Pacific mood (Tingnoan, Real)
Is there such a thing as "bad weather photography"? Not too many photos out there of such because lets face it, who would want to go out there in the rain, or fog, or snow (luckily we don't have that here) and risk their gears. Its much easier to shot landscapes during perfect weather, or take tropical sunrise/sunset shots from a nice comfortable vantages points (read: resorts).
Its quite a challenge, but the rewards are worth it (I think). You get to see a surreal view - something you'll miss if you just stay indoors.
If you like to try it, here are a few tips:
- Dress the part. You'll need wind breakers or light waterproof jackets, bush hats, rain coats, etc. Avoid cotton like a plague, dry fit shorts/pants or shirts are best. Expect to get wet, because you will.
- Umbrellas are quite useful, they can protect your gears (not you!) from sprays if you are shooting waterfalls or seascapes. Based on experience, it would also help a lot if you bring along somebody to hold the umbrella for you.
- If your camera/lenses are not weather sealed, use clear plastic rain covers. You can buy some from camera supply stores. I find garbage bags cheaper, and just as effective. Remove cover ONLY when you are really ready to shoot. Cover as soon as you take the shots.
- Your glasses/filters are going to get wet, no matter what you do. Bring lots of lens wipes.
- 90% percent (or more) of your shots will look like crap and that's a fact. You will need a bit of tenacity (hmm more like stubbornness) on your part to keep shooting, or return to the same spot the next day to get more thrashing from Mother Nature.
- You may have the best gears, but Mother Nature always have tricks up her sleeves. I have a friend who had the traumatic experience of watching his beloved D200 (+ultra wide lens) smashed on the rocks, tripod and all. All it took was a rouge gust of wind.
- Set everything before heading out. Mount your camera on the tripod, set your camera options (i.e. aperture, ISO, etc), mount your filters and bring only what you really need. You won't have much time to switch filters once you are there.
- Be prepared to look like a fool. You'll be the only one on top of a rock, barefoot, and challenging the waves in the middle of a storm while the rest of the gang are enjoying hot coco. If you join me then there'll be two of us, we can take turns holding the umbrella.
- Don't get swept out to the sea. Its bad for your health.