Inclement weather allows a photographer to capture unique photos. The aftermath of a good rain leaves everything wet, reflective, puddle filled, and fresh. A freshly fallen snow carpets the environment in a blanket of pristine white. An impending or clearing storm creates drama in the sky, adds color, and imparts an ominous tone to the surroundings. Blue skies are often desirable and many subjects require them. But the next time a lack of one gets in your way, don’t despair. Take advantage of the situation and work its magic.

Cherish the Clouds: Just like snowflakes, no two cloudy days are ever the same. This holds true for every type of cloud. On any two given days, cumulous, lenticular, stratus, or cirrus clouds will always differ. If you’re lucky, dramatic mammatus clouds will pay a visit. Conditions change quickly so it’s essential to work fast as the drama doesn’t last long. If clouds linger in the sky and the horizon is clear at sunrise or sunset, there’s an excellent chance for great color. Learn how to read the skies when clouds appear. Go on line to get hourly forecasts to see when clouds are scheduled to either move into or leave the area. Work these edges of the storms as they provide the best conditions.  

©Russ Burden

Use Raindrops: Water left behind from a good rain can be beneficial in many ways. Street photographers exploit rain soaked roads as the wet conditions provide reflections, dirt is washed away, colors are more saturated, and a sparkle is added to otherwise dull concrete. Look for puddles that reflect main subjects such as tall buildings, a colorful car, a dramatic mountain peak, or anything else you want to photograph. Get down low and close to make the reflection the primary point of view. Don’t overlook the subtleties of rain drops. Random patterns left behind make great macro subjects. Look for subjects that work well with them. Move in close with a macro lens to show them off. Autumn leaves are a favorite but don’t limit yourself to just the obvious subjects. Move in close on just about any subject and a whole new world of photography is at your fingertips.

©Russ Burden

The Serendipitous Surprise: Luck more often favors those who persist as opposed to those who don’t. And when you come across a lucky situation, take full advantage. For instance, it seldom rains in the desert but when it does, it comes alive. Realizing this, photograph everything you see. If you come from a wet climate you may not think rain is a big deal so you take it for granted. This could be a huge mistake. The same holds true for the Pacific Northwest in the winter. Get out on those rare sunny days and take advantage of the conditions. In the accompanying snow photo taken in Zion National Park in Utah, I ran around like a chicken without a head getting to as many places as possible before the snow melted. It doesn’t often snow in Zion and I happened to be there. Knowing of the lack of snow in the area, I wanted to get as many photos as I could so I’d have captures different from most other photographers. 

©Russ Burden

To learn more about this topic, join me on one of my Nature Photo Tours. Visit russburdenphotography.com and click on the NATURE TOURS button for more information. Also, email me to be placed on my Tip of the Week list and to receive announcements about upcoming tours specials or to pick up a copy of my book, Amphoto’s Complete Book of Photography. You can purchase a signed copy directly from me or visit your local book store or Amazon. Contact me at rburden@ecentral.com to order your signed copy.