“Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilerating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather.”
~ John Ruskin ~
Rockland Lake State Park - Valley Cottage, NY
We’ve all heard April showers bring May flowers. This year appears to be more April/May showers bring lots of lawn mowing, mosquitos, ants and weeds. This Spring has been tough. Bring back winter! Okay, okay… just kidding. I do wonder if perhaps these changing weather patterns are the new normal?
I can’t speak on behalf of your part of the world, but here in the NYC area there is no possibility of a drought this summer. Zero. If anything, reservoirs will be pulling the cork out of the dam to drain the surging water levels. Too much pressure on the concrete retaining walls is never wise.
Our region received 6 inches of rain in May instead of the historical average of 4. This may not sound like much of a difference, but math-is-math. It’s 50% more rain with higher humidity; hence, all the weeds.
If global warming continues its path, maybe New York is the new Florida? Seriously. We live in a bizzarro world these days everything is reversed and anything is possible. It’s warmer in the winter. Hotter in the summer. And, has a more tropical vibe than years past. I think I even saw a sign the other day at my favorite NY restaurant, “Early Bird Special.”
Monsoon Season - Rockland Lake, - Congers, NY
Storm Day - Rockland Lake, NY
As I type my thoughts this Saturday morning, rain is smashing into the shudders with disregard: Two (2) inches of rain is expected to migrate from heaven to earth over the next several hours. The forecast for more rain will certainly continue the parade of umbrellas, rain jackets and water droplets galore and rain will dance on the landscape for another day.
Moving along… If you follow the mantra, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing,” then let’s start discussing the endless array photographic opportunities presented during rain, snow, fog, etc. Connecting & embracing the randomness of mother nature can provide great images.
Praying for Snow - Park City, Utah
The concept of taking pictures in bad weather sounds contradictory, but there’s a majestic beauty when everything comes together. I admit electronic equipment and moisture don’t play well together and you have to be careful. The right precautions and some planning can avoid short circuiting your gear. Once you break out your wellies (hello Irish peeps!), rain jacket and perhaps a camera sleeve to keep the moisture off your lens & camera body, the rest is easy. Find your inner Zen and be patient as a plethora of photo opportunities will slowly unfold to the prepared.
Morning Mist - Congers, NY
The monotone feel of a rainy or snow filled day is a blessing: Mood & ambiance come alive and would make Henri Cartier-Bresson blush. It’s s truly unique perspective of the world around you and several grayscales away from the typical clear, sunny day image(s). Feel free to experiment with your white balance (WB) settings as auto, cloudy & shade render vastly different images. You may also wish to try the tungsten setting as the blue cast will provide an evening feel and a ‘cool’ perspective of the scene before you.
The Calm During the Storm - Newark, NJ
In summary… it’s always the right time to take pictures. Period. Embrace the elements, dress appropriately and go find your Pulitzer Prize winning image.
Until next time…
Cheers.
Selfie - Yours Truly