Embracing the gloom

The winter days in London can be unforgiving. Sometimes the world is shrouded in heavy cloud. For the photographer, there is no light and shade, colours are flat – there is little to work with.

Aside from coming home with no shots at all, there is a way to deal with these dispiriting days. Embrace the gloom and look for images that capture this maudlin mood. My usual approach is to go monochrome, think black and white and seek out the sunlessness.

This photograph is the product of a recent low light day. It’s the River Thames at Putney, with simple layers of sky, trees, river banks and a waterway showing little life and action. There is a sheen on the water, but it’s dark and empty. Quite unusual for this stretch of the Thames.

7 thoughts on “Embracing the gloom”

Malin H on November 18, 2013 at 14:55 said:

I don’t know if I agree with you :) … There is so much to work with during winter. That’s when the soft light is at its best. Great image!

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- mikeosbornphoto on November 18, 2013 at 14:57 said:
  
  Thank you, Malin :-) I’ve learned to make the most of the winter light. Everything takes on a different character.
  
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  - Malin H on November 18, 2013 at 14:58 said:
    
    Excactly. :) Different character.
    
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dianajhale on February 9, 2013 at 11:08 said:

Nice for minimalism though!

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- mikeosbornphoto on February 9, 2013 at 13:23 said:
  
  Yes, you just have to turn the adverse conditions to your advantage!
  
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mjculverphotography on February 8, 2013 at 21:12 said:

Sending you some Florida sunshine Mike to brighten up your weekend. ;-)

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- mikeosbornphoto on February 8, 2013 at 21:16 said:
  
  Oh yes please! Some bright light to bring out the best in colours, shadows and tones?!
  
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