Digital black and white photography for landscape with overcast skies?

[gibberi3h]

I was looking through my friend's shots when I notice this photo of his:



I thought the color looks dull although he prefers it that way.

So I suggested B & W to make the bridge and people pop up more.



Was my suggestion appropriate? I read that one should avoid landscape photography on overcast days because the image can be flat.

Much thanks for your comments!

[JenJ]

I really like the B&W. I agree with you that the colouring was quite dull. In B&W it looks more sharp and more professional. good suggestion!

[emtab]

I think you have only to look at some of Ansel Adams work (think Snake River in the Tetons, Yosemite Valley in winter 1942, and the shot Monolith, face of Halfdome 1927). to realize that overcast and cloudy skies can be absolutely incredible.

I would strongly disagree with the author who you read that stated that you shouldn't shoot landscape on overcast days. It can make for a challenging composition and exposure, but can produce magical results.

regards,
emtab

[gibberi3h]

Originally Posted by emtab

I think you have only to look at some of Ansel Adams work (think Snake River in the Tetons, Yosemite Valley in winter 1942, and the shot Monolith, face of Halfdome 1927). to realize that overcast and cloudy skies can be absolutely incredible.

I would strongly disagree with the author who you read that stated that you shouldn't shoot landscape on overcast days. It can make for a challenging composition and exposure, but can produce magical results.

regards,
emtab

Thanks for your comment. I went to google his name immediately and notice that his B & W shots are lovely.

But I notice color photos for landscape with overcast skies are generally flat. Or would you happen to have any color examples of landscape with overcast skies?

[spellbound]

I tend to agree that B&W on overcast days makes for some wicked looking shots. I have managed a few good ones in colour on overcast days....but it does really depend on the conditions and how you expose the shot.

This one for example was shot late afternoon, the orange glow being the sunset (off to my right) with the storm clouds rolling out to sea.



IMO this had to be a colour shot, because of the orange glow.

[DevilishTerror]

I kinda agree with the 'Avoid colour on overcast days' statement. Here's something I shot recently.

[fletch]

Its not si much overcast days that you should avoid but flat, white out days. Good landscapes photos normally have some activity in the skys, this can be fluffy blue clouds on a sunny day but can also be dramtic brooding skys on dark day. However if the sky is just a mass of white nothing you've got no chance.

[gibberi3h]

To Spellbound, Devilishterror and fletch:

Thanks for your comments. Thankfully the weather has improved hence lesser chances of gray, white out skies.