HOW I TAKE GREAT PHOTOS IN DULL CONDITIONS

Dull conditions shouldn't be avoided, I explain how to get the most out of any grey day.
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[@Catchthesehands]

My body is ready to receive your advice on shooting in dull conditions because that’s all I ever seem to get 🤣

[@Pembers357]

Ha! I’ve also been experiencing ‘anti-light’ - just flat grey which sucks the life out of everything.

[@erichstocker8358]

I can't second your advice about having fun with photography when it is your hobby!! Looking for the perfect shot and being frustrated with the process of photography does nothing for someone with a photography hobby. In the 1970s I switched from hobbyist only to parttime working photographer. I did some free-lance photojournalism and lots of legal documentary photography. After about 5 years of this I came to really dislike the whole time I was doing it. I was successful and made money but I lost my love of the photographic and darkroom process. So, I just quit doing that. It was about 10 years before I decided I needed a creative hobby that I just enjoyed doing. I go out to photograph now because it gives me joy and at times a creative outlet. I shoot digital. I shoot and develop a lot of film. I just love the time I spend on the process from beginning to end. If someone likes my photos -fine. If they don't--also FINE! I had already gained what I wanted. So, whatever one's relationship to photography, the key is what you advise--go out and ENJOY the process.

[@bwhite661]

I really appreciate you talking about and showing how you develop your composition. Especially when you move around the video to show what you've landed on. The misty lake shots were my favorites. But honestly, I don't know if I'm more impressed with your photography or your video production and editing. I can't imagine how many hours you spent filming and editing. I'm guessing it's significantly more than the time you spent taking photos.

[@mattdelcomyn8012]

“We shoot in these conditions so that when the conditions are right we can get the really great shots.” I like this advice. Thanks!

[@MadsPeterIversen]

The vertical photo of that lone tree is just stunning! Love it!

[@erkko69]

Yes that was great shot. Nigel lives in plase what is so different to Mads homeland. Thats why Mads sometimes dreams, that he can live where Nigel does, and take million stunning, new photos. So do i, sometimes. Great video Nigel. Mads make great videos too. 👍😀♥️

[@ShutterSphere]

Nigel, the timing of this video couldn't have been any better. Its been grey and dull here lately, leaving me and my photos feeling as dull as the weather. The advice is so welcomed and inspiring. It's good to know i'm not alone when struggling with grey days.

[@mariebird01]

It just shows how conditions can change, how you can make the best of what seems to starts off as not such a great situation. I think this is a good thought for life’s struggles, as well as photography! I’m always inspired by your well put together videos Nigel. I never get tired of watching, listening and taking onboard your great empathy you have for your subject. It turned out to be a fabulous day with enchanting shots! What lovely scenery and great conditions. Thank you

[@larshefte2403]

So nice to see that you appreciated the last wide angle-shot of the grasses and the lone tree. When it appeared on the B-roll, it really stood out, and was my definite favourite of todays video. Maybe up there among my favourites of all your photos actually. Really proves that going out no matter the conditions may still lead to beautiful images. Glad to see your back seems to be improving as well!

[@NigelDanson]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@joncothranphotography9375]

I love shooting in conditions like that. Those simple images that come from those conditions can be so beautiful. Thanks for bringing us along!

[@stephenrhodes64]

I'm guilty of looking out of the window and thinking 'flat, grey, I'll not bother today.' Thanks for the inspiration and great to see you in Rydal again.

[@atthewoodie3384]

Love the picture (19:00) you reviewed toward the end. Your pictures in this video are so peaceful.

[@christopherhawkes5669]

Thanks Nigel for all the effort you put into this and every video, you make your work and techniques very accessible.

[@dennisschullerjr1720]

Great video ! 👍 A great photographer once told me: Don't be hesitant about the weather. You can still take great photos in bad conditions. Some of his most famous photos came from shooting in the rain, or snow. These are the conditions we don't see outside because we are indoors. Nature doesn't stop for the weather, and some creatures even thrive in it. If your able to protect your investment, I highly recommend getting out in bad weather and see what's out there. Cheers!

[@dirkgibbens377]

In addition to learning a lot from you, your videos are just so calming and relaxing. Love every one of them!

[@Michal_Kosakowski]

Nice video. I fully agree on that one. There might be a bad weather for some photography, but never a bad weather for all photography. There's just different subjects, styles, challenges, approaches, ideas, whatever you make of it.

[@user-cv2sf7ll4j]

OMG Nigel, recovering back, in the water, slippery rocks! My heart was in my mouth for you. Great video as always & sound advice for the grey days we seem to be continuously having lately. Awesome photos at Rydal Water!

[@NigelDanson]

Yeah - probably not wise... when I was looking back I thought the same

[@kjehorn]

Thank you very much, Nigel! You put so much effort into this youtube chanel. You really are a fine pedagog and a great photographer. Looking forward to the longer video coming out in march!

[@AcaciaFikeNelson]

Drab weather has been the name of the game this winter in North Carolina (🇺🇲). Not even a single flake of snow in my area! So, I have been using this time to scout new locations to revisit when the conditions are more favorable. I love that last wide angle photo you talked about. The texture and color of the grasses in the foreground and the perfect reflection of the tree was gorgeous! 📸 Have a fantastic day!

[@lisajoseph5817]

I find overcast conditions are great for composing in black and white! I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and we often get a low cloud ceiling. As a matter of fact I went out yesterday to a couple of spots and shot some things that worked out pretty well for me. Thanks as always for the content.

[@andrewscott1387]

With the weather overcast and wet at this time of year, and a lot at the moment this is a really helpful video.

[@davidqueenan]

Your 'bad' conditions looked good to me 🤣

[@Reason-fg4ik]

One of my favorite parts of shooting in overcast/ misty conditions is how the earth tone colors pop. The yellows, reds, oranges, and greens.

[@johncarnahan4067]

Fantastic video Nigel even though it was dull and flat the photos you took were great especially the last ones of the tree. Brilliant work and good to see you made a great recovery after your op

[@johndurham5629]

Fantastic video Nigel - I love that you focused on the challenges of flat light, which many of us have so often. And best of all, it was such a much more relaxed and easy going video - less intense but more focused, if that makes sense. So many good composition ideas, as always, but also more of the joy of just photographing. Thanks!

[@luckymcclain6650]

Nigal, your Videos are just great. They not only make me a better photographer and give great tips, they also make me happier. This is less about being a photographer and more about a special kind of mindset that has been forgotten by the general public. I hope we meet sometime somewhere in the middle of nowhere on a foggy morning so I can shake your hand and say thank you.

[@TheLotusMachine]

Missed a trick not taking a picture of Postman Pat driving over the bridge.

[@drwride]

Just back from a dull spring hike- no leaves out yet. Still a bit of snow. So I figured I should finally watch this video! Excellent use of video in video when you explained some of your shots. Makes it even more interesting.

[@lynnecliffe3056]

The expression 'There is beauty in the eye of the beholder', to me, has been demonstrated in this video. Should we choose not to see, we will miss out on that beauty. Thank you, Nigel.

[@KarenBaker616263]

The last one! The reeds/grasses and little island tree is just beautiful. Thanks for sharing all your hard work!

[@michaelcolburn3985]

As always, Nigel, I absolutely love your content. Every video you provide is a masterclass in photography.

[@mariamullin4031]

Great photos in not so great conditions , it's definitely worth going out in dull days too

[@paulfowler3416]

Agree that your last shot, which you discussed while in Harris, is stunning.😊

[@scotskinner4350]

Thanks Nigel for always being inspiring.

[@Gualdo007]

Thanks Nigel, your videos are very inspiring and for someone learning landscape photography full of very useful information. In this one again, you really made great pictures in very bad conditions. Super work!

[@timrosenthal46]

Fantastic as usual, thank you. I had a similar situation this morning with a sunrise that didn't eventuate because of cloud so I looked for better compositions for when it does. Can't wait for your beach project doco ..

[@nate_augsburger]

One of the best videos ive seen on photography since a while. An absolute inspiration in joy and passion.

[@gregpantelides1355]

You are a such an inspiration to me, Nigel! Thank you so much!

[@Studiomcfee]

I am captivated by this series of 'dull conditions' photos. Thank you for weekly inspiration.

[@randyschwager2515]

As always, great images and helpful advice! Thanks for taking me along!

[@leoneldp]

Great video Nigel, it gave me vibes of your videos back 4 or 5 years ago. Also Rick killed it with the b-roll.

[@junebug1553]

Love your style in photography...having fun doing what you love to do. Keep the videos coming!

[@joelrollins2841]

Thanks for another inspirational vid! Nothing better than a quiet Sunday morning with a cup of good coffee and Nigel. Thanks again!

[@Goldmangun]

Beautiful shots! 👏👏👏

[@MrTwogiantscoops]

I liked your positivity and attitude that you don’t have to get a prizewinning shot every time you go out. It’s great just to be out and you never know what you’ll see or even a change in weather. The conditions were pretty good especially for the tree with still water and separation.. Liz Cole’s and I visited the Lakes from Plymouth for the first time in Nov 2019 and ended up at Watendlath on dull late afternoon walking the same route you did. We both took an almost identical shot of the stile within a few inches with Liz 24-70mm and I used a 16-35mm. We must go back there one day. We enjoy your channel.

[@nickyfoulkes8476]

Good luck Nigel with the Harris project, can't wait to see the images. I still shoot Nikon Z7ii as my main camera, but to try and improve my photography skills I have bought a Fujifilm XT4. I have to prime lenses 24mm & 40mm FF equivalent. The other reason for this purchase is I love Fuji Acros B&W. So the sole purpose of this latest purchase is to shoot B&W with 2 primes. Composition has to be strong when you do not have colour in the image. Also shooting with dedicated primes means you have to work harder to get it right. It is also a medium that will work when colour does not. You here people say "Oh if the image doesn't work in colour then convert it to B&W." No, if the image doesn't work in colour then it is going to be no good. I am excited to see your amazing images from Harris. I see you have posted some teasers on social media. Await with baited breath. Thank you for your wonderful advice.

[@Skye_the_toller]

May be your weather is dull… but you still have a so gorgeous landscape near you… here (Qc-Canada)… the weather is dull… and we do not have easily access to so great play ground 😜

[@Yves-xe5jw]

Perfect and clear explanations and beautiful pics as usual!

[@leniehulse1621]

Great shots Nigel!!

[@richardpesce5325]

Thanks Nigel, this has been very useful in how you can make a bad day good.

[@robinmartin1395]

Great photographs for a day where you weren't sure how it would turn out. Love the little tree, but they are all really nice. Thanks for sharing, it's the only way I get to see such fantastic places.

[@juniorcampbell2980]

Thanks. Well done. Loved that lost shot.

[@JeevesTCW]

Not surprised its one of your fav shots for a while Nigel; the focus stacked tree & reeds shot at 17.53 is fabulous

[@dannyhead5287]

Beautiful shots!

[@anthonyplancherel8274]

Excellent video and some stunning images! Great stuff!

[@tspinks]

I loved this video especially as I live in Kendal and too often sit indoors on dull days thinking I will get nothing interesting - you have motivated me to just get out there more Nigel...some really nice shots and I like your idea of even just practising or maybe venue spotting, better than sitting at home watching TV

[@nevvanclarke9225]

I probably face the opposite conditions in Australia, where you have harsh, white, bright, harsh sun for so much of the time.... But our winter is not as cold as the UK but it certainly gets cold here not snowing conditions but we do get a lot of overcast cloudy days and sometimes it is a challenge. I like the advice in the video and it was really useful. Definitely, the polariser is the way to go as you can do so much with that and it gets rid of a lot of the white light.

[@tTLM823]

Really inspiring and terrific photographs, as always! Thank you.

[@shaungoddard8417]

Lovely video Nigel, with 1st class results. I think there is always a photo to be had in any condition if we have the vision & ability to put a composition together. Something that as a novice i need to develop more.

[@boatman222345]

Excellent advice, as always! Looking forward to the beach video you mentioned!

[@rymack5715]

Great video! Love the edits on this batch of photos!

[@davidmill7289]

Lovely images Nigel. I’ve also enjoyed a couple of grey misty mornings recently - it makes you think differently and is good for creativity.

[@dianneturner4874]

you found some lovely shots for a flat day! I loved the last shots with the mist and the tree island. Great video and can't wait for the documentary!

[@SteveZodiac777]

Great video & a beautiful final image. Looking fwd to you Harris video!

[@mariamccormick7879]

You are so inspirational, Nigel. Love this video..super locations.

[@markbonham]

Thank you, excellent examples and explanations. Loved the golden reeds with the tree. 👍👏

[@dogdadoutdoors]

Good advice, thanks. Bit more evolved than my usual 'throw a Red filter on and shoot it in Black & White' approach!

[@blisteringbooks2428]

I feel you had almost excellent conditions, it wasn't exactly dull, lifeless, it had an ethereal misty quality bringing atmosphere to the background. Nothing like a little fog, eh Grommet. Still, whatever the conditions there a lot of very pleasing images. Nice one.

[@ChrisPattonPhotography]

Some great tips nigel. I always try to take my wellies they make so much difference being able to get the water right in the foreground. I visited my local waterfall the other week and got some great images while stood in the water.

[@TheFuzzyskwerl]

Omg! We were at the same spot last weekend! Must’ve just missed you. Also found the conditions grey and did s9me scoping out for future shoots.

[@nickh9791]

Absolutely loved those shots at the end at the lake. Beautiful conditions I thought!

[@jamesvoiss7122]

Another great video! Thank you.

[@sparkeyjames]

Use those "dull" views to imagine what it will look like with greenery filled out and the same flat water and more light. That flat dull gray late fall/winter shooting location may present a much better opportunity at a different time of year.

[@CARambolagen]

I've always been particularly interested in low light and grey photography. Thanks. Great Fotos!

[@Mike-126]

Excellent photos,advice and content.

[@1964ilovebears]

The Lake District seems to be such a GORGEOUS place !!!. I'd love to visit it someday !!

[@cdmscotia]

The depth added by the mist makes it good conditions, also with wet surfaces increases colour saturation. If it was grey, dry and clear it would have been much different. Beautiful images Nigel.

[@stef2499]

Nigel….those aren‘t dull conditions…look at that amazing foggy landscape, this is my dream to get these conditions. I suppose i need to stop going on hiking trips when the weather good lol.

[@AliShokrii]

Excellent landscape photography tips 🌹🙏

[@mariusnixdorf4719]

really in love with the small island and the tree. The rich green grass on it in combination with the grey from the big stone looks so good. Would also be intresting in autumn with some colores in the leaves and maybe some colorful leaves on the grey stone!.

[@DaveKingMusic]

That last image was my favorite too!

[@davidskinner274]

Lovely shots in the mist.

[@huette]

The lake district is beautiful, regardless of the conditions - can't say the same thing about my home area. I'm really looking forward to a week of hiking in the lake district in May. I'll regret not taking my big camera, but it's quite a hike, and the small one has to do. Thanks for your content, looking forward to it every Sunday.

[@JohnRussellHodge_progtwit]

One of yor best videos, Nigel. I really ernjoyed it, although I feel somewhat guilty as it is a very flat day here in New Zealand and yet I am watching you instead of being out taking photos!

[@sagaloo1]

Some really great images, and as ever really enjoyable and informative video

[@victorcanongo9830]

I just don’t know what he does with so many good photos! Another great video Nigel!

[@andrewdunlap2034]

I've been shooting in San Francisco lately. This is basically the weather condiditons every single day.

[@franksheeran9243]

17:57 that's the shot that makes the 12 hour day worth while

[@jimchizz]

Great visit to Ashness Bridge!

[@briannicholson2971]

Morning Nigel, I was on a hike in the Moorfoot Hills yesterday in similar conditions and I came across a steep sided valley ..not the easiest to get down but ohh boy some of the waterfalls I got .... slightly excited 😆

[@zalkindi]

Great video as usual. It motivates me to go out and shoot. It would be great if you include the locations where you are shooting.

[@michaelreynolds6543]

Ive bought and sold equipment on MPB since the 90s great prices good people to deal with and fantastic kit!

[@hilleviupmanis8687]

Thank you!

[@ajtafft]

Thanks, yet again, for an informative and inspiring tutorial. Would you consider sharing how you process images taken on dull days please?

[@johnpollock6996]

Great tips Nigel concerning searching for textures and shapes during less than optimal conditions. I live in an area that I think has flat light often. Would you ever use a speed light, on or off camera, to illuminate dark areas in a scene, such as the lower surface of the stone bridge? I use lights sometimes in windy conditions to freeze action of moving subjects.

[@hazenhafez]

Love this video 😊👍🏻👍🏻

[@karenbergmann209]

Good thing your tripod is so flexible! Beautiful images, especially the one with the reeds.

[@glynparry6598]

Really enjoyable content Nigel. Good luck on Harris

[@tjcuneo]

Looking forward to see the results of the Harris Beach project. Thanks for todays video.

[@Big.E]

Great video thanks 🙏

[@hansdjong]

Hi Nigel, another great video. Thank you very much. Great to see you can go out again and enjoy the nature. I was wondering what your system is when you go scouting. Do you have a special logbook where you log the location, when to come back, include a picture (from your iPhone), etc.