Should the weather be a big factor?

footman

footman

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Laurence
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I don't mean taking the gear out in driving rain but more like " there's no sun, should I bother?" sort of thing.
I'm trying to get to grips with my attitude which seems to be that I don't go out with my camera if its dull because of the flat shots I finish up with.
I understand the combination of macro and overcast but it's the other stuff I'm trying to get a handle on.
 
footman said:
I understand the combination of macro and overcast but it's the other stuff I'm trying to get a handle on.
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Don't understand this comment, when I shoot macro I use flash so the only weather that really comes into it is wind :shrug:

As for other photography, I was out the other day and someone commented on the fact that it was overcast and would stop them taking pictures, could be that I'm an oddity but personally I don't like bright sunlight, it causes too much contrast and far easier to blow highlights, so a bright overcast day is my ideal
 
I tend to love shooting landscapes so yes, weather is a big issue for me. Though, I do appreciate I'm still learning every time I go out so I should try and get out when the conditions aren't perfect. There is a certain line between not having things perfect and having them be terrible - like if I wanted to include the sky and knew every shot I tried that with would be full blown white as you get on some nasty days.

As long as you don't intend to include the sky, generally everything else can be done. It's harder, of course, and may require some more attention in post production, but it's a reason to try things out of your comfort zone. :)
 
In my case . . . yes. :lol: :D :cool:

And photography doesn't even come into it! :bonk:
 
Just shoot - depends on the subject obviously...
For example, if you're covering an event and it's raining, then the photos become ones of "Event-X in the Rain" instead of "Event-X"...

Unfortunately I missed the big demos in Berlin yesterday due to a family crisis here at home so I can't show you something relevant to this thread that doesn't feature soldiers in green or tan...
 
know what you mean laurence but for me its more of a case of your frame of mind. it has t be open to all the possibilities that that particular light offers, eg mono can be great with overcast,etc. Guess you got to look harder and in a different way when the sun dont shine!
 
Hiya,

I don't think the weather should bear an impact on whether to go out and photograph or not.

It all depends on what you intend to photograph. If the weather is dull and you don't want to be 'outdoors', perhaps consider what other opportunities there are, i.e., visit a church, museum, or some indoor centre/activity.

I find that having a bit of cloud cover at a sunrise/sunset adds character and drama to the photo (even if the sun is not visible, the clouds play with the sunrays).

If it is thrashing it down outside, I personally would probably not go outdoors, purely because I would not want my camera getting wet and rain drops on the lens (perhaps that would change when I can get some equipment to use to protect the camera ourdoor). Talking of which, if anyone has any suggestions on what would be good outdoor equipment/protection I would be keen to hear.

Failing which, if the weather is that dull and wet, perhaps look for opportunities in your own home/environment. There is always something to find (I've seen some fantastic liquid and smoke photos on this site which I hope to try some time).

Hope this has been of help.

Happy togging!

Dawn :)
 
bellyman said:
eg mono can be great with overcast
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Absolutely. I often find myself asking "does this look better in black and white?", so if you go out with the intention to shoot in B&W you can end up with a set you may not have been able to pull out before. On a duller day things tend to have more contrast, especially if you do it with dull skies at midday - mono can be a great saver.
 
footman said:
If you google macro and overcast you may understand my comment.
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Done that still don't understand, all seem to think it's perfect, perhaps you could explain :shrug:
 
Gremlin said:
Done that still don't understand, all seem to think it's perfect, perhaps you could explain :shrug:
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Aah, I think I see what you mean. What I meant was that I thought that the combination of an overcast day and macro was a perfect combination.

Anyway, I'm not going out today, it's sheeting down. I might just make a cuppa and go back to bed :thumbs:
 
footman said:
Anyway, I'm not going out today, it's sheeting down. I might just make a cuppa and go back to bed :thumbs:
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Ahhh, now there is an idea, don't forget to take a good tog book or mag with you (you may just find some inspiration) :)
 
footman said:
Anyway, I'm not going out today, it's sheeting down. I might just make a cuppa and go back to bed :thumbs:
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ahhh...BIG difference...
If you're covering an event or anything that's happening regardless of weather, then you just shoot it.

If you're thinking "hmmm...I want to take some photos today but I'm not sure what to take..." then go and read a picture-book about Ansel Adams or Phillip Jones Griffiths instead...

Remember: Any idiot can be wet...smart people stay warm and dry...
 
Arkady said:
ahhh...BIG difference...
If you're covering an event or anything that's happening regardless of weather, then you just shoot it.

If you're thinking "hmmm...I want to take some photos today but I'm not sure what to take..." then go and read a picture-book about Ansel Adams or Phillip Jones Griffiths instead...

Remember: Any idiot can be wet...smart people stay warm and dry...
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I get it......stay dry in the search for inspiration. Sounds like the perfect excuse for indolence :D
 
Sunny weather for postcard landscapes. Yes most of the time they look more inviting with the sun shining. The biggest problem is detail, burnt out in the sky nearer the light source and lost in the darkness of shadows. HDR can sort that.
You are inviting people 'in' to your images all the time. Now invite them into your artistic side, streams, flora and animals to name some, all usually show better detail in indirect light and don't need to include sky. Get your coat on and take some photos of a different style of landscape, just avoid a boring sky dominating the shots.
Clear sandwich bags make good, cheap waterproof covers, leave the lens near the open end and you can see and feel the controls through the bag. Make like a horse and stand with your tail to the wind and the rain won't touch your lens or lo-tac-tape the open end of the bag to your lens hood for other directions. I wouldn't advise this for torrential stuff but thats when I stay in anyway!
 
While I generally prefer bright conditions for photography, although not necessarily direct sunlight, a bit of cloud needn't bring things to a standstill. This was shot at 3200 ISO, 1/1000, f/6.3, which is lighting 4.3 stops dimmer than a sunny day. I don't think the presence of cloud has ruined it completely.

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Now rain, that's something else.
 
Voyager said:
Fair weather photographers? :cuckoo:
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You don't do social skills very well do you, Voyager? :thumbsdown:

What's wrong with being a fair-weather photographer? Everyone's different!

Some people don't have full-blown weather-sealed kit and are therefore simply being more sensible by keeping their kit dry! Personally, I couldn't care less what the weather's doing as long as I can see an opportunity for a picture... A towel and a change of clothes and I'm dry again anyway!

Si
 
Here are a few I rattled off this afternoon, in overcast conditions and easing drizzle. Nothing to get excited about, but with a bit more time and effort, and a tripod, I could probably have managed something interesting enough. Unfortunately, going out for a walk with my girlfriend tends to keep the pressure on to keep moving...

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footman said:
I don't mean taking the gear out in driving rain but more like " there's no sun, should I bother?" sort of thing.
I'm trying to get to grips with my attitude which seems to be that I don't go out with my camera if its dull because of the flat shots I finish up with.
I understand the combination of macro and overcast but it's the other stuff I'm trying to get a handle on.
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hi hampton..i used to live in chestnut avenue in the village...small world

i take on dull days things which are mainly green and wet...the lighting seems to be better...in my opinion and adds mood



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Overcast is fine, rainy is difficult practically but really interesting. The one I struggle with is high sun and clear sky. I take it as a challange but it seems to be the one that most frequently leaves me disappointed.
 
There is always a shot to be had from going out.. I like to think that adverse condition are actually better for you creatively than perfect conditions, as they certainly make you look harder for the shots!

It might not be what you hoped for or expected.. but there will be one :)
 
purpleclouds said:
There is always a shot to be had from going out.. I like to think that adverse condition are actually better for you creatively than perfect conditions, as they certainly make you look harder for the shots!

It might not be what you hoped for or expected.. but there will be one :)
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Well stated!
 
Well the weather didn't keep me in today. Popped the camera WB on 'cloudy' and had some lovely photos on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway - "Railway Children Gala weekend.

 
It was chucking it down this afternoon but I had to go out with the dogs so the camera went out with me. As Tim said not the best shots as I didn't want to hang around because the dogs get cold if we stay still too long but it shows that there is scope for photography and you can get some nice light in the rain. I would have got some cracking action shots of the dogs playing chase towards the end of the walk but my lens kept steaming up after an hour in the rain.











 
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