Storms
I love the time, just after a violent storm, when the sky is spectacular and light gleams through breaks in the clouds. Australia has some marvellous storms, especially in the tropics at the end of the dry season. And in southern Australia, I have seen some of the most spectacular skies, usually as a storm builds or just after it has passed.Clouds often help make a picture that is otherwise not much of a picture at all. Some of my favourite images are interesting only because of the sky colours and cloud formations. To heighten the effects of sky and clouds you might try using a Polaroid filter, particularly if the sky is very bright and sunny. Alternatively, try under-exposing by one or two f-stops as this will accentuate sky colours and give contrast between them and the clouds. Because there can be several f-stops between the sky and the ground it is also a good idea to bracket exposures if you feel unsure. Bracketing exposures is taking a series of shots of the same subject at different exposures. You may even choose to use one of the many filters available that create sky colour effects.
Skyholes - Breaks in the clouds, particularly late in the afternoon when the light is likely to be warm as the sun sets, can enable wonderful effects to be achieved. That same golden light illuminating the landscape is remarkably effective. To achieve these sorts of shots, you have to be in the right place at the right time, so it is a good idea to keep your camera handy in the car at all times.
Like so many, this storm build-up on the Barkly Tableland, NT, came to nothing. Nonetheless, I was able to make this stunning image that would go unnoticed if the rainbow and golden light were not present[135/80-200 mm, f5.6].