By Sara Goodnick
If your vacation comes with a few days of rain, look at it as a creativity challenge to your photography!
We often visit Hawaii in the winter and every few years we will get some rainy days. Knowing this, I come prepared.
Gear:
- Rain-proof cover for camera, camera bag, and me.
- Macro lens and/or extension tubes.
- Sandals or river shoes.
- Clothing in which I can comfortably sit on the ground, scramble over rocks, kneel, and otherwise contort myself.
- Tripod
- Portable flash unit
- Laptop and Bamboo Wacom Tablet
Keeping an open mind, I will stroll around the hotel grounds scouting for macro subjects as my first choice, then landscapes. Just being present mentally and taking note of the surroundings can be a fun treasure hunt. Then I drive around to areas of interesting weather. Coaxing a spouse or family member to be my photo assistant is very helpful. Someone with an umbrella over my camera and me is a luxury!
When back in the room, I have fun in Lightroom and Photoshop with presets and plug-ins. Unless shooting for publications that require straightforward photography with minimal manipulation, freedom reigns. I use Color Effects Pro, Topaz, David Kingham, and Life After Photoshop, and Photomorphis to entertain myself and maybe create some keepers. Gray, rainy days are a fantastic excuse to relax, expand and explore your creativity. Have fun!
Sara is a Trip Leader with Arizona Highways Photo Workshops