Taking the "Dull" out of winter subjects

[Liz]

I'm adding photography (shooting time) to my schedule. However, in NJ the weather has included lots of rain and quick melting snow - along with gray skies.

I'm trying to get motivated! Any ideas for winter subjects that would be fun and result in interesting images - other than the usual portraits or greenhouse roses?

Liz

[Cathathome]

I so hear you! I was looking outside and thinking the same thing: it's all grey and white and dreary. You know you've been inside too long when a loaf of bread looks like a good subject :lol:

How about some urban shots? Cars, trucks, people hustling & bustling, etc.

Cheers,

Cath

[Greg McCary]

Cath is right. I try my best to do street stuff on cloudy dull days when there are no harsh shadows. Hit the streets and shoot some people.LOL

[Frog]

Great fro b/w photos too.

[mjs1973]

Night time photos are always fun.

[Irie Times]

I like to play around with different flash technique when it is grey and gloomy outside, it is good practice and kind of fun to try and get a little "pop" out of an otherwise mundane flat light shot.

just my .02cents

[Riverside]

There is also the option of macro shots?
No flare to worry about.....and some of the ice crystals can make really beautiful subjects??
Not a great photo but rather an idea..This was taken on a dull day after a freak storm a few years ago.

[another view]

There is also the option of macro shots? No flare to worry about

Yes - really, this is life with photography. We can't always control the conditions (studio vs. outdoor) so we have to react to what we get. Overcast = soft light = a good time to look at macro. This can also keep a light overcast sky out of the shot, which hardly ever looks good (can't think of any time it looks good, actually!).

[A.M.D.A.]

Liz – as a matter of fact I have been going through the exact same feelings for the last couple weeks... very dull weather here... but am now slowly starting to pick up with photography again. I don't know if you enjoy shooting macros, I do, and at this time of year it can be quite fun...

There are many things around the average household which can make interesting pictures, one I took recently of the backlit interior of a red bell-pepper:

Attachment 62933

An orange with a straw, recently...

Attachment 62938

And an apple stem (some time ago)...

Attachment 62934

These were all shot in a small, darkened and cluttered room with rather ordinary accessories – like office paper sheets, cheap white fabric, cardboard, a desk lamp, etc.. Try it for yourself, find something like a fruit which is in good condition, take it and toy around with lighting angles, intensity, reflectors, zoom in, zoom out, raise the tripod, lower the tripod, etc. It takes plenty of time, and even if that particular subject in the end fails to offer a good picture, motivations are always "boosted", plus you will also sharpen up your photographic skills for when spring/summer finally arrives. :thumbsup:

If you want any tips, feel free to drop me a PM/email.

Alex

[Photo-John]

There is also the option of macro shots?
No flare to worry about.....and some of the ice crystals can make really beautiful subjects??
Not a great photo but rather an idea..This was taken on a dull day after a freak storm a few years ago.

That is a really cool and beautiful photo! Whenever it snow in the spring or fall here, I make an effort to get photos of flowers and snow together. It's a neat combination and can make for really beautiful images.

[Riverside]

Thank you John
It was taken in Niagara Falls Ontario in April, we hade hoped to see spring flowers.
Well..we did see them....and lots of snow as well.

This is still one of my favourtie shots because "life springs eternal"!

[opus]

Snow can provide some really great textures as well, especially right after a storm. Shoot through a snow-covered screen door. Shoot shadows cast through gate cutouts and such. Backlit fogged windows. Blue shadows. Nighttime snow using natural light.

[Hexnut]

two words: produce section.

[schrackman]

I'm trying to get motivated! Any ideas for winter subjects that would be fun and result in interesting images - other than the usual portraits or greenhouse roses?

Liz, I was thinking the same thing myself today. And I found this online:

http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2008...n-photography/

This should be enough to get us all motivated.

Ray

[Frog]

Some awesome shots there, Schrack!
Now you'll have plenty of opportunity for practice...say until July.

[Liz]

Thanks everyone for the great - I mean really "creative great" ideas here. I'm motivated just by reading the posts.

Alex - these are awesome shots. Very original - you have a creative mind and a photographer's eye!

Riverside - WOW! I agree with everyone else that this is a beautiful shot of flowers in the snow! Thanks.........

Ray - thanks for the link. Those "rain shots" are great. It would never occur to me that a bug with rain in the background would produce such a nice image. :thumbsup:

Thanks again for your ideas, input and comments. Also - for those who posted that they're in the same boat (excuse the pun), it's good to know I'm not the only one that experiences this lull in the winter.

Lots of great ideas here.

Liz

[Irie Times]

All of those "Dull" skies and days sure light up nice at night...

[Irie Times]

oops forgot the picture...

[WildlifeNate]

Snow definitely adds something to typically ordinary plant shots. I like this one I shot years ago on a 35mm film P&S.

[opus]

ooh, that reminds me, early morning light with street lamps and shop signs in the wet weather are really cool too!

[PRB]

I try to find the most colorful thing that stands out from all the "white" and compose accordingly.

Looking forward to seeing what inspires you Liz, please don't keep us waiting too long!

My Best to You,
Penny

[Liz]

I try to find the most colorful thing that stands out from all the "white" and compose accordingly.

Looking forward to seeing what inspires you Liz, please don't keep us waiting too long!

My Best to You,
Penny

Hey there Penny! I'm hoping to get out a bit later. Things are crazy busy since before Christmas - and now I'm trying to get organized again! That's why I'm adding photography to my schedule. Otherwise I don't pick up the camera! However, I love the ideas I've gotten here. It snowed last night, but unfortunately not enough to make nice scenery - or even put a flower in somewhere!

It's so good to have you around the forums again!

Liz

[susaan]

Beautiful,Riverside !

Thanks for the link,schrackman.

-spending a lot of time on a bus,in the rain,this week.
( I already had this shot,when I viewed the link from schrackman.,so decided to edit and post..
-his site has a few great window shots,and it sure beats snoring musicians.)

[Liz]

Beautiful,Riverside !

Thanks for the link,schrackman.

-spending a lot of time on a bus,in the rain,this week.

Wow! Now this is an incredibly great example of what a creative person can do on a bus in the rain. :thumbsup: Great shot!

Liz

[Greg McCary]

It was pretty dull today here in Rome. Great for B&W.......