It’s easy to be inspired to grab your camera and head outdoors during sunny summer weather or a gorgeous fall day.
But how about a cold, rainy November morning? Maybe not so much.
It might seem unlikely, but some of the best photos are made during “bad” weather.
After all, blank blue skies are kind of boring. Everyone has those photos. Photographically, storm clouds are full of mood and emotion… and tell a much more interesting story.
Take a look at these photos from my friend Sarah Ehlen, who guides photo tours in Glacier National Park (we’re going there with her next summer, so watch for that announcement in coming months!).
Here’s what she said: “This shot was taken during an approaching fall storm. The wind was howling and it was nearly dark. It would have been easy to stay inside, but the wind and waves on the lake made for the perfect chance to play with long exposures to blur the motion of the water and clouds.”
She also sent these and said, “I especially like photographing during the transition from fall to winter. A fresh coating of snow along with a splash of fall color is photography gold.”
Keep in mind that if it’s foggy, dark, rainy, or snowy, adding in a subject with bright color provides a nice contrast. In the shots below, notice how the red really pops from the background.
The trick with photographing during the colder months is to bundle up and bring spare batteries (cold temps will drain your camera battery faster). Pack a thermos of soup or hot coffee, too.
If you’re in a place where the weather’s getting cooler fast… resist the urge to bundle up on the couch and settle in for a Netflix binge. Or, promise yourself you can warm up on the couch after spending a few minutes photographing outside.
Your stock photo portfolio will thank you!
