Any Good Ideas For Places to Shoot in Rainy Weather?

[John Hayes]

Hi all! I live in Eugene Oregon and I am wondering if anyone can give me tips on where to go for photography when it is raining outside. I am new to photography and want to take pictures but the ugly weather is a real downer!

Any tips would be appreciated :)

[BioSpark]

When I lived in Washington state, I was in the same predicament. A lot of time, I found taking pictures of flowers/brightly colored objects worked out best. They always came out really well looking.

[John Hayes]

When I lived in Washington state, I was in the same predicament. A lot of time, I found taking pictures of flowers/brightly colored objects worked out best. They always came out really well looking.

Thanks for the tip BioSpark. With you living in Washington you can relate because it rains there a lot too.

When you say you took pictures of flowers are you talking about flowers outdoors or some place in doors? Flowers this time of year are kind of scarce around here this time of year. Can't wait until spring time.

[BioSpark]

I took them outside, though they were dying at the time. I took this shot in March in very crappy weather. Very little post processing went in to the shot too.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3398/3602833090_9229112eb5.jpg

I'd look for colors that were bright and welcoming. I know its hard to find in winter, but in Oregon you must have some bright things. Hah. Also, pay attention to dew drops on things like in the picture. They add a cool effect to the flower/subject. Go out right after it rains/snow for the best results.

[pitrow]

Head over to Depot Bay and get some pics of waves crashing over hwy 101. Or head up into the hills where it's cloudy/foggy and get some cool fog shots.

[John Hayes]

I took them outside, though they were dying at the time. I took this shot in March in very crappy weather. Very little post processing went in to the shot too.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3398/3602833090_9229112eb5.jpg

I'd look for colors that were bright and welcoming. I know its hard to find in winter, but in Oregon you must have some bright things. Hah. Also, pay attention to dew drops on things like in the picture. They add a cool effect to the flower/subject. Go out right after it rains/snow for the best results.

Thanks again! Nice shot BioSpark.

Obviously I just need to get out and look for stuff, these things aren't going to come to me :)

[BioSpark]

Thanks! I think the hardest thing about being a photographer, is that we have to create beauty out of every day things. After reading my latest photography book, the author explains that as a photographer you need to really open up your eyes and notice things you normally don't. The way out brain works is we generalize everything when we're near it so much. When you look at a truck, it's a truck. You don't notice the unique details on it because your brain is used to just profiling everything so it doesn't get overloaded with information.

It's a hard technique to learn, and I'm learning it everyday. However, when I go for a walk without my camera, I try to really look at things in detail opposed to generalizing them. It's really helped out. Maybe it'll help you.

[hxpham]

It may just be because I am from Southern California where sunny weather is the norm, but I really think that overcast/rainy conditions are great for photography. However, they require a different approach than that for sunny days. Once you become more familiar with them, you will begin to get an appreciation for soft changes in brightness and contrast and softer pastel tones. I cannot stand to read "I just got a new camera, but its too cloudy/rainy/overcast/dark so I can't test it out" haha ;)