USE THE ELEMENTS

The conditions, light and time of day can be used to great effect

One of the most commonly asked questions when announcing a workshop in the city is, “What happens if it rains?” Well, so long as we’re not talking about precipitation on a biblical scale, all the better I say. Obviously, we need to take care of the equipment we are using, but wet surfaces, puddles and even something as simple as a colourful umbrella on a grey day can be used to great effect in the city.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, the same can be said for brighter days, where an abundance of contrast provides sumptuous shadows that can be used to lead a viewer’s eye into the frame. These conditions are particularly useful when shooting detailed architectural shots, where the variety of tones helps to reveal textures and shapes. Softer, longer shadows are really useful and associated with the months when the sun is lower in the sky or during the hours before sunset or after sunrise.

Sunrises and sunsets can be just as spectacular in the city as in a more natural landscape setting. If this is our aim, we should plan the shoot in exactly the same way – keeping an eye on the weather, looking for sunny intervals with just the right amount of cloud. Knowing the time and the position of the setting sun is critical information that’s necessary for a successful shoot. I use various apps on my phone to help with these. One called The Photographer’s Ephemeris is particularly useful and provides vital information before I even get to the city.

Many of my favourite urban shots were taken after the sun had set, in the period of time known as ‘the blue hour’ when the sun is at a significant depth below the horizon and residual, indirect light takes on a mostly blue shade. This light works incredibly well with the electrical lights on and inside of buildings.