I always find early mornings to be the most magical, especially when there’s mist rising from the forest or lakes, and the light is soft and golden. Read on and learn more about the best times of day for getting great nature snaps in Sweden.
Late evenings can be beautiful too, especially during Swedish summers when the light lingers. Golden hour does live up to its name here, adding warmth and drama to both landscapes and close-up nature shots.
Five top tips for taking your wildlife shots from good to great
- Wait for the light: Even a simple scene can become stunning if you catch it in the right light.
- Look closer: Details like moss textures, insects on petals, or dew drops can be just as powerful as wider shots.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment: Some of my favourite shots came from breaking my own rules — blurry wings, off-centre framing, even shooting into the sun.
- Play with focus: Try focusing on unexpected parts of the frame, like a leaf in the foreground, to create depth and intrigue.
- Use manual settings when possible: In uneven light, manually adjusting shutter speed and aperture gives you more control and can elevate a shot.
Best Swedish destinations for photography and hiking
Österlen is one of my favorite regions for photography. The soft light, rolling fields, and wide-open beaches (like Sandhammaren and Haväng) are stunning, especially in the off-season when it’s quieter.
In Gotland (and Fårö), the light is something else. It feels different, almost Mediterranean in summer. The rauk formations, windswept coastlines and peaceful inland meadows make it a dream to photograph. I’d go back in a heartbeat.
Abisko in the north is also on my dream list, mainly for the winter light and Northern Lights.
The Best Times of Day for Getting Great Nature Snaps in Sweden, written explicitly for Daily Scandinavian by Clara Morberg. Clara is a professional photographer and ambassador for Merrell Hiking Club, which aims to empower, inform, and inspire female hikers.
All images © Clara Morberg.