Hello fellow photographers. Let’s dive into gaining an appreciation for shooting in bad weather in regards to black and white street photography.
Here’s the BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front): If it’s bad weather outside, you should be outside.
Bronx, 2019 - Rainy day adding a unique element to this black and white image
Bad weather has a way of creating an atmosphere that is desired in black and white images. A moody, constrasty image. Black and white work ALWAYS works better with contrast. There is no way of getting around it. Pushed Kodak Tri-X 400 35mm film had been popular for half a century for no other reason. When shooting you should be looking for contrast. Remember; for a striking image, contrast is key. I can’t express this enough….CONTRAST IS KEY!!!
Consider this image
Yosemite, 2019 - Consider how the bad weather effected everything in this image
The mist and the weather are what makes this image, to me. Without the weather, a black and white image may have been washed out. The subjects got more interesting with the umbrella (I am a big umbrella fan). Umbrellas help change the dynamic of the image by changing your silhouette work. In the search for contrast, having a white background due to mist or imposing clouds changes the mood of the photo. However, as with any artistic work, what looks GOOD is up to you. You are the artist, you make the choices.
Bronx, 2019 - look at the ground here…added contrast on the street itself, enhancing the silhouette.
Here, notice the ground, dry versus wet. See how the wet ground adds to the mood the image. Notice the changes in reflection and lighting. Again, weather is important in this type of work. I cannot stress how upset I would have been missing all of this great opportunities for work had I stayed in during this short but effective rainstorm.
Fayetteville, 2020 - This was created after a light rain early in the morning. Notice the mist in the far background.
Even after the rain has stopped, there will be a certain misting that can be used to the black and white photographers advantage. I hope you consider what your options are before the next rain comes.
Gear?
I always make sure I buy a weather sealed camera. My current camera is a Leica Q2 Monochrom, which is fully weather sealed. I wanted this feature most in a new piece of gear. I want to know that my camera can withstand punishment (lots of punishment) while I am out in the elements capturing moments . So, first choice should be a weather sealed Lightbox.
However, if this is not a possibility, what can we do? Improvise, improvise, improvise!
For anywhere between $20-$50 you can get a cover that fits your specific camera. Heres an example from one of my favorite manufacturers of camera gear, Peak design
On a serious budget? This is not a problem. Remember, the best camera is always THE ONE YOU HAVE ON YOU! (including your phone)
Let’s keep it simple, wrap your camera in a plastic shopping bag or two. Use no residue masking tape to secure the bag to the lens hood (if you have one) and go to town. Here’s how I would wrap one of my cameras if I was concerned about weather sealing on a bad weather day with limited budget.
My main camera wrapped in a plastic bag with masking tape around the lens hood.
At the end of the day, just make sure you are out there shooting in bad weather. You will be amazed at your results. If you have any questions or comments, please add them below.
Remember, keep shooting, find your definitive moment, and share your work. Put yourself out there.
Maurice D Masdeu.