Photography enthusiasts looking to elevate their night and day photography game now have access to a comprehensive selection of mobile applications that can significantly enhance their shooting experience. Whether using iOS or Android devices, these six carefully selected apps provide essential tools for planning, executing, and even recovering from photography sessions, with one surprising addition that rarely appears on typical photography app recommendation lists.
Clear Outside stands out as the most frequently used application among professional photographers for both nighttime and daytime shoots. Available free for both Android and iOS platforms, this weather-focused app provides detailed cloud cover information broken down into low, medium, and high altitude clouds – data that proves invaluable for landscape photographers who understand how crucial such specific meteorological information can be. Unlike basic weather apps that simply indicate "cloudy," "clear," or "partially cloudy" conditions, Clear Outside offers comprehensive details including darkness conditions, sunrise and sunset times, moon rise and phase information, fog predictions, rainfall, temperature, wind speed, and humidity levels. The app's user-friendly interface presents information clearly and concisely, making it an ideal starting point for photography workshop participants. Additional features include the ability to save favorite locations and access to a companion website at clearoutside.com.
MyRadar serves as an excellent complement to Clear Outside by providing high-definition radar imagery and detailed atmospheric condition monitoring. This free application, available for both Android and iOS, utilizes National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) data to create predictive models showing how wind patterns affect clouds, haze, and even smoke from wildfires. Beyond basic weather radar, MyRadar offers NOAA weather alerts, temperature readings, detailed forecasts, and a comprehensive hurricane tracking system. Users can customize the display with various layers showing wind patterns, cloud formations, haze conditions, and other atmospheric phenomena that might affect visibility or photo opportunities. This capability proves particularly valuable when assessing whether distant mountains or forests will be visible from specific shooting locations.
PhotoPills represents the most comprehensive photography planning application available, priced at $10.99 for both Android and iOS platforms. This feature-rich app functions as an all-in-one tool that covers virtually every aspect of photography planning, from basic landscape shots to complex astrophotography projects. The application includes specialized modules for Milky Way photography, moon tracking, sunrise and sunset prediction, architectural photography, star trail planning, drone operations, meteor shower timing, solar and lunar eclipse planning, time-lapse photography, and even portrait and wedding photography scenarios. PhotoPills operates offline and includes augmented reality features, depth of field calculators, and location planning tools. While the extensive feature set can initially seem overwhelming and requires some patience to master, the app rewards dedicated users with professional-level planning capabilities.
For astronomical reference and celestial object identification, Sky Guide provides iOS users with a detailed, scalable star map featuring comprehensive information about celestial objects. The free application (with a lite version available) offers detailed information about stars, planets, comets, and even the International Space Station through an intuitive interface that responds to touch and search commands. Users can customize the display by toggling constellation lines on or off and access detailed information about any visible celestial object. Android users can find similar functionality through Star Walk 2, which offers comparable features at no cost.
The Photographer's Ephemeris, available for $9.99 on both Android and iOS, combines mapping tools with augmented reality to help photographers visualize light direction and predict celestial events. This dual-purpose application and web-based tool excels at location scouting and timing optimization for outdoor photography. Key features include the ability to determine how moonlight and sunlight will illuminate landscapes, visualize star and Milky Way positions on maps, and assess whether hills or other terrain features might obstruct celestial objects. The app's comprehensive planning tools make it invaluable for photographers serious about precise timing and positioning.
The final recommendation, Soothing Sleep Sounds, represents an unexpected but practical addition to any photographer's app collection. This free iOS application addresses the often-overlooked need for quality rest after long photography sessions. The app features naturally recorded ambient sounds that loop continuously throughout the night, including options like rainforest sounds, ocean waves, South African cricket chirps, campfire crackling, and wind chimes. Users can mix and match different sounds to create personalized soundscapes that mask disruptive noises commonly encountered in budget motels or camping situations, such as cycling air conditioners or heating systems. The app saves custom sound combinations for easy access during future photography trips. Android users can find similar functionality through apps like Sleep Sounds.
These applications collectively address the full spectrum of photography needs, from initial planning and weather assessment to post-shoot recovery. Professional photographers and enthusiasts alike can benefit from integrating these tools into their workflow, with each app serving specific functions that complement traditional photography equipment and techniques.
