One of the main subjects of conversation for any true Brit is the weather. It opens most conversations between friends, and it is a great conversation ice breaker between strangers. We are noted for it here in the UK, and it is as ingrained into our character, and our culture, just as deeply as we love talking about our aches and pains.
For photographers the weather is as important as the gear we carry in our bags. It is the weather that can easily let down a well planned photographic trip; apart from forgetting to make sure all batteries are fully charged of course, or maybe not carrying the right lenses for the job when you need them. The UK weather is fickle. The forecast can read sunshine and fair weather clouds for a certain day, and end up being a washout with heavy, dark cloud and continuous rain right over the area you planned to go to. We have a saying for it here, and I guess it applies to anywhere in the world: it's called Sod's Law!
But the weather is important for good photography! A dull flat day can lead to dull flat images. And likewise, a harsh mid-day sun can cause photographers plenty of lighting headaches too. Alas, perfect weather is not always possible, and when it does happen for me I'm usually tied up with other projects to do. Sod's Law applies and I just have to get over it.
So what to do? My advice is: if it is possible to get out in the first place, then do so. The weather is one major reason to shoot RAW. It is easier to deal with lackluster contrast or difficult exposures in post. A bit of dodging and burning here and there can work wonders on a flat, dull image. In fact many an image has been made in the darkroom, whether film in the wet darkroom, or digital in the electronic darkroom. It's part of the craft and has been since the very beginning. So learn how to use your camera properly and above all learn how to process your images to perfection, and you will hardly notice the weather at all when you go out and about.
For photographers the weather is as important as the gear we carry in our bags. It is the weather that can easily let down a well planned photographic trip; apart from forgetting to make sure all batteries are fully charged of course, or maybe not carrying the right lenses for the job when you need them. The UK weather is fickle. The forecast can read sunshine and fair weather clouds for a certain day, and end up being a washout with heavy, dark cloud and continuous rain right over the area you planned to go to. We have a saying for it here, and I guess it applies to anywhere in the world: it's called Sod's Law!
But the weather is important for good photography! A dull flat day can lead to dull flat images. And likewise, a harsh mid-day sun can cause photographers plenty of lighting headaches too. Alas, perfect weather is not always possible, and when it does happen for me I'm usually tied up with other projects to do. Sod's Law applies and I just have to get over it.
So what to do? My advice is: if it is possible to get out in the first place, then do so. The weather is one major reason to shoot RAW. It is easier to deal with lackluster contrast or difficult exposures in post. A bit of dodging and burning here and there can work wonders on a flat, dull image. In fact many an image has been made in the darkroom, whether film in the wet darkroom, or digital in the electronic darkroom. It's part of the craft and has been since the very beginning. So learn how to use your camera properly and above all learn how to process your images to perfection, and you will hardly notice the weather at all when you go out and about.