Bad Weather, Good Light: Being Flexible With Your Photography

During these times when it's raining or the sky is looking grim and we had plans to shoot photos, it can be quite frustrating. We've all experienced this at least once while staring out of the window in disappointment with our busy schedule taking up most of our time. However, for those who are determined and prepared well, there are still plenty of opportunities for photographers.

Too often, our plans to go outside and take some photos get foiled by rain or an overcast sky. It's frustrating, but it's part of life with a busy schedule. We can still take a moment to appreciate the view from our windows, even if we can't always head out and capture it. However, photographers who are prepared and willing to take advantage of opportunities can still succeed.

Be Patient

Rain or storm may bring moments of sadness but what follows is a beautiful display of light. It's fleeting, so you have to seize the moment and catch it before it's gone. Don't let this magical experience pass by; stop staring out the window and go for it. Producing great photos requires a certain level of resourcefulness. You can easily take advantage of weather reports by accessing them on the internet, via radio, or newspapers; which usually provide lots of useful details. You can try and check if the clouds or storm will pass eventually. Even if it doesn't, go out anyway - you never know, the light might just break through in the evening and make your venture worthwhile. Experienced landscape photographers will tell you tales of visiting places multiple times and spending hours waiting to get the perfect shot. This dedication to craft is what separates them from the rest, and if you take a peek at one of those shots, you'll understand why. Spending time to take the perfect photo is always worthwhile. Just think about the feeling you'll get when someone looks at it in awe. You'll be able to share your stories, and people will be delighted to hear them.

A simple way to think about it is that you get out what you put in.

Be prepared

Have you done any research on your subject? Have you visited your location at this time of day before? Do you have a list, or at least a mental outline, of the photos you want? Have you considered the equipment you might need to take? Answering these questions will take you a long way to being able to seize the moment when it does eventually arrive. Instead of fumbling around trying to attach lenses, tripods, filters and any other gadgets that might be necessary, (and I do mean “might”), you will simply be able to step out of your car, or hiding place, gear in hand, and calmly collect the images you’ve been imagining. A little foresight in taking care of these things beforehand allows you to focus completely on taking photos once in the field. As with anything else, if you can concentrate completely, you’ll likely do a better job.

What’s your purpose?

When using pictures, it is important to consider what exactly you are trying to accomplish. Do the blue skies really add anything when a moody, muted landscape can be made with the harshest weather conditions? People with an affinity for taking black and white photos are in for a real treat. Exploring the depths of monochrome colors can be highly rewarding and unleash a whole bunch of creative ideas. Overcast weather is often ideal for taking outdoor portraits, as it allows you to capture the details and unique features of a person's face without having to worry about the sun causing them to squint or creating some portions of their face too dark.

Most successful photography, like anything else, comes from having a clear goal and taking the steps necessary to achieve it. It also comes from working with the elements and planning for various possibilities. Open yourself up to new ideas and you will find that your photography improves markedly.

Thanks,

- Darin

d2lifephotography.com / d2lifephotographyfayetteville.com / fayettevilleheadshots.com / fayetteville-photographer.com

Professional photographers in the Fayetteville, NC area specializing in Headshots, Portraits, Real Estate, Art, Black and White, Social Media and photo editing.

Serving the following areas in North Carolina: Fayetteville, Fort Bragg, Spring Lake, Sanford, Hope Mills, Raeford, Lillington, Lumberton, Dunn, Southern Pines, Sanford, Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Raleigh, Fuquay-Varina, Laurinburg, Eastover, Vander, Anderson Creek, Wilmington, NC - and all points in between.