July 16, 2011

Adjusting to the Light

These past few weeks have produced some great summer light with the late gathering storms coming over the Wasatch Mountains.  Some of the best light and color comes from dramatic clouds.  Which is why getting out before and after the storm can produce some really stunning imagery.  So, don't shy away from clouds.  Even complete cloud cover can break up at the last minute and give you a light show at sunset.  It's all about being patient.  Even if nothing happens nine times out of ten, it's that one time that will keep you coming back for more.  

Salt Lake City Downtown Library in the foreground of summer storm lighting


You don't always get that light show you were hoping for, so what do you do when the sky is boring?  Cloud cover can be a great "soft box" for flowers and moss and produce much needed saturation in foreground elements.  It can also be useful for slowing your shutter speed for river and waterfall shots.   With a boring sky, go to the ground.

Cloud cover at midday made this photo without a filter.

Most people head in during a storm, but for photography, getting out in the wet and cold can be very gratifying in the end.  Note: Just make sure to protect your gear and yourself.  Plastic bags are a must in wet conditions.

The subtle snowfall and icy conditions give this photo depth.

Being a weekend warrior of adventures and photography, I find myself taking what I can get.  Weather and light conditions can make or break a photo, but being able to adapt to those different conditions can make the photographer.  Sure, that one photo you were hoping to capture may not work out, but try something different.  What makes the conditions unique?  How is the scene different?  Explore, discover, adapt.  



No comments:

Post a Comment