When the Weather is Ugly for your intended Landscape Photography Shoot
What can you do when the weather is UGLY for your intended landscape shoot? You've planned the trip, the location, the timing and your accommodations if necessary. You've looked at the weather, the traffic, the route. It seems like you've covered every possible detail for your intended photography excursion. But, then, at the last minute, the weather changes. Now you've got UGLY weather. What do you do? Cancel the trip? Absolutely not!Embrace what Mother Nature has provided and make a few adjustments.
Rain
Put the rain sleeve on your camera and protect yourself with rain gear, umbrella, or even an overhang. If it's a light rain or if it's pouring, you can still make some gorgeous images. Of course, it's more challenging, but doable. You can also be prepared and just wait it out until there is a break in the storm. This is when rainbows happen, my friend, and you'll be ready!Also, remember that rain brings puddles. And, puddles mean reflections. Another opportunity right there!
Wind
Wind is a different beast. You've got to anchor that tripod down really well. You do not want any shaking going on. This is the time to capture tall grasses blowing in the wind, palm trees, and yes, perhaps even a dust-devil. I'm not talking tornadoes here. Be sensible. But a little wind can add a lot to your photos.
Fog
Okay, I heard you groan. But, the fog that sits on the ground is amazing! It can be difficult for sure, but when you get it right, it's magical! Allow the fog to create a sort of depth of field where the background fades away into it. Let it be mysterious giving the viewer something to really study.Fog provides some amazing atmosphere, so use it the best you can. High, overcast fog is more difficult and results in very flat light. This is the time for you to get creative!
Clouds
Clouds might be a landscape photographer's best friend, providing they have some texture. With a few clouds at sunrise/sunset, you've got potentially some amazing atmosphere to work with. It's those flat, low overcast clouds that are difficult. That's when you really need to look for interest in movement, lines, and other elements to provide some interest.
Why?
hazy beach at Bandon OR
long exposure in ugly weather
foggy beach sunrise
Coquille River Lighthouse in hazy weather
breaking through the clouds in ugly weather
Why am I telling you all this? Because it's happened to me more times that I care to count. If you enjoy photographing landscapes, it is going to happen. Accept that, and deal with it the best you can.After thoroughly planning my trip to theOregon coast, I met with ugly weather. I had checked the forecast, made reservations for my accommodations, reviewed the route, etc. But after driving for almost eight hours, when I arrived at my destination, the weather had changed. And, it was not pretty. Was I disappointed? You bet. Did that stop me? Of course, not!Here are a few of the images from my first full day in Bandon, OR ranging from my morning beach walk to my view from the overlook in the evening. I'd love to hear how you manage less than desired weather in your landscape photos. Please share below!
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All landscape, fine art, and still life images are available for purchase.
Please CONTACT ME at nadeen@nadeenflynn.com with any questions or to schedule your learning session.
As a published, featured northern California fine art photographer living in the greater Sacramento area, I specialize in fine art landscape and still life photography. My style is authentic, fresh and personality-driven. I offer in-person workshops, hourly lessons, and mentoring. While currently living in rural northern California with my husband and a couple thousand walnut trees, I post regularly to Instagram.
Serving Yuba City/Marysville, East Nicolaus, Wheatland, Lincoln, Woodland, Davis, Roseville, Rocklin, and the greater Sacramento area.
(530) 633-7575