Rainy Overcast Or Hazy Days

[bclady]

I live on the wet coast of Canada. Getting outside is fine if covered head to toe in plastic. What can I photograph or how?

[NS_Scrapper]

Hi.

I'm on the east coast so we also get lots of rain and fog. I love overcast and foggy conditions for taking pictures. The diffuse light on an overcast day minimizes shadows and is much less harsh than full sun so there are some rich colours. Fog can create some wonderful atmosphere shots. On foggy days, I'm often out with my camera and have lots of foggy / rainy day shots. Here are some specific things that I like to shoot in wet, overcast weather.

 

* Shots of reflection in water because the water is often calm and still on foggy or overcast days

* Shots of dripping / driviing rain, close ups of drops on plants or against light

* Kids splashing in the puddles

* People carrying umbrellas -- or just umbrellas or boots

* People or animals walking into or out of the mist or rain

* People running to get under shelter

* Wet streets and dramatic skies...

 

On really rainy days, you'll probably want to carry a minimum of stuff with you so there is less to try and keep dry. Also, have a clean, static-free wipe cloth in a waterproof bag so you keep your lense clear of drops. (unless you are going for effect). Keep your camera covered until you are ready to shoot. If it is really raining, you can cover the camera with a ziplock bag with a hole cut for the lense.

 

Keep in mind that fog will reflect light back and will fool your light meter so you have to compensate by under-exposing for the reading.

 

Have fun.

[mickelle]

I don't know if you have an SLR or no, but if so, there's a filter to help warm skintones when the days are dismal. I believe it's the 81B or 82B, but (honestly) I don't know for sure. I'd definitely recommend looking into it if you do many people shots, though. Photographers in our pacific NW use it all the time.