Having been a wedding photographer in Sydney for a few years, I'm continually amazed at how much my photography is dependent on weather conditions. However, what I have found more surprising was how much this has driven me to study weather patterns, in particular clouds. In a sense, a good photographer is also a good metereologist. Perhaps you might not have given much thought to cloud patterns as a photographer. If so, this article is for you and my goal is to persuade you to become a good metereologist.
In an industry where art and texture is everything, you won't want to miss the enormous spectre of the sky on your wedding shoot. Growing in your ability to read the clouds will determine and enhance your shoot. As a photographer in Sydney, there are a few key clouds I encourage you to read and use to your visual advantage.
First are the 'high' clouds called cirrus clouds. They are atmospheric clouds shaped like white wispy tufts. When they extend like sheets from sky to sky, they are then known as cirrostratus clouds and have a beautiful veil-like appearance to them. These clouds provide a wonderful textured backdrop to your wedding shoot photos and when you boost your Recovery levels to high in Lightroom, it really emphasises the texture. You may rest assured that there is low precipitation with cirrus clouds, making the chance for rain very low.
Secondly, there are the Altocumulus clouds, which are at the middle level and are grouped into masses or rolls like cotton balls. They are often rippled and have dark shading which results in a very epic look, especially if you boost the contrast in post-production. However they may also signal thunderstorms later in the day, especially when they gather height. In my experience, when you encounter altocumulus clouds, make the most of them, but be sure you have a wet weather plan in case light showers do come.
Thirdly there are the typical middle (altostratus) or low (nimbostratus) cloud sheets which are evenly dull depending on their weight. They color the sky uniformly, reducing it by several shades of dark grey. When doing photography is this weather, remember to boost your exposure and leave the rest to post-production. The chance for rain is fairly high so I recommend you definitely have a wet weather plan!
Finally there are the large mushroom shaped clouds called cumulonimbus which are very tall and dense. These epic clouds often produce lightning underneath, so if you are very daring you may use this to your advantage by opening your bulb and capturing a lightning shot in the background as you shoot the bride and groom!
I hope this small survey has persuaded you that a good photographer is also a good metereologist. Rather than despising the weather conditions on your wedding shoot, observe the weather patterns and use them to your advantage.