Jim's Blog - All Weathers

I’ve been having the most bizarre few weeks, even for me. One minute I’m humping equipment around at the studio for a last minute shoot of comedian and Jonathan Creek actor Alan Davies ( very funny) the next I’m donning a suit at the Ministry of Defence as a judge for their soldiers’ photography competition.

It was  a real honour to be asked, and the images ( taken by soldiers on duty,  mainly in Iraq and Afghanistan ) are striking, moving and  many show great photographic skill.

It was also a reminder of the power of pictures.

And to continue my rather odd run of jobs, I’m off to sunny Ibiza next week ( I know, it’s a hard life, but I actually won’t be waving my arms in the air at Space )  for a TV job, that’s a bit hush hush, so I can’t give you any details just yet.

But, it leads me very nicely onto my top tips : how to take a good pic in all weather conditions.

In bright sunshine – which we seem to finally be having more of here, -  try and avoid shooting in the harsh midday sun.
It creates horrid shadows under the eyes.
Instead, shoot people in shade, it’s soft and flattering.
But - if you must shoot in the heat of the day use flash to clean up the shadows on faces..

When it’s overcast with flat, grey light then, again : use flash and treat as though you’re indoors.
But if there’s a dark sky,  underexpose ( just set your camera to manual, turn exposure to minus) then add flash to the subjects. This way, you’ll add drama to your image and maximise the beauty of the weather.
I once photographed a job ( re-enacting the Normandy Landings )  in three days of driving rain. It was not fun.

So, if it is chucking it down… pack up your camera and go indoors.

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