5 Benefits of Cloud Cover for Photos
“It’s too bad the sun isn’t out.” Insert frown face emoji.
No people! No! There are SO many benefits to cloud cover it might be hard to cover them all in one blog post. Here are 5:
That amazing background your were hoping to use? The chances are much higher you can use it no matter where the sun is for your shoot.
Now, it’s not true that you can shoot anywhere when there are cloudy skies but the possibilities open up quite a bit as far as getting “that iconic/special spot” that you wanted. As long as the light where you place the subject isn’t so bright that it causes them to squint (if you are photographing an object you can test the spot yourself to see if you squint) or so dark that the eye sockets are darkened and drab (again, if you are photographing an object use yourself with your cell phone in selfie mode) you should be good to go.
Here, we were able to get the Philadelphia city skyline in the shot at 10am without the sun shining too brightly off the buildings and casting shadows from their bodies. Amazing! We had actually moved their session up in the day due to forecasted Rain.
2. The light is even
When the light travels through the clouds, it scatters the light rays bouncing them off all the extra particles in the sky causing them to change direction and even to slow down a bit. This means that the light rays are coming in softly (diffused) from all different angles….which means fewer shadows and softer light in the photos. This is good.
Erin + Adam’s cloud covered overlook engagement session.
3. Open spaces are game any time of day
Because of #2 you can shoot in open spaces at high noon (or anytime the sun is up behind the clouds) if you like without the sun casting unflattering shadows across your subject.
Katie and Michael’s cloudy tree farm engagement session. We had a very lucky break in the rain to complete their session on this dreary day. The water droplets on the trees made it magical in its own way.
4. You won’t be battling lens flare and hiding in the shade
Also because of #2, its just easier to shoot on cloudy days because you don’t have to battle with the sun hitting your lens, flaring out your picture. The light just isn’t intense enough to cause lens flare. This can feel very freeing after shooting in the bright sun for many sessions in a row kinda like taking your shoes off at the end of a long day….your not restricted as much.
A cloudy wedding day at The Barn at Stoneybrooke for Ashley and John. This shot was taken at 1:30 pm. If it had been Full Sun Light Quality Those beams at the ceremony site and their bodies would have been casting shadows along with the sun being in John’s face if the sun was out.
5. It’s not as uncomfortable in the blazing summer heat
Where I live, 50% of the time the weather temperatures are in the comfortable ranges. 25% of the time is feels too cold and the other 25% of the time it is roasting hot. In Pennsylvania, June, July and August are just miserably hot outside and having the sun glaring down on your makes it that much hotter. A cloudy day can be a slight reprieve from the sweltering summer heat.
A cloudy day for Abby and Mark at Stone Manor Country Club. This photo was taken during their first look early in the day. The cloudy skies made this photo in the wide open expanse of the grounds possible. The white crushed stone driveway made it even better and brighter.
There are so many positives to cloudy days for photos.