If you’re passionate about landscape photography, shooting with an objective can assist you in capturing unique images. Why not establish such an objective for 2025? I propose capturing twelve distinct natural phenomena. Naturally, you can compile a list of your own as well.
At times, finding inspiration for obtaining stunning landscape photographs can be a challenge. You may venture out and allow yourself to be amazed by what you discover, or you may prefer to head out with a clear goal, detailed plans, and a specific image in mind.
Nevertheless, setting an objective can also be approached in various ways, extending over a longer timeframe. The beginning of 2025 can serve as a fantastic launch point for such an initiative. You might opt for something as straightforward as taking one photograph in a specified theme each month or a topic relevant to that month, like flowering plants or something similar.
You can make it as challenging as you desire. However, avoid making it excessively difficult, or you might lose motivation. Conversely, don’t make it too simple either. Discovering the ideal balance may turn out to be a task. That’s why I have compiled a list of subjects that are neither overly challenging nor too easy to attain.
1. Rainbow, Moonbow, or Fogbow
A rainbow is relatively easy to capture. It’s also one of the most stunning and frequently occurring natural phenomena. The challenge lies in photographing a rainbow within a spectacular landscape. I suspect this may pose the greatest difficulty.
If you’re looking to elevate your skills, aim to capture a moonbow or even a fogbow. These occurrences are less common or might even be rare, but they can present an excellent challenge for those who have often photographed a rainbow.
2. Belt of Venus
Once the sun sets, the Earth casts a shadow into the atmosphere on the opposite side. This appears as a darker blue stripe beneath a reddish stripe. The latter is known as the Belt of Venus.
While not rare, it requires a clear sky. It can provide a magnificent complement to a landscape photo. Often, we focus on the horizon and the landscape of the sunset. But do remember to glance over your shoulder as well. There, you might find the Belt of Venus.
3. Moon or Sun Halo
A halo around the moon or sun is not particularly uncommon. Nevertheless, it’s always remarkable to observe that circle in the sky. It appears at 22 degrees from the light source, so you need at least a 24mm lens on a full frame to capture that field of view.
Keep perspective in consideration. The halo may become distorted. This distortion can be adjusted if you create a vertical panorama or utilize an ultra wide-angle lens and apply some perspective correction in editing software. This way, you can obtain a lovely landscape as well.
4. Sundog or Moondog
If there isn’t a halo present, at 22 degrees left and right of the sun, a sundog can appear. The sun must be near the horizon for this to happen. Sundogs can be incredibly bright, with vibrant rainbow colors, or just a colorless spot.
On rare occasions, it can also be observed with the moon. In this case, it’s referred to as a moondog, but it is essentially the same. Because the moon shines significantly less brightly than the sun, you need a full moon to have a chance.
5. Light Circles
Light circles are not uncommon and can often be observed around the sun or any other bright light when viewed through numerous blades of grass or tree branches. The light reflects off the branches in such a manner that the reflection appears circular.
This is an optical illusion, clearly. But it’s delightful to incorporate it into a composition or to document it as a subject. You can accomplish this with sunlight filtering through grass or with streetlights and branches at night.
6. Sun Pillar
Provided the conditions are right, ice crystals in the atmosphere can reflect sunlight in such a way that a sun pillar can be witnessed. The sun must be low on the horizon or even below it for this effect to occur.
Occasionally, these pillars can also be seen over urban areas. In such instances, they are known as light pillars, and they can be quite spectacular. However, a sun pillar has a more natural source of illumination.
7. Noctilucent Clouds
These clouds are relatively uncommon, though they appear more frequently than in years gone by. Whatever the reason, capturing these elusive clouds can be accomplished when the sun has set. A higher latitude provides a better opportunity to observe these clouds. Ensure you utilize a proper shutter speed because these clouds often exhibit visible movement.
8. Aurora Borealis and Australis
Speaking of higher latitudes, if you reside near or above the Arctic Circle, you have an excellent chance of witnessing and capturing the awe-inspiring aurora. Especially now, with the sun approaching its solar maximum, it promises to be extraordinary at times.
Due to the solar maximum, lower latitudes also have a great opportunity to experience the aurora. Keep an eye on solar activity and aurora forecasts and hope for a clear sky.
9. Meteor Shower
Why not attempt to capture one of the numerous annual meteor showers? The most active is the Perseid in August, but there are many others as well. The Geminids, Orionids, and Leonids, to name a few. These might not be as prolific as the Perseids, but capturing that one bright meteor or bolide is worth the effort.
10. Shelf Cloud
For some, it might be a recurring phenomenon; others may see a shelf cloud or roll cloud infrequently. I find myself among the latter.
These clouds are striking and serve as fantastic subjects in a remarkable landscape. It may require a bit of luck and more than one attempt, but if you manage to capture one, it’s incredible. Don’t forget to pack an umbrella.
As an alternative, you might attempt to capture lightning. It’s more frequent and thus simpler to accomplish. However, locating a beautiful landscape to photograph the lightning might prove challenging. Regardless of your choice, prioritize your safety.
11. Witte Wieven
There exists a Dutch folklore about the Witte Wieven. These are believed to be the spirits of wise women or even elf-like entities. In truth, it’s a gentle mist hovering over fields and marshes that glimmers brightly in moonlight.
Despite the reality, the legend adds an intriguing element. Especially when standing on a moonlit night, gazing over the fields where the mist flares are drifting and shifting. It undeniably feels otherworldly, and you may ponder if the legend is actually rooted in truth.
12. Wind Feather
Cirrus clouds can be shaped into feather-like formations by the wind. These wind feathers can take on incredible forms. Although they are not rare and easy to spot, capturing the most remarkable wind feathers in a landscape may pose a challenge.
Make Your Own List
This list is merely a suggestion. It’s something I aspire to capture in 2025. Your interests in subjects might diverge from mine. Perhaps you can find inspiration to create your own list of topics. It doesn’t necessarily need to consist of twelve items. It could be as straightforward as photographing a scene across four different seasons.
I encourage you to share your personal list in the comments below. It may assist others who may find it difficult to identify something captivating for themselves. I eagerly await your responses and suggestions.