Tips for shooting when the ground is damp and things are dull?

ajax_andy

ajax_andy

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Andy
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I always hear people saying the best time to shoot is when it's overcast as it creates a large softbox in effect with diffused light... but what happens when it's overcast and the ground is damp?

I never seem to nail shots in these conditions... I always find the colours in grass and foliage become over saturated and the whole image just looks less crisp.

Anyone have any tips for nailing shots in these conditions?
 
Large softboxes still allow you to control direction of light which gives shape, dull overcast is just flat lighting and hence crap - but you can make it into a 'directional softbox' by finding cover and using the 'subtraction of light' technique :)

Basically using doorways, buildings or large areas of trees to block out much of the sky leaving a gap that then becomes your directional softbox

HTH

Dave

Adding - and I like damp just for the saturating effect you don't like :D
 
A bit of moisture on the ground can be very welcome, trying to think of that film director who would regularly hose down dry roads/pavements because he preferred the wet look...
 
DG Phototraining said:
Large softboxes still allow you to control direction of light which gives shape, dull overcast is just flat lighting and hence crap - but you can make it into a 'directional softbox' by finding cover and using the 'subtraction of light' technique :)

Basically using doorways, buildings or large areas of trees to block out much of the sky leaving a gap that then becomes your directional softbox

HTH

Dave

Adding - and I like damp just for the saturating effect you don't like :D
Click to expand...

+1
There's a difference between diffused shadows (overcast days) and no shadows (dull days).
When there is no light/directionality you can create it by adding/subtracting light. Sounds to me like you probably need to add light in those situations.
 
sk66 said:
+1
There's a difference between diffused shadows (overcast days) and no shadows (dull days).
When there is no light/directionality you can create it by adding/subtracting light. Sounds to me like you probably need to add light in those situations.
Click to expand...

Yeah I think you're right... I'm too keen to use natural light due to it being overcast but I think I need to add some extra light myself to make things a bit more dynamic :thumbs:
 
overcst is good - that's the huge softbox , and just man up and get your knees wet ;) (or get a set of builders kneepads from B&Q , or carry a bin bag/groundsheet to kneel/lie on)
 
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