Club Meeting | SS Weather

Weather photography is a fascinating niche in photography, focusing on capturing the beauty, drama, and power of various weather conditions. This type of photography can range from serene landscapes under clear skies to dramatic shots of storms, lightning, snow, or sunsets. Here’s a breakdown of weather photography essentials:

1. Types of Weather Photography

• Clear Skies: Blue skies, sunrises, sunsets, and starry nights.
• Storms: Thunderstorms, lightning, hurricanes, and tornadoes.
• Rain and Snow: Raindrops, reflections in puddles, and snow-covered landscapes.
• Cloud Formations: Dramatic cloudscapes, including cumulonimbus and lenticular clouds.
• Fog and Mist: Soft, ethereal scenes with reduced visibility.
• Extreme Weather: Hail, sandstorms, or unusual phenomena like auroras or fire rainbows.

2. Equipment for Weather Photography

• Camera: DSLR or mirrorless cameras with manual settings are ideal.
• Lenses: Wide-angle for landscapes; telephoto for details like lightning or distant storms.
• Tripod: Essential for stability, especially in low light or long exposure shots.
• Filters:
  • Polarizing Filters: Enhance sky contrast and reduce reflections.
  • ND Filters: Allow long exposures for capturing movement in clouds or water.
• Weather Protection: Rain covers for cameras, waterproof bags, and weather-sealed gear.

3. Techniques

• Lightning Photography: Use long exposure settings (e.g., f/8, ISO 100, 10+ seconds) to capture strikes.
• Fog and Mist: Experiment with higher ISO and wider apertures due to low light.
• Sunrises/Sunsets: Golden hours provide soft light; adjust white balance for warmer tones.
• Storms: Use a fast shutter speed to freeze rain or hail, or long exposure for dramatic motion effects.
• Auroras: High ISO (800–3200), wide aperture, and exposure times of 10–30 seconds.

4. Safety Tips

• Always prioritize safety when chasing storms or extreme weather.
• Avoid exposed areas during lightning.
• Monitor weather forecasts and carry emergency supplies if venturing into remote areas.

5. Inspiration

Consider iconic photographers like Ansel Adams (landscapes) or modern storm chasers who specialize in capturing the raw power of nature.