Planning a photo trip: weather, tides, sunrise times and permits

Start with the location

• Research the place, not just famous images of it. Look at photos taken in different seasons and weather to see what is possible.
• Use maps and satellite views to check access, parking, path lengths and which way key features face.
• Note the direction of the view. A scene facing east suits sunrise; one facing west suits sunset. A north-facing view in the Northern Hemisphere gets side light at both ends of the day in summer.
• List backups nearby so you can switch if the weather or crowds do not cooperate.

Sun and moon times

1. Look up sunrise, sunset and twilight times for the exact location and date, because they vary with latitude and season.
2. Use a planning app that shows the direction of the sun and moon throughout the day over a map. It tells you where the light will fall and when the sun will rise behind a particular peak.
3. Allow time to walk in. Arrive well before the light begins; you need time to find a composition and set up.
4. Check moon phase if you plan any night photography. A full moon lights landscapes beautifully but hides faint stars.

Weather

• Check several forecasts and compare them; they differ, especially for mountains and coasts.
• Look at cloud by level. High, broken cloud often gives colourful sunrises and sunsets, while thick low cloud blocks the light entirely.
• Watch wind speed. Strong wind makes tripods shake, ruins reflections and can make exposed paths dangerous.
• Fog and mist form in valleys on still, clear nights after damp days. They are hard to predict precisely, but those conditions improve the odds.
• Mountain weather changes quickly. Check a dedicated mountain forecast where one exists.

Tides on the coast

• Check tide tables for the nearest port to your location. Times and heights vary along a coast.
• Decide what you want. Low tide exposes rock pools, sand patterns and sea stacks; high tide brings waves close to cliffs and harbours.
• Know the escape route and when it will be covered. Allow a generous margin and keep an eye on the water while you shoot.

Permits, rules and access

• Parks and reserves may have opening hours, seasonal closures, parking fees or timed entry at busy times.
• Commercial work such as paid shoots, workshops or footage for sale often needs a permit, even when personal photography is free.
• Drones are restricted or banned in many parks and near airports, and national rules on registration and flying apply.
• Private land usually needs the owner's permission, and rights of access vary from country to country.
• Popular viewpoints may have limited parking; arrive early or use public transport where possible.

Pack for the plan

• Spare batteries and memory cards, kept warm in cold weather.
• Headtorch for pre-dawn walks and after sunset, plus a spare.
• Layers and waterproofs; you will stand still for long periods.
• Lens cloths for spray and rain.
• Food, water and a charged phone, and an offline map in case there is no signal.

Stay flexible