A few weeks ago, I spent some time in Ireland with my family. One of the places that was on our list to check out was Kylemore Abbey, a former boarding school and castle in County Galway. There was a lake in front of it, and we had grand ideas of capturing the building with its reflection in the water; the mountains and trees surrounding it in the background. But as we pulled up, we noticed something was different. One of the wings of the building was surrounded by scaffolding. It was under construction. As bummed as we were, I knew … [Read more...] about Learning to See: Working Around the Iconic Vacation Shot
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Getting Creative with Unexpected Weather on Vacation
I recently took a trip to Raleigh, NC to visit friends. One of my goals, wherever I visit, is to see the local sights and spend a lot of time doing photography. During this trip, the first three days were gorgeous, sunny days. But the last two, we experienced unusual all-day rain in Raleigh. I still had the urge to take photographs. And while my camera is weather sealed, I'm not. I didn't pack, or expect, all-day rain. So, what's a photographer to do when you still want to take pictures, but don't want to brave the elements for countless … [Read more...] about Getting Creative with Unexpected Weather on Vacation
“Bad Weather Makes Good Photographs” and Better Stories
I first heard this phrase from Joe McNally: "Bad weather makes good photographs," and I continue to find that it's true. My dad, also a photographer, was visiting from out of town the other day, and I was planning to take him on a hike to a waterfall I'd been dreaming of photographing with Autumn colors. It's only about a mile and a half up to Metlako Falls and it would have been a fun few hours' hike and shoot. However, it had been raining all day in the city, and by the time our family activities were over it was getting late in the … [Read more...] about “Bad Weather Makes Good Photographs” and Better Stories
Being a Weather-Savvy Photographer Part 3 – Going Mobile
In my past two articles I took a look behind the scenes at the National Weather Service with an introduction to the Forecast Discussion and severe weather alert products. The NWS web page is a buffet of weather information that should fill you up when you are planning to photograph outdoors in dynamic weather, but when you are actually out in the field you need more bite-size weather information. In this article I will share the weather-focused applications I use on my iPhone to keep abreast of the every-changing weather. While I use an iPhone, … [Read more...] about Being a Weather-Savvy Photographer Part 3 – Going Mobile
Being a Weather-Savvy Photographer Part 2 – Warnings, Watches and Advisories
In my previous article about the National Weather Service's Forecast Discussions I touched briefly on another set of products the NWS releases: outlooks, advisories, watches and warnings. These alerts are designed to help those planning on being out in the elements prepare for forecasted severe weather. Outdoor photographers can use these alerts to determine the best times and places to capture dramatic weather conditions, and learn when they should seek shelter from dangerous weather. Understanding the differences between the four types of … [Read more...] about Being a Weather-Savvy Photographer Part 2 – Warnings, Watches and Advisories
Being a Weather-Savvy Photographer
The Pacific Northwest is a veritable playground for outdoor photographers. In any given day I can photograph alpine landscapes, arid desert scablands, lush temperate rainforests and rugged ocean shorelines. One constant in our diverse region is the complex weather. As a native Northwesterner, I have always had a fascination with meteorology and with todays wealth of weather information at our fingertips, its easier than ever to be a weather-savvy outdoor enthusiast. Get Insider Information Straight From the National Weather Service Weather … [Read more...] about Being a Weather-Savvy Photographer
Five Items For The Cold Weather Photographer
Editor's Note: While You might have summer on your mind, now's the perfect time to put your plans together for winter shooting. Recently, I went on a 2 1/2 week trip to Iceland and Norway during the winter season. Upon doing my research of the historic weather reports for those areas during that time of year, along with looking at the current forecasts, I was able to get a good idea as to what I should expect. I also had lots of conversations with fellow adventure photographers who have been to these areas about recommended accessories to keep … [Read more...] about Five Items For The Cold Weather Photographer
Keep Your Camera Safe in Cold Weather
Nikon D800, 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens @ 48mm, f/16, 5 frame HDR, ISO 200, finished in Lightroom 5 and Photomatix Pro 5. It was about minus 15 degrees F when I made this photograph in Grand Teton National Park. Anytime you take something cold into a place where it's warm, you're likely to see water vapor from the air condense on the outside of the cold thing--like the water condensing and puddling on the outside of a glass of ice water in Florida. Warm air is capable of holding a lot of water, and that water is drawn out as condensation on cold … [Read more...] about Keep Your Camera Safe in Cold Weather
Five Cold Weather Photography Tips
Yep it's cold - well it's cold most places. I am lucky to be in Vegas where it's been in the mid 60s but I saw the national weather forecast and it's cold. It will also be cold in Alaska where I'll be this time next month. So I thought it might be a good time to break out some cold weather photography tips. 1. Battery - Battery - Battery In the cold weather your super cool and modern camera battery will not provide the power you're used to having in the summer. The colder it gets, the worse your battery performance will be. The cure? Bring … [Read more...] about Five Cold Weather Photography Tips
Bad Weather Means Getting Creative – Alaska Eagle Trip Report – Part 2
See the EXIF data below... I've been in Alaska for almost a week. I head home today. While in Alaska, we've had everything from bright sunshine, to snow, to rain, to sleet, to dark ugly skies. On the last day of the trip, we had ugly, rainy weather. The choices are stay in the hotel or go out and shoot. I went out to shoot. One of the things I like to do when there is poor light is use it as an excuse to get creative. Since there was no reason to try to shoot eagle portraits or fishing, I decided to do pan blurs. Working with slow shutter … [Read more...] about Bad Weather Means Getting Creative – Alaska Eagle Trip Report – Part 2
Landscape Photographers – Pray For Rain – Be Patient – Persevere
As I write this I sit in my hotel just outside the entrance to Zion National Park. At the moment, we're waiting out a torrential downpour. On the other end of the park it's snowing - in late May. Who knew? I planned this trip six weeks ago. Of course I had no idea what the weather would be like, but I didn't care. I figured a good time would ensue. It may not sound like I was right, but I was. Why? Like I said - It rained. Yep, my pals all said, "Too bad you're going to get rained out in Zion." Another friend said, "I wish you'd been … [Read more...] about Landscape Photographers – Pray For Rain – Be Patient – Persevere
Weather: The Photographer’s Friend
(This photo was made on a day when there was a thin, high overcast that completely blocked out the sun. It wasn't the kind of light you hope for on vacation at the beach. But it's perfect light for photographing a wolf who happens to be standing on top of a waterfall. Had it been a cloudless day, the specular highlights in the water would have been uncontrollable and the wolf's fur coat as well as the forest would have no detail in the blacks due to a very high contrast ratio.) I'm struck by the number of times my well-meaning relatives say … [Read more...] about Weather: The Photographer’s Friend
Cold Weather Shooting Tips
Cold weather is on its way. Remember to stock extra batteries. And remember that condensation can really mess up your camera. Here are some more cold weather photo tips. 1) Bring extra camera AND flash batteries. If you are going to photograph outside in the cold, your camera and flash will go through batteries at an astonishing rate. A battery that lasted all day in normal weather may wear down in a matter of minutes in the extreme cold. 2) Keep your spare camera batteries in your pockets, not in the camera bag. They will stay warmer … [Read more...] about Cold Weather Shooting Tips
Wet Weather Photo Tips
Just because it's summer, doesn't mean it can't rain. In fact, summer is the rainy season in many parts of the country. If you're a photographer, the rain is sometimes good news. Rain makes flowers and plants look good. Rain usually means there's a lack of direct sunlight. Rain usually means there are cool cloud formations and a chance for spectacular skies when the weather clears. To be ready for rain, carry the appropriate gear with you in your photo bag. There are several companies that sell official rain covers for cameras. I like the … [Read more...] about Wet Weather Photo Tips
Photographing in Bad Weather
Bad weather can make for great photos. Especially in the summer when in many parts of the USA, you get dramatic thunderstorms and big cloud formations. If you want to make great weather shots, remember that the weather, NOT the foreground is your subject. Include no more than 25% of the foreground in your frame, less if possible. (One major exception to this is a photo that includes water. In this case, you may want more foreground than background.) And don't even think of using autofocus for these types of shots. Switch to manual focus, set … [Read more...] about Photographing in Bad Weather
