Has anyone ever told you that you shouldn't take photos on cloudy or overcast days? Certainly, cloudy days have their challenges, but they don’t call them "nature's softbox" for nothing. I absolutely love overcast days for photography. If you look closely at the above photo, you will see that is was actually raining during her session. You can see the raindrop ripples on the water.

Taking pictures midday on a sunny day is a huge challenge! That's because bright days present too much dynamic range. The shadows are too dark, and the highlights are too bright. You get pictures that lack detail in the shadows and that have completely blown out hotspots! Whenever possible I shoot in the shade on sunny days. Sure there are appropriate times for sunny photos, such as beach photos, but even then I place my subject with the sun to their back and add some light to their faces. Pictures at noon on a cloudy day allow the clouds to diffuse the sun creating a soft, even light. You'll get beautiful tones. You won't get photos of people that look like raccoons like in bright sun!

Blue skies are beautiful, but clouds add dynamic interesting details. Cloudy days are perfect for sunset sessions! I always bring whatever light I need to compliment what mother nature provides! The photo below was taken just before sunset using a powerful light that can overpower the sun.

Smith_Sunset_Shoot-8509-Edit-3_pp Don't let a cloudy day prevent you from having beautiful photos! If you would like a session at the lake or another beautiful location click the button below!

book now