Between golden hours

[Chodie]

I'm sitting in my car on a weekend trip that just hasn't gone right yet. The clouds are too think to take the landscapes I had set out to get so I'm stuck debating on whether or not to go back home. What do some of you guys do on day or weekend trips when the environment doesn't want to cooperate?

 

[DannyInMontana]

Change your subject, photography is all about improvising when conditions are not right. Sometimes, when you think the shot is going to be horrendous, you take it anyway, take it into editing, and realize that with a tweak or two the shot is awesome. The best stories I have from times like what your going through are photographs that I never imagined being able to get but a little improvising and editing brought out the best in the situation.

 

[D-B-J]

Take a walk with your camera, and take pictures of whatever you want. I find that always leaves you with some good shots, and it keeps me ontop of loving photography.

Regards,
Jake

 

[BlackSheep]

You're shooting digital, right? Go ahead and shoot away, then! It's not like shooting with film where every shot costs you $$$$ whether its good or not.

Really, the worst that will happen is you delete a bunch of crappy shots later.
Or, you might just get a really fantastic one!

Either way, have fun!

 

[Overread36]

It all depends - sometimes you've got that one shot in your mind and until it comes along you can't get creative about anything else. Othertimes you'll set out and if the day is poor, the lighting bad or the subjects just not on your side it can dull the day and make everything a trial.

Myself I'd say consider changing the subject to something that won't be heavily impacted by the duller weather - in my case I'd slip the flash on and go do some macro shots, where whilst nice light is good, I can work well with my own created lighting. I could even do wildlife provided that the light was not too dull (if its really dull then even with a good flash and a better beamer its a none-starter unless you've got a nice highend camera with clean high ISO;s to use.

 

[molested_cow]

Life is not all about taking photos. There's still a lot to be enjoyed, so take advantage of that while you are out there.

 

[GooniesNeverSayDie11]

A macro shot or something where you can use some diffused flash for lighting. HDR can look pretty cool with cloudy landscapes, especially when converted to monotone. Find some cool indoor architecture to shoot or do some abstract stuff. Look for things with texture and patterns.

I have a thing where I always try to shoot something extra than planned everytime I go out shooting. So if I am out shooting birds, I will keep my eyes open for a macro bug or flower shot, or an old building or cool tree etc. It just helps me stay sharp and aware instead of getting tunnel vision on one project and missing chances.

 

[KmH]

Checking the weather reports before you leave is helpful.

As mentioned a plan B (and a plan c) is also useful.

A tweak or two post process usually won't turn a horrendous shot into an awesome shot, but there is no doubt they can be improved.