Storms Edge
Timing is everything with sunrise photography, in some ways. In others, you have more leeway to work than you do with sunset…. in my experience. My main sunrise shoot had not gotten off to a great start, a large storm system had begun rolling in, the remnants of a hurricane, on the way back we rolled through several interesting scenes, but nothing really piqued my interest. Finally, after I had finally given up we rolled through a gap in the trees, and the next wave of the storm was rolling into a valley partial illumination and heavy clouds still down in the valley bellow. I had enough time to catch a few compositions, but the light was gone in the blink of an eye.
Landscape photography, wildlife photography, and other forms of photography are interesting creatures to be sure. Time sensitive, either you get the shot, or you don’t. It’s important to find a composition, but sometimes, especially in uncertain weather you need to be quick on your feet, know your focal lengths and don’t be afraid to rush a little. I preach taking your time, but we all know time isn’t always a luxury to be had. I have a system for setup and tear down that allows me to be efficient, but I don’t rush it, because rushing leads to accidents and slow downs. Put everything in the same place every time, put your gear together the same way every time, tear it all down every time. It may seem like it’s slow going at first, but you will get into a rhythm, and that rhythm will save you so much time in the long run.
Another important note about this, when you’re working in conditions like this, the light is changing fast, you need to be comfortable with your cameras settings. Practice working your camera from one setting to the next, start to experiment with how each setting affects your image. Get to know the system you shoot, it’s important, because when the light is changing, you need to know what to do, deep breath, compose yourself, take the shot.
Until Next Time!
Aperture: f8
ISO: 640
SS: 1/125th
Focal: 56mm
Fujinon 50-140mm
