When we think of the perfect day for a photoshoot, most of us envision clear blue skies and radiant sunshine. It’s a common perception that bright, sunny weather is ideal for capturing stunning photographs. However, as any seasoned photographer will tell you, there’s a hidden gem in the world of photography: the cloudy day photoshoot. Overcast skies might not seem glamorous, but they offer unique advantages that can transform your photos in ways you might not expect.

As a photographer, I am constantly checking the forecast. In the event of rain, a photoshoot will always be rescheduled. But, if we get lucky a cloudy, moody sky can enhance the overall quality of the photos and the results are breathtaking. Whilst many photographers are scared or nervous to shoot in cloudy weather, I have learnt to embrace it for the many benefits it provides. Read on to find out how and why you should embrace the clouds to capture beautiful images no matter the conditions. 

Benefits of Overcast Skies for Photoshoots

Soft and Even Lighting

One of the most significant benefits of a cloudy photoshoot is the soft and even lighting that overcast skies provide. Unlike harsh sunlight that can create strong shadows and overexposed highlights, the clouds act as a natural diffuser, spreading the light evenly across your scene. This diffused light is incredibly flattering for portraits, as it minimises shadows and highlights, resulting in smoother skin tones and a more balanced exposure.

Soft lighting is also perfect for other types of photography, including maternity photoshoots, where capturing the gentle glow of an expecting mother is key. Cloudy weather allows simple easy light to shoot in and allows the photographer to focus more on composition and connection with the subject.

Enhanced Colours and Textures

Cloudy weather photoshoots have a unique way of enhancing the colours and textures in your photos. The diffused light makes colours appear more saturated and vibrant without the risk of overexposure, which can wash out hues on a sunny day. The diffused light naturally enhances the colours and textures of outdoor settings, making the lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and natural landscapes appear richer and more vibrant. This soft lighting ensures that the background remains beautifully balanced and less overexposed, allowing the focus to stay on the emotional connections and interactions between the people in the photos. 

Whether capturing the playful energy of children, the warmth of a family gathering, or the serene glow of an expectant mother, cloudy skies help create images that are both intimate and visually striking.

Extended Shooting Time

With over 10 years of experience shooting families outdoors, there is one thing I wont ever do. I won’t photograph them in the harsh midday sun. Rather, I stick to golden hours, —early morning or late afternoon—when the light is softest. One of the practical advantages of a photoshoot in cloudy weather is the extended shooting time it allows. 

With overcast skies, the light remains consistent throughout the day. This means you can schedule your photoshoot at any time without worrying about the sun being too high or too low in the sky. 

Techniques for Shooting on Cloudy Days

Shooting on a cloudy day comes with its own set of opportunities and challenges. While the soft, even lighting is ideal for capturing beautiful portraits of children, families, and maternity sessions, it also requires some adjustments to your usual photography approach. Here are a few techniques to help you make the most of these conditions and create stunning images, even when the skies are grey.

Adjusting Camera Settings

To make the most of a cloudy day photoshoot, it’s essential to adjust your camera settings to suit the available light. Start by increasing your ISO to compensate for the lower light levels; an ISO of 400 to 800 is usually a good starting point. However, be mindful of noise, especially if you’re shooting with a camera that doesn’t handle high ISO settings well.

A wider aperture (lower f-stop) can help gather more light and create a shallow depth of field, which is excellent for portraits. Additionally, adjusting your shutter speed to prevent motion blur is crucial, especially if you’re shooting handheld. And always shoot in RAW format to give yourself more flexibility in post-processing, where you can fine-tune the exposure and colours to perfection.

Composition and Backgrounds

When shooting in cloudy weather, it’s important to think about your composition and background choices. The soft, even light allows for more flexibility, but it also means you need to be more deliberate in how you frame your shots. Look for backgrounds that complement the mood of the day—think moody landscapes, urban settings with interesting textures, or lush greenery that pops against the grey sky.

Incorporating the sky itself into your compositions can add an element of drama and depth. Use the cloud cover creatively, whether as a neutral backdrop that puts the focus on your subject or as a feature in the shot that enhances the overall mood.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

While cloudy days offer many advantages for photography, they can also present some challenges, such as lower light levels and the potential for flat-looking images. However, with a few simple adjustments and techniques, these obstacles can be easily managed. Let’s explore some common issues you might face when shooting on overcast days and how to overcome them.

Low Light Conditions

One of the most common challenges of cloudy day photography is dealing with lower light levels. While the diffused light is beneficial, it can sometimes be insufficient, especially in very dense cloud cover. To manage this, increase your ISO and open up your aperture as discussed earlier. If your photoshoot is scheduled over golden hour, you will need to move the session earlier as it will get darker faster on a cloudy day. 

Flat and Dull Photos

Another potential issue is that photos may appear flat due to the lack of strong shadows and highlights. To add contrast and depth, consider shooting in locations with interesting textures or elements that create natural contrast. In post-processing, you can enhance the dynamic range by adjusting the levels and curves, adding contrast, and selectively increasing saturation to make your images pop.

Inspiring Examples of Cloudy Day Photoshoots

To inspire your next cloudy day photoshoot, we’ve gathered a selection of stunning images captured under overcast lighting. These photos showcase a variety of styles and subjects, from serene landscapes to intimate portraits. Each photographer has utilised the unique qualities of the cloudy weather to create images that are not just beautiful, but also emotionally resonant.

In a recent maternity photoshoot, the soft light of an overcast day perfectly highlighted the expectant mother’s glow, creating a serene and timeless portrait.

A family photography session under cloudy skies resulted in tender, natural moments that might have been lost in the harsh light of bright sunshine.

This beautiful maternity photo captures the expectant mother standing beneath a dramatic, moody sky. The soft, diffused light highlights her glowing silhouette, while the clouds add a sense of depth and emotion to the scene.

 A tender family photo taken amidst long, textured grass, where the muted tones of the overcast sky enhance the natural beauty of the setting. The soft lighting gently illuminates the family, creating an intimate and timeless portrait.

This heartwarming photo features a family with their newborn, sitting on the steps outside their house. The overcast sky provides a soft, even light that beautifully highlights the family's expressions and the warmth of their home environment. The cloudy weather adds a cosy, comforting atmosphere to this precious moment, even with less light available. This was shot in the middle of the day.

The diffused light from the cloudy sky softly illuminates their blonde hair, giving it a golden glow that contrasts beautifully with the natural, textured background. The serene atmosphere of the overcast day perfectly complements the tender bond between the siblings, creating a moment of pure innocence and connection.

This striking maternity photoshoot was captured between storms, with the rain holding off just long enough to create a dramatic backdrop. The expectant mother embraced the moody atmosphere, which added depth and intensity to the emotions in her photos. The dark clouds and anticipation of the approaching weather beautifully highlighted her strength and serenity, making for a powerful and unforgettable portrait.

In this intimate maternity photoshoot, a gentle drizzle added a touch of magic as the couple cuddled close beneath the gorgeous sky. The soft rain enhanced the tenderness of the moment, while the overcast clouds provided a beautiful, dramatic backdrop. The couple's embrace under the moody sky perfectly captured the love and anticipation they shared, making the moment even more memorable.

Conclusion

Cloudy days might not be the first choice for many when planning a photoshoot, but they offer unique opportunities to capture beautiful and compelling images. From the soft and even lighting to the enhanced colours and extended shooting time, overcast skies can be a photographer's best friend. With the right techniques and a bit of creativity, you can turn a potentially gloomy day into a canvas for stunning photography.

So next time you see the clouds rolling in, don’t cancel your shoot—embrace it! Experiment with the tips and techniques we’ve discussed, and you might find that cloudy days become your new favourite conditions for photography.