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Food Photography Streetwise food photographer for the day uses street photography skills to document historic food market Photography Photo Technique Missed by many, mastered by few – the unexpected secret behind great photography Kim Bunermann 22 June 2025 Photographic magic happens when preparation meets unpredictability – showcasing moments most others miss When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. Image Analysis Extraordinary photographic moments drive us as photographers. Embracing the unexpected is not just an opportunity – it's a recipe for creating images that inspire awe, no matter the genre. Unpredictable moments and image elements offer something different – unique visuals that viewers don't see every day. In today's crowded world of digital imagery, capturing these moments helps your photography stand out. When the unexpected strikes, be ready. You can't always plan for the moment, but strong skills let you adapt fast – before it's gone. Daniel nearly abandoned this shoot, but on the way to his car, he looked back and saw dense fog drifting along the river (Image credit: Daniel Costa) Weather-driven changes, for example, can dramatically enhance a scene. Whether it's a thunderstorm creating a powerful backdrop or fog magically framing the subject. You may like How to improve your travel photography and give your images some originality Photography composition: Enhance the drama and direct the viewer The 70-minute photograph - A long wait for a fleeting moment Portuguese professional Photographer Daniel Costa, known for his landscape, seascape, and urban photography, says, "By embracing the unpredictability of nature and adapting my approach, I managed to transform an uncertain situation into a stunning image. Always be ready for unexpected changes – they can lead to extraordinary photographic opportunities." One example is Daniel's acclaimed image 'Guiding Light', which showcases his skill in embracing the unexpected and mastering weather conditions to highlight his subject. Let's explore the story behind this remarkable photo of this Lisbon landmark and how Daniel uses nature's unpredictability to create powerful visuals. "The 'Guiding Light' image depicts a scene that I had envisaged for some time. After several attempts, I finally managed to align the foggy weather conditions with a day when I was available. On that particular day, the weather forecast had predicted fog, but clear skies greeted me before sunrise, leading me to nearly abandon the shoot. "However, just 30 minutes after sunrise, as I was halfway to my car, I looked back and saw dense fog beginning to drift along the river. I ran back to my previous spot as fast as I could. In just three minutes, the fog started to turn golden, enveloping the Cristo Rei statue. Within minutes, the statue had completely disappeared into the fog." Image Analysis Key points Daniel considered 1. Seize the moment "Patience was key. Despite the initial disappointment of clear skies, staying at the location allowed me to witness and photograph the fog as it slowly enveloped the statue. This experience highlighted the importance of persistence and being ready to adapt to any sudden changes in the photographic conditions." 2. Embrace warmth and light "As the fog began to thicken, the early morning sun cast a warm, golden light across the scene. I took full advantage of this light, which beautifully outlined the statue’s silhouette against the mist. Observing the way in which light interacts with the fog can significantly enhance the mood and depth of your photos." 3. Compose with the fog "The fog served as a dynamic backdrop, making the Cristo Rei statue appear as if it were emerging directly from the mist. I carefully composed the shot to accentuate this effect, experimenting with various angles to capture the statue’s grandeur as it emerged from the ethereal scene." Daniel Costa Social Links NavigationPhotographer Daniel Costa is a professional landscape, seascape, and urban photographer from the town of Sintra in Portugal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located inside the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. Daniel is a brand ambassador for both Formatt-Hitech and Sunwayfoto and has traveled to many countries around the world over the past few years. He is the author of two published books and now focuses on writing magazine reviews and articles, and on running photography workshops and tours. You might like... You might want to explore our 5-minute photo tips series to enhance your photography quickly and easily: - How to think in black and white - Capturing skies that create a big impact - Avoiding overexposure using filters Get the Digital Camera World Newsletter The best camera deals, reviews, product advice, and unmissable photography news, direct to your inbox! Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. See more Photo Technique Tutorials Kim Bunermann Social Links Navigation Staff Writer Kim is the Staff Writer on Digital Camera World, and formerly Technique Editor at Digital Photographer, focusing on the art and science of photography. With a Master’s degree in Photography and Media, she is driven to educate through an analytical approach, visually and technically. With her guides and tutorials, Kim seeks to uncover new facets of this time-honoured medium and foster a deeper understanding of its profound role in culture. Kim highlights topics that resonate with modern society, including women in photography and critical issues such as environmental conservation. She also discusses and reviews camera gear, giving you an overview to find the best fit for your photography journey. You must confirm your public display name before commenting Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name. 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