A few notes to keep in mind when photographing in bad weather.
1. In overcast conditions your camera will be
able to capture greater detail from shadow to
highlights due to a reduction in the contrast
range of the scene.
2. Reduction in contrast also tones colours
down to a pastel range of hues.
3. Always keep a waterproof bag handy, one
that will fit over the camera while its on the
tripod in case of an unexpected downpour of
rain, I always have a shower cap in my bag
they're cheap and the elastic bottom prevents
them from blowing away in a wind.
After the rain - Portrane cliffwalk, Co Dublin.
Canon Eos 5D - F/22.0, 4 seconds, iso 100 fl 17mm
4. To do - on a rainy day go out and photograph
a location normally known for its bright
colour
5. Photographing the beach just after a rain
shower can produce some amazingly
dramatic sky's.
6. Personalize the storm - most bad storms are
given names i.e. recent storm “Emma” in
Ireland, in you blogs or reporting use phrases
like “ From our recent trip to see Emma” ,
photograph before and the aftermath of the
storm but always safety first heed the
national weather warnings.
7. Local location, with changeable weather stick
to a local location that you can get to quickly
if the weather or light conditions look
favorable.
8. Bring a camera rain cover or waterproof wet
bag.
9. Lens hood, a lens hood will prevent glare and
stop rain from reaching the front element of
your lens.
10. Lens wipes, to clear rain, mist or fog from
your lens and camera.
11. Sturdy tripod, a heavier more sturdy tripod,
one that will not more in windy conditions,
carbon fiber are light and great for travelling
but aluminium are more sturdy if it is breezy
and make for better landscape photography.
12. Filters, using filters in stormy conditions can
be very difficult, a strong breeze could whip
an ND filter right out of your hand and out
across the sea.
13. Polarizing filters, a polarizing filter can be
used to cut through reflections on wet
ground but will remove rainbows from your
photo if used.
14. Work in aperture priority mode combined
with exposure compensation, set aperture
to between f/8.0 - f/11.0, select your low-set
ISO value available to you on the camera.
15. Waterproof clothing is a must, also wear
gloves, the thin thermal type with the non
slip pads on the fingers.