Photographing Landscapes in Wildfire Smoke

By Kahli April

It’s unfortunate that this topic is timely and relevant here in Canada at the moment as many wildfires rage out of control. For those who have been directly affected- evacuated, scared, worried, or have even lost property, my thoughts are with you.

As our landscape is damage and scarred, it’s hard to not feel loss and grief. As a photographer, it may not feel right to pick up the camera during these difficult times. 

However there are some opportunities amongst this. When wildfires strike, the landscape undergoes a dramatic transformation. While it brings destruction and devastation, the fire also creates atmosphere, stories and unexpected opportunities.

Wildfire smoke presents a unique opportunity to capture the ethereal and haunting beauty of landscapes amidst the chaos. While safety should always be the top priority, with proper planning, you can create powerful images that convey the impact of wildfires. Below are some considerations that to go with shooting during these unique conditions.

Photo by Kahli April.

Embrace the Conditions
Wildfire smoke creates an atmospheric effect that can add depth and drama to your photographs. Experiment with the diffused light and muted colors caused by the smoke. The hazy conditions can create a surreal and moody ambiance, making for compelling and different compositions. Look for opportunities to include elements such as silhouettes of trees, buildings, or people to enhance the sense of scale and tell a visual story.

Contrast and light
Notice the difference in contrast. The smoke will create a diffused light that adds a dreamlike quality to your images. Look for scenes with interesting foreground elements that can create depth and provide contrast against the smoky, washed out backdrop. The light will behave completely differently to what we’re used to and can even create a sunrise/set like glow effect all day long. As the light is reduced in the smoke, the middle of the day may now be a more optimal time to shoot.

Photos by Kahli April.

Look for small scenes
The wide, grander scenes might not be the way to go if there is a lot of smoke around, so instead, look for the smaller details within the landscape. Diffused light on a wildflower growing out of the ash, abstract patterns in burnt wood. These smaller opportunities can lead to beautiful images and also make for beautiful documentary style images.

Re-visit familiar places
Going to see the places you’ve been to many times before can be a really interesting photography exercise. Those spots you feel like you’ve tried every angle of already or feel like have been overshot to death will feel completely different in the smokey light. The background now might not be visible in smoke, meaning compositions can become more simple and minimal, forcing you to focus on other details of the place you may not have focused on usually. It’s a great way to get a unique shot of popular places.

The aftermath
After the smoke has cleared, the charred landscape will be full of new photographic possibilities. Focus on the regenerative power of nature by including elements of resilience, such as budding plants or signs of life amidst the devastation. Maybe more of a documentary style is your thing, showcase the efforts of firefighters and the community's response to the wildfire to convey the collective strength in the face of adversity. By capturing both the destructive and regenerative aspects, your photographs can evoke a deeper emotional connection.

Of course, safety first. If the fire is close, this is not the time for photography. Before venturing out to photograph in wildfire smoke, it's crucial to stay informed about the fire conditions and follow all safety guidelines. Monitor local air quality reports and wildfire updates to ensure it's safe to be in the area. Be aware of evacuation orders and respect any road closures. Understanding the behaviour of the wildfire and the direction of the smoke will help you plan your shoot effectively and avoid risky situations. I like to use the website firesmoke.ca to get smoke predictions. As much as we cross our fingers the files will subside, we can still pick up our cameras and create as they burn.

Kahli April is a landscape, adventure and wedding/engagement photographer based in Canmore, AB.

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