Photography Tips for Dull Weather Conditions

Photography Tips

In this video, photographer Nigel Danson shares his tips for improving photography when conditions aren’t ideal. The video takes place in the Lake District, where Danson is faced with flat light due to overcast weather. He explains that in situations like this, it’s important to be flexible and adapt to the conditions instead of sticking to a set plan. He decides to go on a drive to explore different areas and find interesting subjects:

Danson starts by experimenting with different shots of a waterfall. He puts on his Wellies and gets in the water, using different exposures and compositions to capture different perspectives. He advises not to leave the camera on the tripod and to try different angles to find the best composition. Even if the shot is blurry, it gives a better appreciation of the composition.

He then moves on to shoot a bridge, where he uses the structure to add depth to the image. He experiments with different exposures and compositions, not worrying too much about the outcome, but rather having fun and enjoying the process of photography.

Next, he hikes to a new area, looking for foregrounds and mid-grounds that might add to a future composition. He takes photos with his phone and geotags them to remember where the shots were taken. He finds an old tree that he thinks would make a great shot in snowy conditions, and takes a simple shot of some trees in the foreground and mountains in the background.

Finally, Danson reaches Rydal water, where he photographs a famous tree in misty conditions. He decides not to use a polarizer to maintain contrast and takes a wide shot to separate the tree from the background. He also shoots a reflection of the tree in the water, using other trees to balance the composition.

Danson’s main advice is to experiment and have fun, even in less-than-ideal conditions. Trying different angles, compositions, and exposures can help find the best shot, and it’s important to be flexible and adapt to the environment. By doing so, photographers can develop their skills and be better prepared for when the conditions are perfect.