Looking out of the window, the sky is tar-black. The big clouds are moving towards me and I can suddenly hear a tapping on the window. Puddles begin plinking as the rainfall becomes heavier… Shall I go out with my camera, or shall I stay in the comfort of my home…? We’ve all been there. But the truth is that while the weather plays a huge role in landscape photography, there’s always a photo opportunity to be had. Depending on where you are right now, you might be basking in the heat warm sunshine – or sloshing through rain puddles, or even enduring a storm. Every good landscape photographer needs to know how to make the best of any type of weather. After all, photography is less about the subject itself, and more about the light and conditions it’s seen in.
Different types of landscapes require different weather conditions and light to get the best out of them and, to be truthful, in many cases the ultimate conditions are far from what most people describe as ‘good’ weather.
The great news is that even the worst weather conditions can offer the best opportunities to get unique and powerful landscapes. You can use every type of weather to your advantage to help create atmosphere, drama and tension in your landscapes. Not sure how? Stay with me and immerse yourself in my guide to how to take great photos, whatever the weather may throw at you!
Over the years I’ve learned to take any weather forecast with a pinch of salt
Chasing bad weather
Over the past few years, I have experienced some real enjoyment of photographing in ‘bad weather’. I find myself continually keeping an eye on the weather forecast and, when a bad storm, dense fog or heavy snowfall is predicted, I know it is time to get out with the camera.
Why photograph in bad weather?
But what is so exciting about photographing in harsh conditions? Well, the answer is light and dynamics of the weather. The bad weather can create some of
