Theatre of the blue sky

Day after day of blue sky and not a cloud in sight. It sounds like ideal weather for a bushwalk. The rest of the group is raving about the great weather and "how fortunate we are".

At the same time, the photographer is muttering about high contrast, blown highlights and no shadow detail. In fact sometimes we have very different ideas as to what constitutes "good" weather on a trip.


Bright, direct sunlight often has a harsh quality about it. High contrast films, such as Fujichrome Velvia, can fail to capture the contrast range of a scene and even lower contrast films may look unpleasantly bright or washed out.


Even a sunrise or sunset, usually one of best times to photograph, can become a lackluster affair with a clear sky and no cloud. The film may be able to handle the contrast but without clouds, a key ingredient in making an image unique is missing. A clear sky will often render the scene the same year in, year out.


While fine clear skies can be a source of frustration, it helps to be able to let go of our expectations and enjoy the moment. After all, the real joy is being out in the landscape in the first place and windows of good weather are all too precious in some places.


These blue sky days can also give rise to other photographic opportunities if we approach them with an open and receptive mind.


Below are some examples of opportunities taken and lessons learned.




Rime covered Snow Gums on the Razorback, Victoria



Shot on a clear winters day, the snow acts as an excellent reflector to fill in the shadows and the photograph was composed to keep the sky to a minimum. Never the less the cloudless blue sky gives the photo a definite "cardboard cut-out" appearance.







Nothofagus gunnii detail, Mt Olympus, Tasmania





This image of a stunted Nothofagus gunnii covered in frost was shot early in the morning just as the sun rose. The reciprocity failure resulting from the long exposure (no compensating filter was used) has combined with clear sky to give a distinct blue/purple tinge to the silvery trunk and branches. This beautifully complements the orange of the Nothofagus leaves.






"The Mirror", Victoria Range, Grampians



Contrasting cool and warm colours are exploited in this reflection. What would otherwise be harsh light has provided a vibrancy to the reflection.