How to Take Stunning Photos in Any Weather with Ánne Kátjá Gaup, The Arctic Photographer

Podcast Episode

Jan 6

You Don’t Need Expensive Gear or Perfect Light to Take Great Photos

When you’re early in your photography journey, it’s easy to think you’re “not ready yet.” Not ready for cloudy skies. Not ready for harsh sun. Not ready to confidently guide clients.

Ánne Kátjá challenges that thinking.

She explains that waiting for perfect conditions can actually slow your growth as a photographer. Learning how to work with what you’re given—weather, light, and real-life schedules—is what builds confidence and consistency.

This episode is especially valuable if you:

Feel nervous when lighting conditions change
Worry your photos won’t turn out unless it’s golden hour
Don’t have a lot of gear (or don’t want to buy more)
Struggle with client confidence or communication
Want to feel calmer and more in control during sessions

Key Takeaways from Ánne Kátjá’s Interview

1. Your Mindset Sets the Tone for the Entire Session

One of the most important lessons Ánne shares is this: if you panic about the weather, your clients will panic too.

Clients look to photographers for reassurance. When you confidently say, “This is going to work beautifully,” they relax. When you apologize for clouds or stress about light, they assume something is wrong.

Confidence is contagious.

2. Clouds Are Not the Enemy

Many clients assume cloudy skies mean bad photos. Ánne explains that clouds actually create soft, even light that can be incredibly flattering for portraits.

Instead of framing clouds as a problem, she teaches photographers to explain the benefits:

Even light
Softer shadows
More consistent skin tones

Helping clients understand this before the session dramatically changes their experience.

3. How to Shoot in Harsh Midday Sun

Harsh sun is one of the most intimidating lighting situations for beginners. Ánne’s solution is simple and effective: shoot backlit.

By placing the sun directly behind your subjects, you avoid squinting, harsh shadows, and unflattering contrast. This approach works without flash, reflectors, or expensive gear—and often surprises clients with how bright and glowy the images turn out.

4. You Don’t Need Expensive Gear to Start

Ánne shoots with natural light, a camera, and a couple of lenses. No flash. No reflectors. No complicated setups.

For new photographers, this is a powerful reminder: mastering the gear you already have will take you much further than constantly upgrading equipment.

Great photos come from understanding light, composition, and people—not from having the newest camera.

5. Simple Composition Tips That Work in Any Light

Ánne shares beginner-friendly composition advice that applies everywhere:

Create depth by placing subjects away from the background
Avoid flat compositions by not placing people directly against trees or walls
Leave space when shooting so you can crop later
Focus on framing and distance, not perfection

These small shifts can dramatically improve photos in any conditions.

6. Client Experience Matters More Than Technical Perfection

One of the most powerful moments in the episode centers on how clients feel during a session.

Ánne shares an early career lesson: technically good photos don’t matter if the client remembers feeling stressed or uncomfortable. Preparing clients, setting expectations, and creating a calm environment are just as important as camera settings.

For new photographers, this insight is game-changing.

7. Real Life Is What Clients Want

Ánne’s love for real moments is deeply personal. Growing up in Northern Norway in a family of reindeer herders shaped her connection to nature and storytelling.

Her work reflects a respect for everyday life, real environments, and honest moments—exactly what many clients want today.