In this video, Pat Kay will delve into Michael’s approach to landscape photography on days where the sun doesn’t seem to cooperate. Discover how to embrace overcast conditions, play with textures, and tell visual stories through your photography. And remember, the key to capturing great shots is not just in the conditions, but in how you see and compose the scene before you.

1. Embrace Overcast Days for Subtle Lighting

When most people think of ideal photography weather, they imagine dramatic sunrises, sunsets, or clear blue skies. However, overcast days offer unique opportunities for landscape photographers. The soft, diffused lighting can eliminate harsh shadows, creating a more even and balanced exposure throughout your shot. Michael notes that his favorite images have often been taken under conditions just like these—flat, yet full of potential.

On days like this, it’s important to think creatively. Instead of focusing on broad, sweeping vistas that rely on dramatic lighting, consider zooming in on smaller details and textures in the landscape. For instance, the rock formations on the California coast presented incredible textures that, under the soft light, allowed for a more intimate and subtle composition.

2. Textures Tell Stories

One of the primary focuses in Michael’s coastal exploration was textures. As he walked along the shoreline, he noticed intricate patterns in the rocks and stone formations that made for fascinating subjects. From circular patterns that resemble prehistoric figures to abstract compositions that mimic faces and forms, textures can tell stories that might go unnoticed at first glance.

The key here is exploration. As Michael puts it, “All it takes is a bit of walking and a lot of looking.” By taking the time to carefully examine your surroundings, you’ll discover compositions that others might miss. Whether you’re shooting wide or zoomed in, textures can add depth and intrigue to your photographs.

3. Be Ready to Adapt to Changing Conditions

One of the biggest challenges of outdoor photography is the unpredictability of the weather. On this particular day, the fog that Michael expected to linger eventually lifted, allowing the sun to peek through. This presented a new set of challenges—direct sunlight can create harsh contrasts and make it more difficult to capture those subtle textures.

Michael adapted by seeking out shaded areas and adjusting his exposure settings to suit the changing light. This is an essential skill for any landscape photographer: be flexible, and always have a backup plan when the weather changes unexpectedly.

4. Simplify Your Compositions

Michael found that his best shots were often the simplest ones. When photographing textures, zooming in to isolate certain shapes or patterns can help eliminate distractions and create a cleaner, more focused composition. In one of his favorite shots, the simplicity of the structure—resembling a dinosaur skull—made the image stand out.

One tip he shared for simplifying compositions is to take a wide shot first, and then examine the frame for smaller, more refined compositions within that larger scene. By narrowing your focus, you can often find an even more compelling shot hidden within the broader landscape.

5. Shoot with Versatility in Mind

Throughout the day, Michael utilized his Tamron 28-200mm lens, which gave him the flexibility to switch between wide-angle and telephoto shots without having to change lenses. Versatility is key when you’re out in the field, especially when conditions can change quickly. By having a lens that can handle a range of focal lengths, you’ll be prepared for anything from sweeping landscapes to detailed close-ups.

Michael also emphasized the importance of using the right camera settings for each scene. For example, he used ISO 500 to maintain flexibility with handheld shots in lower light, while setting the aperture to f/8 for a good depth of field.

Conclusion:

Michael’s journey along the California coast serves as a reminder that great photography isn’t just about the perfect weather—it’s about how you approach the scene, no matter the conditions. Overcast days offer a unique opportunity to create subtle, textured, and intimate landscape photographs that tell a story. By embracing these conditions, simplifying your compositions, and staying adaptable, you can capture stunning images in any light.