There is light after the darkness.

"Chance favours the prepared mind, and opportunity favours the bold." - Louis Pasteur (also attributed to Ansel Adams).

There are certainly days when going out to do photography is a no-brainer, the conditions are just right, the time of day means that the lighting is just how you like it, you have enough time so you don’t need to rush it and you’re full of creative energy.

There are also days when you take one look out of the window and suddenly find that long list of jobs to do strangely appealing. Here in Cumbria there can be days and days of dull weather, loads of rain and wind, so plenty of time to do the DIY and let the dust gather on the camera, only it doesn’t need to be that way. Chocolate box pictures are often the kind that people aim for; the sunset over the sea, the view of the fells on a lovely sunny day or that charming rural scene with cows or sheep dotted around a field and yet there is so much more.

Not all images are about delightful scenes full of sunshine and cheer. Bad weather days can lead to great photographs if you like moody or atmospheric images, are willing to explore the possibilities the day offers and know how to get the most out of the situation, “chance favours the prepared mind” if you like. If you persevere on a dull day the sun can break through unexpectedly rewarding you with a great bit of lighting that brings a picture to life.

Stormy Fleetwith Pike.

Recently I went on a walk to Buttermere on a stormy day when strong winds and rain promised to ruin the day for me. It had been one of those days when I had hidden away rather than go out and so by 5pm I was only too ready to get some fresh air, rain and wind or none! I took a camera with me out of habit but didn’t really expect it to be put to much use. Most of the time it was pretty dull, rather wet and a little unpleasant but there were several occasions when I got images that I thought were just right. “Opportunity favours the bold” seemed apt.

Evening light on Low Bank and Whiteless Pike.

All three photographs taken on the same walk.