Photography Air Quality Guide

Photography Activity AQI Thresholds

How Air Quality Affects Photos

Visibility and Image Quality

• AQI 0-50: Crystal clear visibility, sharp distant subjects
• AQI 51-100: Slight haze, minimal impact on most photos
• AQI 101-150: Noticeable haze, washed out colors, reduced contrast
• AQI 151+: Heavy haze, poor visibility, muted tones

Photography Types Most Affected

• Landscape: Distant mountains/cityscapes disappear in haze
• Architectural: Tall buildings fade into smog
• Sunset/sunrise: Pollution can enhance colors but reduce clarity
• Aerial: Ground features obscured by pollution layer

Least Affected Photography

• Portraits: Close subjects less impacted
• Macro: Not affected by distant haze
• Product: Controlled close-up shots

Shoot Type Considerations

Portrait Sessions

• Typically 1-2 hours, moderate walking
• Safe up to AQI 125
• Choose shaded locations on poor air days
• Take breaks between location changes

Wedding Photography

• 8-12 hour days, extended exposure
• Check AQI forecast week before
• Have indoor backup locations identified
• AQI 101+: Minimize outdoor formal photos

Landscape Photography

• Often requires hiking to locations
• Best with AQI below 75 for clarity
• Plan morning shoots when AQI lowest
• High-elevation shoots escape valley pollution

Event Photography

• Extended time on feet
• Cannot control outdoor conditions
• Bring water and take breaks
• Consider declining outdoor events when AQI exceeds 150

Best Times for Outdoor Photography

Golden Hour Morning (Sunrise + 1 Hour)

Best overall: Lowest AQI, best visibility, magical light. Perfect for landscapes and portraits.

Midday (11 AM - 2 PM)

Worst air quality: Peak ozone, highest AQI, harsh light. Avoid if possible for both health and photo quality.

Golden Hour Evening (Before Sunset)

Good light, improving air: Beautiful light, but still elevated AQI from afternoon. Check levels before committing to shoot.

Health Protection During Shoots

Challenges for Photographers

• Extended outdoor exposure (4-8 hours common)
• Carrying heavy equipment increases exertion
• Focus on shot, may ignore own symptoms
• Client pressure to finish shoot despite poor conditions

Safety Measures

• Check AQI before accepting outdoor bookings
• Schedule breaks every hour
• Carry water and stay hydrated
• Watch for fatigue, coughing, eye irritation
• Have rescheduling policy for poor air quality

Mask Use for Photographers

Challenges with Masks

• Fogging on eyeglasses
• Viewfinder use difficult
• Communication with subjects impaired
• Breathing difficulty while carrying gear

When Masks Make Sense

• AQI 101-150 for light activity shoots
• Wildfire smoke situations
• Between shots, remove for actual shooting
• Better to reschedule than shoot masked

Best Locations for Clean Air Photography

Excellent Year-Round Air Quality

• Pacific Northwest: Seattle, Portland - Clean air, dramatic landscapes
• New England Coast: Maine, Vermont - Mountain and coastal clarity
• Hawaii: Pristine air for tropical photography
• Alaska: Remote wilderness, exceptional air quality

Seasonal Considerations

• Southwest: Winter/spring excellent, summer dust and ozone
• California Coast: Good most of year, wildfire season varies
• Mountain Regions: Summer best, winter inversions in valleys

Client Communication

Setting Expectations

• Include air quality policy in contracts
• Explain AQI affects both health and image quality
• Offer rescheduling when AQI exceeds agreed threshold
• Show examples of haze impact on photos

Suggested Contract Language

"If AQI exceeds 150 on shoot date, photographer reserves right to reschedule for both health safety and optimal image quality. Alternative indoor locations will be offered."

Alternative Options

Poor Air Quality Days

• Studio photography: Controlled environment
• Indoor locations: Museums, buildings, homes
• Editing and admin work: Catch up on post-processing
• Covered locations: Parking garages, covered walkways (still check AQI)

Special Considerations

Wildlife Photography

• Often requires extended time outdoors
• Remote locations typically have better air quality
• Plan trips avoiding wildfire season
• Check AQI forecasts for multi-day trips

Sports Photography

• Cannot control event timing
• Extended sideline exposure
• Take breaks in press box or indoors
• Consider declining events when AQI exceeds 150

Real Estate Photography

• Exterior shots critical but weather-dependent
• Reschedule if haze will obscure views
• AQI affects property appeal in photos
• Morning shoots better for both air and light