March is a month of transition. Winter hasn’t quite loosened its grip, but the signs of spring are unmistakable — longer days, sprouting shoots and the first bursts of colour in the landscape.

For photographers, this in-between period offers some of the most interesting opportunities of the year.

Look for Contrast

March scenes often work best when you embrace contrast:

• Bare trees against fresh green growth
• Fast-flowing rivers beneath brooding skies
• Frosty mornings followed by warm afternoon light

These juxtapositions tell a story of change rather than perfection.

Rivers and Water Movement

Heavier rainfall often mean rivers are at their most dynamic.

• Experiment with shutter speeds rather than relying on one formula
• Faster speeds capture energy and texture
• Slower exposures smooth movement without losing structure

There’s no “correct” approach — only what suits the scene.

Early Colour Needs Care

Spring colour arrives quietly at first.

• Isolated flowers or fresh leaves work best when given space
• Avoid cluttered backgrounds
• Use shallow depth of field where appropriate to isolate subjects

A little colour goes a long way at this time of year.

Adapting to Rapidly Changing Light

March weather can change quickly.

• Be ready to adjust settings frequently
• Keep compositions simple so you can react fast
• Sometimes the best images come just after the rain passes

Final Thought

March reminds us that landscapes are always evolving. Photographing the transition - rather than waiting for peak conditions - often produces the most honest and rewarding images. If you would like to learn more about photographing the seasons consider booking onto one of the many workshops I run each year. My current workshop programme can be found on my Workshops Page here >>.