Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Stormy Weather or Perfect Weather?

by Terri


Our long awaited day together had finally arrived. The three of us were coming from three different cities and were going to spend the day at the Dallas Arboretum capturing the flowers and enjoying time together. That morning we woke to rain, wind and cold. We wondered if we should cancel our plans but we decided to chance it anyway and headed out. 

  

I wish I could say that the sun came out, but it didn’t. It was windy at times and just plain cold at others . . . and absolutely no sun. But at least it wasn’t raining, so onward we went. For most of the visitors to the arboretum, it was a nasty day but that turned out to be exactly what we needed. Without the bright sun to cast shadows and wash out colors, the flowers were rich and saturated. We could shoot from any angle because we didn’t have to worry about shadows. Strong sunlight creates images with too much contrast, burnt-out highlights and loss of detail in shadow areas. And the beautiful colors of the flowers can be washed out by strong sunlight.  But on this day, the sky was acting like a huge light box, bathing everything in soft light, perfect for taking photos of flowers.

 
We had a wonderful time, bad weather or not, and enjoyed sharing this hobby that we all love. And along the way, we captured some wonderful flower images.

So the next time you find yourself with a cloudy day on your hands, don’t think “Darn, no sun”,  remember it is the perfect time to get out and take flower photos. And if you are lucky enough to have a friend (or two) to come along, you can make your own sunshine!


13 comments:

Carol said...

I am doing that today! It's nasty out, but I am leaving to meet my buds, Michelle and Terry for a vist to thecMartin Guitar factory for some shooting. I've been before, but they have not. So here's to a good time!
Terri, that first shot is gorgeous!!!!!!

heyjudephotography said...

Beautiful flowers, and it's so nice that you were able to get together. My photography teachers always said, the best days for photography are overcast days. Can't wait to see more of what you captured that day!

Sherri B. said...

What gorgeous flowers...and how wonderful that you had a meet-up. The sun is lovely, but it does cause problems for photo taking, doesn't it? Thank you for sharing some snapshot moments from your day. :)

Kim Stevens said...

So glad it turned out to be a good day for you guys, just wish it had worked out for me to meet you. I think next time you should come to the Galveston area.... ;) (just not around spring break!) I bet the azaleas were gorgeous - they weren't blooming when I was there to see my niece at a cheer competition. We were able to run in for about an hour and a half...but it was way too short for me and it was the first day it opened. Beautiful shots!

kelly said...

gorgeous flower shots terri! and just like you said, it was perfect weather for taking photos. it was the first time i had ever met 'photography' friends out to shoot and what an amazing experience to be out with other people that 'get it.' :) no one saying, "another one?? didn't you already get that? seriously??" ;) hehehe

i had such a wonderful time and it was so wonderful to meet you and leigh in person. xoxox

AFishGirl said...

Well this makes me grin ear to ear, thinking of the three of you together! Great!!!!!

Dotti said...

The colors in your lovely photos do indeed pop! And what you say is so true. While sunshine seems to grease our photographic wheels, it's really the cloudy days when we ought to be shooting 'til we drop. And it's so true, too, that meeting online photography addicts is a dream come true!

CarolHart said...

Anytime friends gather together the sun shines bright in our hearts. Beautiful photography my friend. Here in Seattle we live under a big soft box most of the year!

Viv@Thoughts from the Desktop said...

Really vibrant colours my part of the world we get our fair share of cloudy days....

Linda/patchwork said...

Great shots. The Arboretum is beautiful, this time of year.
Glad you got to go.

Leigh said...

Beautiful photos Terri! I had such a wonderful time with you and Kelly! There is nothing like being with people who have the same passion!

Cathy H. said...

Beautiful flower images! I know your day was full of inner sunshine as you spent time together!

Deanna said...

It looks like you had a wonderful time despite the weather. Gorgeous captures of those beautiful flowers!!

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