Storm Clouds At Sunset

I’ve never been one to head out with camera in hand when wet weather was forecast. I’ve always preferred the drier conditions, if only to avoid the hassle of keeping gear dry when the wet stuff is falling, but I had a change of heart after this particular moment (although at the time I wasn’t so enthusiastic).
The weather had been awful for two weekends in a row, wet, dull, very and very, very drab….so when the forecast showed the possibility of a broken sky, albeit with rain approaching, I had headed down to Hopton for sunset on the off-chance that the clouds would break and of a bit of colour would reveal itself in the sky. I wouldn’t have normally considered going on a shoot when there was such a high chance of rain, but the frustration of not photographing anything for two weeks had taken it’s toll, so I went out anyway.


The best of the sunset light can be seen in this image. However, things were going to take a much more interesting direction!

I was partially successful, a tiny bit of a gap in the clouds did show a pink of pink and orange over the cliffs, but not a huge amount. Despite this disappointment, I was glad to be out after being penned in for so long, so I wasn’t going to grumble. As usual, when I’m working at a location I will keep an eye on the weather forecast for rain, just in case. On this occasion I’m very glad I did..


The first of only two images I managed to capture of this composition.


The image may look quite grainy. That is because I was standing in very heavy rain!

My rain app told me that rain would be starting just around sunset, so the race was on to see how close to sunset I could stay before the forecasted rain arrived. Looking south, the sky looked ok, grey clouds in the sky, but nothing too worrying, however, looking behind me to the north (from where the rain was com9ng from) was a different matter. It looked angry, but hugely, dramatic and crying out to be photographed. I set up a composition, just as the first few drops of rain began to fall.I managed to take two frames before the heavens opened. It was then a mad dash to get packed away and back to the car and out of the deluge. As anyone that has been to Hopton Beach will tell you, there is nowhere to shelter. Instead I had to run as fast as my soaking wet clothes and backpack would let me (spoiler alert - it’s not very fast!)
I wasn’t overly impressed by the soaking bit once I looked through the shots from the day, I was very glad I had stuck at it and got the two shots (above).


Looking straight out to sea, the colours hitting the clouds was quite amazing.


You can see the band of rain heading towards me. It was a case of patiently working between the showers

This inspired me to head out a couple of weeks later when showers were forecast to see whether I could get some moody shots without getting drenched. This time I went prepared, waterproof trousers, umbrella and bags to protect the camera should it rain when I was set up. As the old adage goes, ‘there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. And it is very true, of course. It’s just usually for me rain (or the threat of) usually prevents play, and doesn’t get a chance to stop it.
I’m so glad I made the effort. I did have to take enforced breaks when rain did fall, but there were enough breaks between showers to capture plenty of images. You can see how wonderful the combination of rain clouds and a setting sun can be. Of course, with seascapes you can always rely on the sea adding interest to any image, but add to that an interesting textured sky with dramatic colours, and you can’t fail.


I was able to work my way down the beach to get some more compositions. This one looking south.


The rock in the foreground is the same one as the previous image, but looking out to sea.

I am definitely into more of a rhythm of carrying out shoots now, when time and conditions allow, so it makes sense to embrace more moody and atmospheric weather if it is likely to deliver some great imagery, and increase the amount of photos I can capture. There is caveat. Heading out in all weathers doesn’t always result in beautiful/moody photos, sometimes the light will be too flat, too bright or not suitable, but as always, that is part of the decision any photographer will need to make before taking their camera out of the bag.
So, although I did get caught in one hell of a deluge, and it took a long while to dry out my gear, and the car ride home was less than comfortable, I am genuinely glad that it happened. Without it I would be short of one very dramatic image, and a few more that displays the wonderful mix of shower clouds and a setting sun. You live and learn!


As the cloud gathered and sunset approached the pinks in the sky became much deeper


The next shower heading my way!

STAY IN TOUCH
To save you having to check in on my social media pages to keep up with what I am up to, I have an email newsletter dedicated to my Landscape Photography work, which will include new images and shoots and information on prints for sale. The newsletters will be monthly at best, but likely six-weekly or bi-monthly, so I promise I won’t be spamming your inbox every day. If you would like to sign-up, please click this link and follow the instructions. (Don't forget to check your inbox and verify your email address!)



LIMITED EDITION PRINTS
I have a selection of images available for purchase as fine art limited edition prints, This blog post gives further information. The gallery will be updated regularly, but if you see an image you like on a blog or Facebook and it's not in the gallery, please drop me a line and we'll see if I can offer it as a print.