Shooting in Rain/Cloudy Weather

[bluegnome]

So, I'm about to leave for a ten day trip to central/eastern europe. In checking out the weather, it looks like I'm going to be stuck with rain and clouds for a lot of my trip. What should I do to make the best of a less than ideal situation? Will be in cities the majority of the time, so any tips on getting decent city shots would be much appreciated. I have a Canon 30D, and tend to shoot with my 50mm f1.8 lens most of the time.

Thanks!

[dcclark]

The upside is that clouds are a giant light diffuser -- you'll have very nice, soft lights for portraits. So, get some good ones of your travelling companions, strangers, whoevere else!

The downside is that the sky will be dull. So, I'd work on getting detail shots -- get closer to interesting things, don't just try to cram that entire cathedral (or whatever) into the frame. That way, the soft light will again work to your advantage.

[OsmosisStudios]

Use the clouds to your advantage, if you can. While sunny skies and big fluffy white clouds are nice, overcast conditions can also be really cool.

While in Ireland, we had one brief break in the clouds. Here's what I got:

[Laurence]

I love shooting on cloudy days but passed up a trip to Yosemite because of the rain. I don't want to take a chance getting my camera wet.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by Laurence

I love shooting on cloudy days but passed up a trip to Yosemite because of the rain. I don't want to take a chance getting my camera wet.

It almost never stopped raining on my trip. Trick was just to cover the camera as well as possible and, if necessary, wipe it off immediately.

[MikeScone]

Originally Posted by bluegnome

... it looks like I'm going to be stuck with rain and clouds for a lot of my trip. What should I do to make the best of a less than ideal situation?...

I'd get a raincoat for the camera - I bought one called a "Storm Jacket" through Adorama a few years ago before a trip to Ireland, and it worked great. The back's open, so you can get your hands on the camera. The front has an elastic to go around the lens. Only the UV filter's open to the elements.

[B..]

Originally Posted by bluegnome

So, I'm about to leave for a ten day trip to central/eastern europe. In checking out the weather, it looks like I'm going to be stuck with rain and clouds for a lot of my trip. What should I do to make the best of a less than ideal situation? ...

As well as taking advantage of the softness of the light, you could look for spots of color. Someone's umbrella or coat. Some sign or decoration on a building. The warm face of a curious local wondering who da' heck takes photos in the rain.