Project 48: Cloudy and Dull Weather

This project explores taking photos in cloudy and dull weather (quite common here at this time of year!). I compare two scenes photographed in sunshine and then cloudy conditions, and also show some examples of photos which benefit from cloudy light and would not be better taken in strong sunlight. Cloudy light is kind to textured surfaces, and faces, and provides even, diffuse lighting. Sunlight is good for emphasising strong bright colours, and for using shadows to add form to a photo, but can be difficult for getting the correct exposure. However, there is quite a noticible difference in the light avaliable for shooting in cloudy conditions, two stops in both the examples below. This can make the difference between handheld and tripod use, or may mean ISO needs to be increased in cloudy conditions. The situation is exacerbated in rain or with particularly dark clouds around. In addition, it is important to consider the WB used, as there is an obvious blue 'wash' to photos taken in cloudy conditions but using sunlight WB setting.

Photo 1: Photo taken in strong sunlight.

From Project_48_TAOP

f/8, 1/90s, 48mm

Photo 2: Similar photo taken in cloudy conditions, using sunlight WB setting. The photo has a blue 'wash' to it, and the lighting is much softer and more even over the face. I think this is preferable to the sunlit photo, where the shadows are quite strong and dominant on the face. This photo has about 2 stops less light than the sunlit image.

From Project_48_TAOP

f/4, 1/90s, 50mm

Photo 3: Similar photo taken in cloudy conditions, using cloudy WB setting. Here the skin tones are more appropriate, and some of the blue tinge is gone from the photo.

From Project_48_TAOP

f/4, 1/125s, 50mm

Photo 4: Photo taken in strong sunlight. The colours are strong and bright and clear.

From Project_48_TAOP

f/8, 1/350s, 32mm

Photo 5: Similar photo taken in cloudy conditions, using sunlight WB setting. The same blue 'wash' is present in this photo - and it quite suits the snowy, cold-looking setting. This photo has about 2 stops less light than the sunlit image.

From Project_48_TAOP

f/4, 1/250s, 50mm

Photo 6: Similar photo taken in cloudy conditions, using cloudy WB setting. Here the buildings have lost the blue tinge, and look a more realistic colour.

From Project_48_TAOP

f/4, 1/250s, 50mm

Photo 7: A photo taken at Cramond recently on an overcast day (long exposure). Here the scene is moody and dark, and would be not nearly as interesting taken in full sunlight!

From Project_48_TAOP

f/22, 15s, 24mm

Photo 8: A slightly quirky photo taken as a possible photo for Assignment 3, near to the Edinburgh canal. The day is overcast and the light softly diffuse over the whole scene. The colours of grafitti are quite bright and strong in this photo.

From Project_48_TAOP

f/4.5, 1/125s, 45mm

Photo 9: Another photo taken as a possible photo for Assignment 3. It was taken in cloudy conditions, which suit both the even lighting required and the reflection in the water, and lack of bright highlights, which I don't think would have suited the photo.

From Project_48_TAOP

f/5.6, 1/8s, 48mm

Photo 10: Example of photos taken in my archives that suit the cloudy situation, and would not have been better in strong sunlight. This first photo is taken in the NW Scottish highlands, and both because of the detail in the rocks and the water reflection, would not be better in strong sunlight.

From Project_48_TAOP

f/6.7, 1/250s, 45mm

Photo 11: A second, somewhat moody photo taken in Venice which also would not be better in strong sunlight, where the shadows would take over the photo. Here there is enough detail under the arch and to the water beyond, whereas in stronger light this may not be the case. The even lighting was beneficial for taking this photo.

From Project_48_TAOP

f/5, 1/80s, 43mm

PS - Thanks very much to Duncan for showing me how to link to my photos in picasaweb - now you can click on the photos above to see the camera settings and leave comments on individual photos if you want in picasa. The learning process continues!!