Recommended settings#
ModeAperture priority
Exposure compensation+0.7 to +1.3 EV
Aperturef/5.6–f/8
ISO100–400
White balanceCloudy or custom
Quick start: Fog tricks meters into underexposure: add +0.7 to +1.3 EV and look for simple shapes.
Starting exposures#
Typical scene brightness for this situation is around EV 12. Use these as a first test shot, then check the histogram.
| Aperture | ISO 100 | ISO 400 | ISO 1600 | ISO 6400 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| f/1.4 | 1/2000 s | 1/8000 s | too bright | too bright |
| f/2.8 | 1/500 s | 1/2000 s | 1/8000 s | too bright |
| f/5.6 | 1/125 s | 1/500 s | 1/2000 s | 1/8000 s |
| f/8 | 1/60 s | 1/250 s | 1/1000 s | 1/4000 s |
| f/11 | 1/30 s | 1/125 s | 1/500 s | 1/2000 s |
Step by step#
- Shoot early morning near water.
- Look for silhouettes of trees and layers.
- Use a telephoto to compress layers.
Gear checklist#
- Tripod
- Telephoto for layered hills
Pro tips#
- Backlit fog with sunbeams is magical — expose for the highlights.
Common mistakes#
- Grey, underexposed results from trusting the meter.
Related guides#
Frequently asked questions#
What are the best camera settings for fog and mist?
Aperture: f/5.6–f/8 · ISO: 100–400. Fog tricks meters into underexposure: add +0.7 to +1.3 EV and look for simple shapes.
What gear do I need for fog and mist?
Tripod, Telephoto for layered hills.
Last updated October 03, 2026 · How we calculate · Sources