By varying atmospheric conditions, we can convey different "moods" in the resulting images. Here's a side-by-side example:
(Click each image for a higher res version.)
The left image - Crested Butte Sunrise - utilizes low (in the sky) red-hued lighting out of the East (viewer's right) and a dark blue sky. The diffuse reflection component is set high, while ambient (background) light is low. Attenuation is non-existent. It gives me the feel of being out at dawn on a crystal clear summer morning.
The right image - Whiteout! - takes a slightly different viewing perspective with much different atmospherics. Extreme attenuation causes very limited visibility. Ambient light dominates. Saturation of the color bands is near zero. This one reminds me of some "white knuckle" winter driving days in the mountains!
