At times nature just does not play along. Instead of getting upset rather ask what kind of image suits the prevailing conditions. Then shoot that. It might not be what you have in mind but it could yield nice images. Having images in mind, preconceived ideas, prior to going out to a location is a double-edged sword. With great planning and multiple returns, preconceived ideas can reward you richly with some of your best images ever taken. On the other hand, preconceived ideas can also rob you of great images since you only see and look for what you came for. Thus you don't see what nature is presenting you.

The conditions were horrible. This image was taken amidst some of the worst wildfires in California's history. The air quality reached dangerous levels. Smoke filled the air. Rather than giving up and deeming the conditions not suitable for photography we simply look for opportunities to use the smoke to add atmosphere.

          Atmosphere adds mood to an image. In landscape photography photographers often use the "dehaze" slider to get rid of haze. In this image, I actually moved that slider in the opposite direction and painted the effect to emphasize the atmosphere. Use it sparingly. The mountains in the distance now have just a bit of mystery and atmosphere. I think it adds to the image.

          Composition will always stay important. Look for lead in lines or strong foreground elements. Thank about where you place what and remember that you can move things in relation to other things in your images simply by changing your position. The next time conditions do not meet your facny don't give up, work with what you have.