Exposed! :: Bad Weather Shooting ::
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We just finished our annual Night Light Photo Workshop and we had the worst weather we've had in a long time! But the wet weather created some spectacular scenes because of the wet surfaces, sparkling reflections and gorgeous clouds.
When the weather is nasty, magical things happen - reflections explode with vibrant colours, droplets reflect and multiply your subjects, sunsets become more dramatic, snowstorms provide beautiful textures.
In this month's edition of Exposed! we contemplate the idea of going outside to shoot when we'd rather curl up in front of the fire!
Benefits
Shooting in nasty weather will be extra work and less appealing than the comforts of home... but here are benefits to getting out there:
- You'll have the opportunity for dramatically brilliant pictures!
- Bragging rights to the photos you caught beacuase of the weather.
- You'll learn to shoot in challenging sessions - and that will make you a better photographer.
How to stay warm and dry
Shooting whitewater in November - notice the background snow.
You can capture the beautiful excitement offered by nasty weather AND stay comfortable. Dress for success! It's no fun being cold or wet or both. Here are some tips to stay warm and dry:
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Be careful. When learning to shoot in poor weather, take small steps. Venture out close to home before trying a solo wilderness trek in a snow storm. Bring a friend, cell phone and emergency gear. Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.
- Wear wool and synthetics but not cotton! When damp, even slightly, cotton keeps you cool - a cotton shirt is perfect for a hot summer's day but not for November's gales.
- Bring many layers of clothes. When walking to locations you need less clothes than when you are standing still in one location for two hours. Add more or less clothes based on your activity level.
- Cold hands/feet? Warm and dry mitts/socks will help. To keep your extremities warm it's also important to keep your head and core warm. To warm your hands, put on another sweater or hat. If your core feels warm your brain will allow warm blood flow to the extremities.
- Stay hydrated and satiated. Eat and drink regularly. If you are well nourished you will stay warmer - and take better photos.
- Bring an umbrella, even in the wilderness, it is an amazing portable shelter in the rain. Be aware of wind gusts.
- Shoot from sheltered locations if possible.
- Bring plastic bags and covers to help keep gear safe.
- Keep batteries in an inside pocket to keep them warm and operating at full power.
- Read our newsletter "warm photos from winter's cold."
Poor Weather Success!
Homework
Take small steps. Be safe. Test your wild weather equipment systems on your front porch before traveling further afield. The shooting techniques - exposure, focus, and special effects are essentially the same as sunny, warm, nice weather!
Pro Perspective
Pat Morrow said "f8 and be there." Many people follow this mantra. Being there is often the most important ingredient of a brilliant photo.
Kevin Foisy, a past ProProgram student who took Night Light, is exhibiting his work at Ottawa Studio Works. He told me that his finest photos often come from the worst weather days.
Harry Nowell says make the best of the worst situations. I've shot in many weather scenarios: blizzards, -30C, and pouring rain. With foresight, training and experience you can capture the photos nobody else was brave enough to capture!
Final Frame
Get out there!
Take photos. Have fun.
