I more than often hear landscape photographers complaining about “bad” weather and then say it’s chugging down. Honestly, I don’t know what they’re talking about. I thrive in stormy weather. Rain, strong winds, and what can sometimes be a bit of a problem, low hanging clouds – yes it’s next to nearly impossible to keep your camera dry, it’s next to nearly impossible to keep the lens clean and it requires extra energy to keep up the spirit – but “bad” weather is not bad weather, it’s amazing. For two reasons: One, you can photograph during daytime instead of hitting odd hours during sunset or sunrise. Two: And most importantly, it can create some amazing dramatic photos with a lot of atmosphere.
This kind of heavy weather is amazing for dramatic photos and delivers some of the best light possible. Especially if you’re in the situation that the sun peaks through and lights up the rain! Check out in the upper video on my adventure from Snowdonia National Park in Northern Wales on how I work during “bad” weather. Here’re seven tips for getting some marvelous photos in bad weather which are not included in the video!
Tip 1: It goes without saying your camera should be weather resistant before heading out into bad weather. The weather sealing of modern cameras becomes better and better, but be sure to check up the reviews on your specific camera.
Tip 2: You might also want to bring a lot of napkins and microfiber cloths to keep the lens clean and dry. The napkins might leave small paper fiber dots, but they do a better job at soaking up water than the microfiber cloths. Afterwards, you can use the microfiber cloth to remove the paper fibers.
Tip 3: The more you close down the aperture the more visible and smaller water droplets on the final image become. If you shoot with an open aperture such as 5.6 the droplets are bigger and more blurry and harder to remove in post-processing.
Tip 4: Keep the lens hood attached. The extra “framing” around your front element makes for a great cover against rain droplets.
Tip 5: If the composition allows for a slightly tilted down camera it’s hard for the rain to hit the front element.
Tip 6: Bring an umbrella and attach it to your tripod with some kind of clam or socket – DON’T DO THIS IF IT’S WINDY!
Tip 7: I’ve had great use for the weather and rain forecast app “Storm Radar” to predict and avoid showers.
Take care and enjoy the amazing weather!
About the Author
Mads Peter Iversen is a fine art landscape photographer from Denmark. You can see more of his work on his website, Facebook page, Instagram and YouTube channel. This article was also published here and shared with permission.
