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Taking Engagement Photos When It's Cloudy and Foggy

An outdoor engagement photo shoot on a cloudy or foggy day may seem unfortunate, when in reality, it is the opposite. Shooting an engaged couple outdoors on a cloudy day can be better than a bright, sunny day. Direct sunlight is often harsh, causing subjects to squint and shadows to fall into the shot. The clouds and fog allow the couple to relax and can produce a softness to the shoot. Many photographers prefer to shoot on cloudy days, providing they are prepared to work with the clouds instead of against them.

Direction of Light
- A common misconception in shooting in low light due to clouds or fog is that there will be no light in the shot from the sun. However, the sunlight is being filtered by the clouds and still can affect your shoot. It can be hard to determine where the sun is if the clouds are in a thick cover. The camera, however, will pick up the light and you will be constantly moving the couple until you figure it out. Bring a compass with you to the shoot. Determine what direction the sun should be based on the time of day. Position the sun at your back and start shooting the happy couple.
Reflector
- Use a portable reflector to reflect available light onto the faces of the couple. The reflector will help direct light to the subjects, especially while shooting close up. You cannot hold the reflector and shoot so you will need to have an additional person on site to help you with the reflector. Position the couple and have the person holding the reflector adjust it until the light finds their faces. The reflector can be used when you are shooting the couple in a spot that is not facing the sun. You will still maximize the soft light from the clouds even though it wasn̵7;t shining in the right spot.
Posing
- Shooting outdoors on a cloudy day can set a romantic tone to the photos. This works well when doing an engagement photo shoot. Pose your couple in dramatic and romantic poses. A black and white print of a cloudy shoot can be stunning. The intensity of the couple gazing into each other's eyes surrounded by fog can produce unique photos that are not stock engagement shots. Pose the couple in a field with clouds in the background. Finally, get a shot of the subjects looking at the clouds. You can shoot them from behind or below you. The sun will not be there to shine in their eyes and the shot will be soft and clear.
Composition
- Work the clouds and fog into your shots. If the clouds are low lying, use the clouds as a backdrop in your photo. Clouds often take on interesting shapes and add dimension to the photos. Shooting a couple̵7;s silhouette while in a warm embrace, surrounded by fog is a nice way to use the atmosphere to compose your photos. Play with setting up the shot by balancing the subjects and the clouds. While some shots focusing on the clouds are good, the main focus should be the happy couple as they start their life together.

Photography