to add some foreground interest to the fog waves. I can’t help to think that the fog looked like fluffy marshmallows flowing across the land during my long exposure.
Fog Waves: Capturing Nature in Motion
Lunar Fog Waves by Nick Steinberg
On this evening me and about 4 friends decided to get some different vantage points by hiking “off the beaten trail” to get some moonlit fog flowing in. At first, the fog wasn’t flowing, but within no time it was spilling over and creating, “the wave.” While it was a pretty tough hike, it was by far one of the most magical experiences shooting up there that evening.
Fog Waves: Capturing Nature in Motion
Heaven on Earth by Nick Steinberg
There’s something about being up there and experiencing the fog flowing like this that is somewhat of a spiritual experience.
Fog Waves: Capturing Nature in Motion
Fog Sweep by Nick Steinberg
This is a little bit of a closer, intimate view of the fog waves flowing through the nearby town of Mill Valley and the little houses down there. I wonder if the people who live there understand how beautiful it is from above.
Fog Waves: Capturing Nature in Motion
Rip Curl by Nick Steinberg
Another close up, intimate view of the extreme fog waves as it contours the land. Shooting Fog is a study and each day is a little bit different flow. On this day, it was particularly active.
Fog Waves: Capturing Nature in Motion
Summer Waves by Nick Steinberg
A typical summer evening up on the mountain. By typical I mean amazing and magical!
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
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