There’s a storm out there. It’s foggy and grey. The winds are blowing and I can hardly stand up straight. These are all excuses for the “normal” person (read non-photographer) to stay indoors. For those of us who suffer from shutter addiction however, these are some of the best times to head out shooting.

I went walking on the beach during a brief lull in a storm. As I was walking a small shaft of sunlight slid from the clouds to back light these waves. Breaks in storms equal dramatic light and clouds

Bright blue cloudless skies, while great for sunbathing, boating, and hiking are usually pretty boring in a picture. Storm clouds add drama and texture. At sunset it is the clouds and mists that catch the colors of the fading sun and streak the sky with fun. Fog makes things soft and quiet, mysterious. Overcast, fog, and haze can remove the stark contrast between shadow and sunlit subjects (if they aren’t too far away and lost in the haze). Wind whips up waves, blows things through the air, and makes grasses and trees lean and sway adding a sense of motion.

Do protect your camera from getting wet and blowing dust and sand, but make sure you make it out during some of the more dramatic interesting weather phenomena. Some of the worst weather can give us some of the most dramatic images, so head out and play. Revel in the fact that you are different and facing the world while others cozy up inside. You’ll be one of the only ones on that storm swept beach, and you will feel like the whole world is yours.

Enjoy the crappy weather, it’s there for you

Galen

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