How Everyday Can Be a Good Day for Photography (Even on Cloudy Days)
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learnt with my camera is this: there’s never a bad day for photography. It doesn’t matter if the sun is shining, the sky is moody, or the rain is lashing down, every type of light has its own unique character. The key is how we see it.
Bright days with golden light are an obvious favourite for many photographers. But honestly? Some of my favourite photos happen when the sky is completely overcast (and with living in Ireland I don’t have much choice). On cloudy days, the light softens and wraps around everything it touches. Shadows fade, colours become richer, and there’s this almost dreamlike quality.
That’s because clouds act like a giant natural diffuser. They scatter and soften the sunlight, spreading it evenly across your scene. In many ways, they do exactly what studio photographers aim for when they use softboxes or diffusers to create even, flattering light. The difference is, on an overcast day the entire sky becomes your softbox.
The photos you see here were all taken in my parents’ garden on a grey, overcast day. Instead of harsh highlights and deep shadows, the flowers, the iron chairs, even the little details in the leaves were bathed in this soft, balanced light. It turned an ordinary and dull afternoon into something more cinematic. This effect is also in part due to the use of a mist filter.
So, if you’re someone who only pulls out your camera when the sun is shining, I’d encourage you to give cloudy days a try.
I also put together a short video of this shoot—you can watch it on my Instagram here: Dreamy Garden Photography
Your turn: Next time the forecast says “cloudy,” don’t pack the camera away. Head outside, look for the quiet details, and let the sky be your softbox. You’ll be surprised at just how dreamy the world can look.
