Welcome to Make it Monday!
Weather is something that all photographers deal with on a daily basis. You will either like
or dislike the day's predication. Unfortunately, not everyday brings us good weather. Some days will be good and on other days, it's bound to either rain or
snow. Fog, wind, hot temperatures and cold temperatures might be a factor for you at some point. My ideal weather
would be sunny with scattered clouds and preferably, during the Golden
Hours. Of course at times, this specific type of weather can be a bit
of a tall order!
More often than not, I end up going outside to shoot during the opposite weather. There are a few "tricks" on how to handle bad weather or what might be perceived as bad weather. The main advice I have to give is quite simple: make the best of what you have. For example, have you noticed how vibrant a landscape can be during a very light rainfall or just after a rainfall? Fog
can certainly be hazardous to drive around in, although it can be a lot
of fun to walk around in, particularly if you have a camera in hand!
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| Fiander, Melanie, Monhegan Island: Reflection, Maine, 2012. |
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| Fiander, Melanie, Monhegan Island: Damp Woods, Maine, 2012. |
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| Fiander, Melanie, Peaks Island: Molly & Jud's House, Maine, 2013. |
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| Fiander, Melanie, Peaks Island: Buoys, Maine, 2013. |
Of course, I'm not suggesting that you go outdoors during a natural disaster such as a hurricane, tornado, flash flood... plague of locusts... but what I am suggesting is that you find the best solution for the weather that you're given.
Let's say... you live in Portland, Oregon and you have a client whom you're supposed to photograph outside although it's raining. Regardless if it's drizzling or if the rain is falling steadily, I would strongly suggest buying a rain cover for your camera. Those can be purchased from B&H.com; click here. I always carry one of these in my camera bag in the event that I get "caught in the rain". Let's say... you live in Portland, Maine and snowstorm has just hit. You have an assignment due for class in which you're required to photograph a model outdoors. Initially, you may have wanted to photograph your model wearing a soccer outfit... although with the snow, your model might freeze. In this situation, I would suggest changing the creative concept for the shoot; perhaps something to do with a sport played in the snow or at least, in a colder temperature?
Let's say... you live in Portland, Oregon and you have a client whom you're supposed to photograph outside although it's raining. Regardless if it's drizzling or if the rain is falling steadily, I would strongly suggest buying a rain cover for your camera. Those can be purchased from B&H.com; click here. I always carry one of these in my camera bag in the event that I get "caught in the rain". Let's say... you live in Portland, Maine and snowstorm has just hit. You have an assignment due for class in which you're required to photograph a model outdoors. Initially, you may have wanted to photograph your model wearing a soccer outfit... although with the snow, your model might freeze. In this situation, I would suggest changing the creative concept for the shoot; perhaps something to do with a sport played in the snow or at least, in a colder temperature?
Many factors go into making a successful photograph during inclement weather. Half the battle is being prepared in terms of equipment, what you carry in your camera bag and the clothes you're wearing for the shoot. I've found a few articles that give great suggestions on how to dress when going outdoors to shoot.
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Burden, Russ. "Inclement Weather Photography." OutdoorPhotographer.com. N.p., 6 Aug. 2012. Web. 25 July 2013.
Coulson, Cotton. "Photo Gallery: Weather Photo Tips." National Geographic. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 July 2013.
Goldstein, Jim. "Make the Best of Bad Weather – 6 Challenges for Photographers." Digital Photography School. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 July 2013.
Burden, Russ. "Inclement Weather Photography." OutdoorPhotographer.com. N.p., 6 Aug. 2012. Web. 25 July 2013.
Coulson, Cotton. "Photo Gallery: Weather Photo Tips." National Geographic. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 July 2013.
Goldstein, Jim. "Make the Best of Bad Weather – 6 Challenges for Photographers." Digital Photography School. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 July 2013.