Photography during dull weather periods

[davidkhardman]

Here in the UK the blue skies of summer are already being replaced by the dull grey of autumn. As a bit of a newcomer to digital photography, I wonder if anyone can offer advice about ways to take interesting outdoor pictures when the light is so flat (please note: I don't want to photoshop in blue skies). I'm open to both urban and rural scenes.

[GeoffWessex]

Completely flat grey skies are not helpful in wider scenes where you may want to include the sky (like landscapes etc), but at least it gives a nice soft lighting to any other object - nature, people, action. And with most digital cameras we can change the White Balance - set for Cloudy and you'll warm up the picture considerably and get some of the 'punch' back.

[pburness]

If youdon't mind black and white then take a look at Ian Bramham's photo's for some inspiration

http://www.photoradar.com/photos/129934/ian-bramham

With the stormy skies about over the next month or so you should be able to get some good moody landscapes in..

Phil
PS - get a good ND filter and tripod too..

[AndyStevens]

Yup, good moody skies are good - just dont get caught out and wet! And the lower light levels help with slow motion water etc so try so groynes in the sea with swirling water...or rivers...waterfalls...

[davidkhardman]

Thanks for the useful comments. White Balance is one of the few things I've not yet explored on my camera, so I'll be sure to check that out.

I've started exploring B&W just recently and have just purchased ND filters, but not yet used them (already have a tripod). So I think I've been moving in the right direction. However, having just looked at Ian Bramham's pictures, I suspect the one thing I'll need to do is to put a bit more planning into my pictures.

[ABERS]

That's the joy of photography. Matching your skills according to an everchanging situation in order to produce an image worth looking at. Don't copy what everybody else does, try and find something different.

[pburness]

I agree with ABERS, don't copy but use other peoples work to find inspiration, new or previously unseen techniques, or just locations that you may have been to but never noticed the picture potential before.
Make sure whatever you do though, you get them looked at and critiqued / praised, by far the best way to learn.

Cheers
Phil

[OldBoy]

What blue skys????

After June didn't see many blue skys at all, and I'm out nearly every day.

Storm clouds are great for atmospheric shots, but with flat lighting there is not much you can do as regards landscapes. At this time of year there is plenty of Fungi around, so perhaps use that as a subject but you might need a flash, as most are in dark places under trees.

[karenoliver]

You're right about the weather, Old boy! Its been so depressing here with rain and cloud as well. David, why not use the dull light to photograph scenes that go well with the mood - like industry or decay? More people shots or photograph the weather itself. I am thinking of getting my camera some sort of water-proofing so I can photograph in rain and snow.

Karen