It can be challenging during these long, dreary, winter months, to stay inspired to capture our everyday moments. Luckily we haven't had much snow here this winter, but we have had our fair share of overcast or rainy days.
I thought I would share a few tips for taking pictures on overcast days. I have had many clients show up to their session disappointed because the clouds were covering the sun. Where I, as the photographer, am always excited for those overcast days. Those clouds work as a giant soft box. Filtering the sun and its harsh light.
There can be a down side to overcast days though. If you aren't careful, it can leave your pictures dull and lifeless. So my first tip would be to try and have your subject in brightly colored clothing. That will give your photograph some visual interest. Makes the subject pop!
Another fun way to add some interest and fun to your photos on an overcast day is by adding some sort of colorful prop. Could be a bicycle, a brightly painted chair, a little red wagon, or in this case, an umbrella. If it's dry, you could also use a pretty blanket on the ground.
Tip number 3 for keeping your photos on an overcast day from looking too drab, would be to simply not include the gray sky in the picture. If it's a cloudy, dramatic sky, it can add a moody interest to the picture. But if it's just a flat, boring, gray sky, it's not going to add anything to your picture. So just leave it out.
On a sunny day, I'm always looking for open shade to shoot in. Under trees or beside buildings. Open shade helps avoid the harsh shadows and squinty eyed subjects that the sun creates. But on an overcast day you will want to shoot right out in the open. You are going to need to find as much light as possible. For these pictures, we went right out in the middle of the street where there weren't any trees or buildings to block the light from us.
Tip #5 would be to shoot from a high angle to get light into your subjects eyes. If you are working with children, this is as simple as having them look directly up at you. If you are working with adults, you can have them sit on the ground and shoot from a standing position. Or find a bench to stand up on to put you at a higher level. Getting light into those eyes will help make your pictures come alive. Those little catch lights are what you should be looking for.
And last but not least, have FUN!!!
Having fun is the most important thing when you are photographing your kids.
If it's not fun, they aren't going to want to do it.
So don't be afraid of these dreary winter days. Go outside and have some fun playing in the rain or the snow. Make some memories and be sure to snap a few pictures along the way!
If you found these tips helpful, you can see more photography tips here.
What type of things do you struggle with when trying to photograph your family?
Leave me a note in the comments and I'll try to help you out as best I can.
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