Landscape photography in bad weather – drama instead of sunshine

When it comes to landscape photography, we tend to think of moody colours, golden sunsets and bright blue skies. But you can also take expressive landscape photos in bad weather. Rain, wind and clouds add depth, structure and emotion to nature. But they also give photographers an exciting challenge.
Based on a few photos from Ireland, I would like to look at how rewarding photography can be in inclement weather and how it can offer a new perspective on familiar landscapes.

Bad weather can enhance landscape photography

In calendars or magazines, there is usually no room for bad weather photos. Instead, photographs that show a landscape at its most beautiful, bathed in atmospheric light and rich colours, are in demand.
In bad weather, the setting for such photographs is not given. However, the landscape reveals a different, often captivating facet. Dark clouds, rain or storms add a depth and drama to photographs that can hardly be captured in sunshine. In some ways, landscape photography in poor weather is similar to classic black and white photography: The focus is directed more towards the essentials, towards shapes, structures and contrasts – and less towards light and colour. There is also a significant difference in the emotional impact compared to classic ‘postcard photos’. When viewing such images, feelings such as melancholy, serenity or awe of nature arise.

An example is this shot of Ballydonegan Beach (also known as Allihies Beach) on Ireland’s Beara Peninsula. On a sunny day, the beach is idyllic, and visitors can enjoy crystal clear water and white sand, framed by green hills. In bad weather, however, the place looks rough, and there’s a hint of drama in the air. You can almost feel the uncomfortable cold and dampness. Nevertheless, the view is captivating.

The same applies to this photograph of Culoo Rock on Valentia Island. The rocks are popular with anglers for fishing mackerel in the roaring waves of the Atlantic. A sign warns visitors to avoid the cliffs in heavy swells and strong winds. My photograph was taken in exactly such conditions. It was a permanent struggle to keep the camera and filters more or less dry. However, the result is an impressive example of how wild and untamed the Atlantic coast of Ireland can be. The dramatic character of this photograph is primarily due to the bad weather.

I also faced challenging conditions when I took my photograph of the Brandon Range on the Dingle Peninsula. The biblical rainfall, fierce wind and lack of light were anything but ideal for shooting outdoors. I called the resulting image ‘One Last Shot’ (… before seeking shelter in the car). This photograph was nominated in the Nature (Professional) category at the 16th Annual International Colour Awards in 2023. A great example that landscape photography can be rewarding even in bad weather.

Beauty beyond perfect light

Bad weather can certainly enrich landscape photography and offers the opportunity to capture the beauty of nature in an unaltered and authentic way. Although it requires some effort to head out with your camera into the pouring rain and wind. But those who do so are often rewarded with some impressive, moody shots. Of course, there are limits: if rain and wind get so bad that your equipment will no longer stay safe, you may have to call it a day – particularly to avoid damaging your gear.

Especially in countries like Ireland or Scotland, where bad weather is part of the game, I learned to deal with it. Now I actually like working in such conditions.
By the way, the worst (photo) weather for me are the ‘grey days’ – those dull days when there is no structure in the sky and no light or shadow in the landscape.