ADVENTURE PHOTOGRAPHY

with Cathy & Gordon ILLG

PHOTO TIPS

 

 A LITTLE RAIN NEVER HURT ANYONE

Have you been putting off your photography for better weather? Tired of wasting your time and film on overcast scenes obscured by rain or snow? Well, we used to feel the same way, and we still do to some extent. It’s very hard to get out of bed before sunrise when you can hear raindrops hitting the roof. If you want to come home with images that are different from those most other photographers are taking though, ugly weather may be your salvation. Let’s face it, most of the animals or scenes you will ever have an opportunity to capture on film have been photographed many times before. To make your images stand out, you may have to do something most of the other photographers are reluctant to do--go out in bad weather.

The are some situations in which we actually seek out "bad" weather for our photography. We like to capture seasonal images of wildlife, and what says winter more than snow. Some of our favorite wildlife shots show an animal being dusted by falling snow. If possible, we’ll plan winter wildlife photography excursions around approaching storms. Even on dark days, the light is usually not too bad because snow is so reflective, and the animal’s fur or feathers look nice in overcast light because there is so little contrast.

Photographing in rain is more difficult. First of all, rain is not reflective, so there is usually a lot less light than on a snowy day. Second, it has to be pouring before the rain will even show in the photo. And third, rain is much more of a pain to work in because it doesn’t just brush off like snow does. We’ve taken some good photos in the rain (the Feb 2003 cover of Backpacker shows a grizzly Cathy photographed in the rain), but those photos rarely emphasized the fact that it was raining. Whether you’re shooting in the snow or the rain, eliminate or minimize the sky. A bald, gray sky rarely adds to any image.
Nasty weather can even add to scenic photography. Fall color can look glorious under overcast skies (again, try to eliminate the sky), and what difference will a little rain make if you’re photographing running water? If you’re looking to compose some grand scenics, an ugly sky can definitely make your job more difficult. The red rock formations of Arches or Monument Valley most certainly lose something under a gray sky. Still, Cathy and I always go out because no one knows what the weather will do (especially the weather forecasters).
Last year in Arches, we had snow clouds that had been with us all day depart in the last twenty minutes before sunset. The light was fantastic, and the rocks were highlighted against the dark clouds behind. And we almost missed it because we were tempted to call it an early day. I’m the first to admit that most of the time the skies will not miraculously clear as the light turns magical. You will never see it happen though, if you’re not out there waiting for it.

A few words of caution if you do venture out under less than ideal weather conditions. Protect your camera. A little rain may not hurt the photographer, but it’s not great for camera gear. Beware of condensation on and in your equipment if you’re going from the cold outdoors to the warm indoors. It’s best to put your camera in a pack before going back inside after being outside on a cold day. Dress adequately. Don’t go blaming us if you get frostbite on a snowy day or trenchfoot on a rainy one because you didn’t dress appropriately. And last, be especially careful driving on such days because we’ll probably be out there, too.