FogCast · Fog Probability Forecast
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Fog Photography Tips:
Find It Before You Chase It

The best fog shots come from knowing when fog will form, not driving around hoping to find it. FogCast scores overnight fog probability so you can plan the shoot the night before.

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What makes fog form

Fog Is Predictable Once You Know What to Check

Radiation fog — the type that fills valleys and drifts across fields at sunrise — forms on calm, clear nights when the surface cools and air temperature drops to the dew point. Four variables drive it: high overnight humidity, a small gap between air temperature and dew point, wind under 5 mph, and clear skies for radiative cooling. Standard weather apps don't surface any of these together.

FogCast — iOS App Only
LightCast FogCast showing fog probability and formation timing
How to use fog for photography
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Be There Before Sunrise
Dense fog at sunrise is still and even-lit. The burn-off phase, 30–90 minutes after sunrise, is when it gets interesting: backlit wisps, shafts of light through trees, mist drifting across a river. FogCast shows estimated burn-off timing so you know which window to plan around.
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Go Low
Fog pools in valleys, along rivers, and in low terrain. A hilltop or elevated viewpoint above the fog layer gives you the classic above-the-fog scene. The valley floor gives you the ethereal, enclosed look. Check your location's elevation relative to the surrounding area when planning.
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Shoot the Day After Rain
Rain saturates the ground and raises baseline humidity significantly. The night after rain with clearing skies and calming winds is the highest-probability fog setup of any given week. FogCast weights recent precipitation in its probability score.
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Camera Settings for Fog
Expose to the right — fog scenes are bright and meters underexpose them. Shoot RAW. f/4–f/8 keeps the soft, diffuse quality of foggy light. In post, lift clarity and contrast slightly to recover depth that heavy fog flattens.
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Get the alert the night before
FogCast sends a push notification when tomorrow morning's fog probability is high for your saved locations. Decide tonight whether to set the alarm — not at 4am when it's too late to plan.
Common Questions
How do I find fog for photography?
Check the overnight forecast for humidity above 90%, wind under 5 mph, clear skies, and a dew point within 4°F of air temperature. Recent rain improves the setup. FogCast, exclusive to the LightCast iOS app, checks all of this automatically and gives you a probability score with timing.
What time is fog photography best?
The window runs from 30 minutes before sunrise through 60–90 minutes after. Before sunrise: dense and still. At sunrise: dramatic backlit quality. After sunrise: the burn-off phase produces the most dynamic imagery as fog breaks into drifting patches. FogCast shows the estimated burn-off window for your location.
What season is best for fog photography?
Autumn is the strongest fog season for most inland locations. Warm days evaporate moisture from the ground, and cool nights condense it. Spring is second. Summer nights are usually too warm; winter often too cold and dry for radiation fog.
What camera settings should I use for fog?
Expose to the right (fog is bright, meters underexpose). Shoot RAW. f/4 to f/8 for soft, diffuse rendering. Slight clarity and contrast boost in post restores depth. A polariser reduces flat grey cast in heavy fog.
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Plan the shoot the night before.

Fog probability score · Formation & burn-off timing · Push notifications
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