Street Photoshoot in Ljubljana on Foggy Days — How to Create Atmospheric Portrait, Couple, or Family Shots in Soft Light

It seems we all wait for sunny days to go for a walk or plan a photo session. But if you live in Ljubljana, you already know: autumn, winter, and even spring here are the seasons of fog, gentle haze, and calm air.

As a photographer, I’ve learned to see a special charm in this. I’m fascinated by how Slovenia can be so different — bright and sunny, yet quiet and misty. And I truly believe that even without sunshine, it’s possible to create stunning, atmospheric, and deeply alive photos.

Why Fog Isn’t an Obstacle — It’s a Photographer’s Ally

Fog is a natural filter that softly diffuses light. When there are no harsh sun rays, shadows disappear, contrasts fade, and everything becomes gentler and more harmonious.

Faces look natural, clothing and backgrounds gain a muted tone, and the viewer’s attention shifts to what matters most — emotions, glances, and touch.

Such images often carry a sense of depth and calm — they breathe with warmth and quiet melancholy.

Fog also creates a natural sense of depth: background details softly dissolve in the haze, making the frame look more three-dimensional and mysterious.Even an ordinary road, park, or riverside can suddenly turn into a dreamy cinematic backdrop.

Photo taken on Canon 6D

What Kind of Photoshoots Work Best in Foggy Weather

Foggy days aren’t a limitation — they’re an invitation to tell different kinds of stories. They shift focus from brightness to atmosphere and emotion.

Individual portrait sessions

These days are perfect for showing a person’s inner state — calmness, reflection, softness, or quiet strength. Fog silences the world, leaving only the person and their emotions. It helps create portraits filled with depth and serenity — a beautiful choice for those who want not just pretty photos, but an honest, atmospheric story about themselves.

Couple sessions

When the city is covered in mist and the sounds become softer, a special intimacy appears between people.

This kind of weather beautifully conveys tenderness and genuine closeness — without posing, without onlookers.

Even simple gestures — a hug, a glance, a touch — feel more sincere when surrounded by still air and quiet.

For couples, it’s a chance to capture not just a photo, but a moment of silence that belongs only to them.

Family sessions

Fog brings a sense of comfort and fairytale softness — adding warmth and coziness to the frame. These photos feel alive, especially when kids play and parents simply walk nearby.

And if you add a little artificial light — a lantern or fairy lights — the fog begins to “glow” from within, creating a magical, almost cinematic scene.

Photo taken on Canon 6D

The Best Places in Ljubljana to Shoot in the Fog

Ljubljana is an ideal city for foggy photoshoots all year round. Its character truly shines through in such weather.

Old Town and the Ljubljanica Riverside

Soft light between historical facades, reflections on the water, bridge arches — all create a romantic, mysterious atmosphere.

The Ljubljana Castle, almost hidden in the mist, becomes a symbol of the city’s quiet magic.

Tivoli Park

In fog, it feels completely different: trees stand still and majestic, and alleys seem to lead into the unknown.

It’s a perfect place to capture calm and harmony — especially for portraits or family sessions.

Mestni trg, Stari trg, Gornji trg

These streets are especially beautiful in the morning, when it’s still quiet and the fog turns them into a vintage European postcard.

Cobblestones, cafés, old windows — everything looks wonderfully cinematic.

Rožnik, Špica, or the shores of Tivoli Pond

If you prefer nature, a light mist above the water or a forest path will make a perfect background for peaceful and intimate shots.

Cafés with large windows (Čokl, Tozd, or Cafetino)

Even when the fog is dense and you want warmth, you can create beautiful “urban mood” photos indoors — coffee, window light, reflections, and the cozy tones of wooden tables.

What to Wear for a Foggy Photoshoot

Fog pairs perfectly with soft colors — they blend into the environment rather than compete with it.

• Choose warm, natural shades: beige, cream, taupe, olive, mustard, terracotta
• Materials like wool, cashmere, and textured coats add depth and coziness
• Scarves, hats, and oversized coats bring movement and personality to the frame
• In couple or family sessions, coordinate colors — not identical, but harmonious

In fog, brightness isn’t the goal — mood is. Even the simplest outfit can look elegant when it fits the day’s atmosphere.

Photo taken on Canon 6D

Why You Should Still Shoot Without Sunshine

Many people postpone photoshoots when the forecast says “cloudy” or “foggy.” But this kind of light often gives the most unique results — authentic, calm, and timeless. It’s a great chance to experiment, to try something new, to step beyond the usual “golden hour.” You can truly see yourself in a new light — literally and figuratively.

When I first moved to Slovenia, I thought I couldn’t photograph with the same inspiration without sunshine. But now I see — Ljubljana is beautiful in any weather.

I’ve learned to love it in all its moods — when it shines with sun and when it hides behind a veil of fog. Every day here is another chance to rediscover beauty.

Final Thoughts

Don’t wait for perfect weather — it’s already here.

Fog isn’t an obstacle; it’s a soft blanket that wraps the city and fills every photo with mood.

Ljubljana in the fog isn’t just a backdrop — it’s an emotion, a story, a quiet poem in light.

If you’ve been dreaming of a photoshoot but hesitating because of grey skies — now is the time to try.

I promise: these photos will feel warm, even on the coldest day.

Author: Aliona Yelizarova
Photographer in Ljubljana — falling in love with Slovenia more and more each day, even on the foggiest mornings.