Clouds, they can often be a night photographer’s worst nightmare because many believe the whole point of night photography is to capture as many stars as possible. But this isn’t always possible, both clouds and a bright full moon can diminish the chances of catching a photo of the stars or my favorite, the milky way. For those of you who have followed me know that I love taking pictures of the stars and I plan to do a large how to series on how to photograph the series. You can view my star photographs here: night photography
Recently on a trip to Costa Rica we had clouds and rain the entire time I was there. But that didn’t diminish my desire to night shoot and so I improvised. We were staying in the Pacare River Lodge along Costa Rica’s famous Pacuare River after one day of rafting, we stayed here two nights before rafting out. One night I wandered down to the river to set up my shot. The full moon worked to illuminate my scene and made for a dramatic scene that gives a much different feel than had I done this shot midday or if there had been stars.
Pacuare River at night, click the image for prints!
A few nights later I was staying at the Arenal Observatory Lodge, which has a beautiful porch looking out at the active Arenal Volcano. For this shot I left the camera out all night to capture a timelapse (to be posted another day). Another bright moon lit the scene but a few breaks in the clouds gave me a few stars shining through.
Arenal Volcano at Night (click for prints!)
So the moral of the story is just because there are clouds does not mean it’s time to put the camera away. It’s a great chance to get a unique perspective on the landscape people are familiar with.
Happy shooting,
Andy A.
Owner/Photographer
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