Aug
7
Submitted by Abby on Fri, 2009-08-07 06:27
Clouds have always fascinated me. The shapes, colours, sizes, textures are all so different making them very photogenic. Clouds can have the ability to turn a boring blue sky into a maze of interesting shapes.
When travelling clouds really can be very exciting to photograph due to different weather systems. Different weather patterns mean that clouds add mystery to any image. The great thing about clouds is that they are totally random and very unpredictable giving you totally unique shots.
Here are 7 quick tips to help you photograph some amazing clouds.
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First things first, look up. I know this sounds obvious but to simply look up at the clouds is something some people don't do. Remember to look up at the clouds!
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Composition. How you compose your photograph will depend on how dramatic the clouds are and whether you need to add anything else to the frame. Photographing other objects as well as the clouds will add more depth to the final photograph. Objects or simply the ground in front will help bring your image to life and give the photograph perspective. Remember the rule of thirds when composing your photograph to give a more balanced image. -
Zoom out. Using a wide angle lens or being at the shortest end of the lens's length will help you capture more of the cloud. For some more abstract images of the clouds zoom in so you don't get the whole shape, just the texture.
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Hold still. When photographing clouds a great idea is to use a tripod to hold your camera still. If you don't have or travel with a tripod, there different ways of steadying your camera, basically anything that is fixed and solid at the right hight.
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Time of day. Shooting clouds in the midday sun is best to be avoided. The midday sun is bright and harsh and photographing clouds at this time will result in loss of subtle but important colour variation. The best time to photograph clouds is in the morning or evening light.
6.Use a Polarizing filter. Using a polarizing filter will help bring out the range of contrasting colours in the clouds giving much more dramatic contrasts. A polarizing filter works by blocking certain light particles in the air and cutting out haze, making clouds stand our much more against the blue sky. Polarizing filters work best in the morning and evening when the sun is not directly above. Read more about Polarizing filters.7.Shoot quickly. Remember that on a windy day clouds move quite quickly. If you see a brilliant cloud formation work quickly to photograph it.
As a photographer clouds shouldn't mean bad weather, allow clouds to inspire you to me creative.
Have fun, work fast and get some Beautiful Cloud Scape's!
Abby x
