Sunrise or sunset after a storm?

We have a storm passing through this evening but will be out of the area a few hours before sunrise. Have you noticed a difference in a sunrise (or sunset) after a storm has passed through? The winds will still be 20mph (also will be cold) so I want to hear from experienced shooters before I get out and freeze for nothing Also, I am more concerned with sunrises as my schedule does not allow me to shoot sunsets

Thanks for any feedback on either though!

Hi JJD - it's really hard to tell. Perhaps a weather forecaster could make that type of "visual" prediction but every storm and every sunrise is different.

But to answer your question, yes I have noticed a difference every time. But is it "photo-worthy?" Some are..... some are not. It's a matter of timing, composition and your location. I have planned things that have gone astray, and captured other super images in the spur of the weather moment. You just have to work it and see what happens.

sapearl wrote in post #15554135
Hi JJD - it's really hard to tell. Perhaps a weather forecaster could make that type of "visual" prediction but every storm and every sunrise is different.

But to answer your question, yes I have noticed a difference every time. But is it "photo-worthy?" Some are..... some are not. It's a matter of timing, composition and your location. I have planned things that have gone astray, and captured other super images in the spur of the weather moment. You just have to work it and see what happens.

Thank you for the input You pretty much spoke my thoughts on the subject. I am no veteran, but in the past 2 months have taken part in about 20 sunrises. It's always a hit or miss and I have no idea which will occur on any given day. I do look at the hourly forecast and generally only call off mornings where FOG is said to be in the area. BUT, I have some cool fog shots that will probably be printed so I guess some of those mornings were still a hit Thanks again for the feedback, alarm will be set for just after 0600 because I am now curious what this sunrise after the storm has to offer

JJD.Photography wrote in post #15554250
Thank you for the input You pretty much spoke my thoughts on the subject. I am no veteran, but in the past 2 months have taken part in about 20 sunrises. It's always a hit or miss and I have no idea which will occur on any given day. I do look at the hourly forecast and generally only call off mornings where FOG is said to be in the area. BUT, I have some cool fog shots that will probably be printed so I guess some of those mornings were still a hit Thanks again for the feedback, alarm will be set for just after 0600 because I am now curious what this sunrise after the storm has to offer

I'm sorry I couldn't give a better answer .

I face a similar situation when time permits. There is a huge ongoing bridge construction project in my area that I've been chronicling for the past 18 months. I try to get those golden hours, early on my way to work or going home in the evening.

I keep glued to the weather/temperature forecast. It takes a lot of time and patience. It's not as dramatic as fog and heavy weather, but I look for quality and time of light that will give me dramatic results I seek. Here is an example - check out the first photo, as well as the last images:

http://www.pearlphoto.​blogspot.com …nicles-tremont-bluff.html

All of my best and most unique photos happen at sunrise or sunset just as a storm is passing or coming. Since storms often move west to east, you are more likely to get good sunsets on the backside of the storm and more likely get great sunrises at the front edge of a storm.

It is rare to get a good sunset (at least where I live) when a storm is just making landfall. This is because the bulk of the storm is blocking the light from coming into your area at a low angle. When a storm is passing for sunset, there is often a clearing which allows for the sun to penetrate through the horizon.

Either way, you can never fully predict everything and the only way to capture surprises, is to just plain old persistence. I spend 90% of my time out in the field getting skunked daily, until the persistence pays off for that one special moment.

You can check out my website for some examples that support my theory of sunsets and sunrises.

EXAMPLES

Storm systems are low pressure systems, which pull air towards them from 1000s of miles. This means that, from the bottom to near the top of the atmosphere, all manners of clouds are sucked toward them. This means that you will get the high altitude clouds on the leading and back edge of a storm system. This implies that the most colorful sunsets are usually right before and right after a major storm. If you'll have a look at any infrared satellite imagery, you can clearly see where the coldest (i.e. highest altitude) clouds usually are (just know that's not the only thing that registers strongly on an infrared image. Rain does too!). Also, since these systems bring rain (season dependent, of course), you are more likely to get rainbows at sunrise/sunset. It is all about planning and a bit of luck.

Hope this helps.

John

Just before and after storms can provide the best light. Yes, it's risky because clouds may block all of the light, but when some light gets through, the rewards can be high!

Bryan

There are some great tips in here! But, it seems it comes down to getting out there as much as possible

Canon_Lover wrote in post #15557284
EXAMPLES

Amazing work!

In my experience, it's all about the type of clouds, and where they are located. The best sunrises/sunsets I've seen all have clouds overhead, or near the horizon, but a gap near the horizon where the sun can shine up under the clouds. A lot of it is just getting lucky. Sometimes, the sun will break through. Other times, it'll stay behind the clouds, and you'll be out of luck.