Inspiration Needed - post photos shot on rainy and/or overcast days

[Brownbear]

I recently moved back to Vancouver from the sunny climes and blue skies of Mexico. Winter days in Vancouver are rainy, overcast and frankly, quite dreary. It has rained almost every day this month...

I love to shoot outdoors, typically nature shots, and when I look out the window to check the weather I think maybe tomorrow... with this attitude it may be April before I take another photo.

Therefore I would like to ask others to post their best outdoor photos, taken on rainy or overcast days, including some animal/bird shots for photographic inspiration. Any advice on shooting outdoors in the above conditions will also be truly appreciated.

Thank you

[ChrisGilbert]

Moving water is always best photographed under dull conditions. You have plenty 'round those parts

[Mike Buckley]

I recently posted a photo that takes advantage of the soft look in the distance provided by the rain. Being hesitant to cross post it, I'd rather that you use this link to view the last photo posted in the message: Canyonlands National Park

Other ideas that take advantage of the rain:

People adapting to the rain, such as jumping over puddles, using umbrellas, etc.
Reflections in puddles

As for shooting during overcast days, the diffuse light and soft shadows can be great for making "portraits" of animals for the same reason that they are great for making portraits of people and shooting flowers.

[benm]

Here's a photo taken in Washington, D.C. If anything, it's easier to photograph in the rain compared to a bright, sunny day - less dynamic range to be concerned about, no weird shadows, no danger of sunburn ...

[shreds]

If the rain is really heavy, try getting down low and capturing raindrops rebounding off a hard surface.

(When I get home I will try and find some examples to post). In Britain we are quite used to having to be inventive in this way. Clear blue skies and high sun are a rare phenomenon!

[Mike Buckley]

I just now remembered some images that I captured either during the rain or during a day that rain was generally occurring throughout the day.

Though the still water in this photo indicates that it was not raining at the moment that I captured it, the rain was generally happening throughout the day. Without rain that week, perhaps this puddle would not have been formed. As you can see from the reflection of the sky in the puddle, the sky was nothing but clouds.





An example of a person adapting to the rain by wearing rain gear and avoiding the puddle in the hiking trail:





Chris mentioned that moving water makes for great subjects on overcast days. This is an example taken during a drenching rain.





Though this image will never win any awards, I like the story as a hiker that it tells and I especially like the lush green background that would not have been as appealing on a bright, clear day. As you can tell from disruption in the foreground water, it was lightly raining when I captured the image.





The heavy rain that was taking place when I captured this photo made for a wonderful atmosphere in my mind. (Sorry if I posted this image a couple months ago when I posted many images of my trip to Iceland.)

[Brownbear]

Thank you Mike. Lovely photo... Great to hear for animal portraits, and that photo of the lady straddling the puddle is amusing... a common hiking technique in the Pacific Northwest.

Thank you Chris, Ian, Ben & Mike for sharing ideas and posting photos... It's working... starting to feel inspired but please keep the photos coming...

[ScoutR]

Christina: These are some of my favourite shots and they are all taken on dull overcast/foggy days, in fact most of my favourite shots are taken on dull days.
It's already been said, dynamic range is within camera specs so no need to worry about blown highlights, colours are more saturated because the light is not reflecting off of everything and the mood is totally different.
Even if it is a dull day, I still find the light is best early morning or evening. Get out and look around. My goodness you have mountains and the ocean and such a lovely area. Don't wait till spring, go out and shoot, you'll see.

[Mike Buckley]

Wow, Wendy! Great demonstration! Each and every image is really terrific!

[Mike Buckley]

the lady straddling the puddle

How did you know that it's a woman? In fact, it's my wife. We were dressed almost exactly the same that day, wearing the same poncho, similar hat, fully covered, etc., etc. With no facial features being displayed in the image, I would have thought it would have been impossible to determine the gender.

[Brownbear]

Wow, Wendy.. Thank you. You put a big smile on my face.

Mike... likely because a man would walk right through the puddle, whereas a lady would wish to keep her runners clean... and she looks flexible... LOL... really not sure, just instinct.

Bobo Bird if you are reading this can you post some of your bird photos taken in overcast conditions? Thank you in advance.

[Mike Buckley]

likely because a man would walk right through the puddle...and she looks flexible

Ouch! Despite that we have never met, you absolutely nailed me on both points.

[Brownbear]

LOL Gentle nails I hope...

[Bobobird]

There is lots that can be done in the rain.

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[Bobobird]

Bobo Bird if you are reading this can you post some of your bird photos taken in overcast conditions? Thank you in advance.

Sorry, just saw this after posting the other stuff. Will see if I can find some.

However, only water birds tend not to mind the rain. Land birds are like us, we hide away.

Some...

[jeeperman]

There is a great bunch of inspiration posted here. Here is my contribution.

[JPS]

Guys / Girls,
you have come up with some great ideas here, that I'm sure will be useful to many of us not just Christina.

Note to Christina: thanks for starting this thread; I've loved seeing what others are doing when the weather is bad.

[Glenn NK]

Flowers are best shot in the rain:

1) As Wendy pointed out, colours are more saturated - the soft diffused light doesn't cast many shadows or create specular highlights resulting in better images.

2) Raindrops add an interesting element to flowers.

Get a good raincoat for your camera - I'm using a Kata E-702. It's not cheap, but it covers the entire body plus lens, has a clear plastic viewing insert through which I can see all the entire camera and controls, has two arm holes, and an opening at the bottom for tripod mounting. It can be seen on Kata's site but the image doesn't do it justice at all. It's much better than it looks.

Glenn

[Bobobird]

Thanks Glen for the raincoat tip.

I have never used one relying instead on the hood and just a hand towel over the lens and camera - rain or snow.

A raincoat will probably give the equipment better protection so can stay in the field longer. What about person protection? What do you use for that?

[Brownbear]

Thank you Bobo for posting your amazing bird photos. Nice also to see the flower and insect shots in the rain. I'm thoroughly inspired, raring to head out in the rain, and will be buying a raincoat for camera (thank you Glen)

Thank you to all for posting your photos and sharing ideas and knowledge. I knew if I posted here, I'd learn a few new things and be inspired...