Why you should actually be excited about an overcast day...
When people imagine their dream photoshoot in San Diego, they often picture golden sunsets, glowing skies, and warm sunshine. But of course, this is the Pacific Coast, so there is always a looming question we have to discuss–what if it’s cloudy and overcast? I’m here to tell you not to worry about it, and even let yourself be excited about it… and here’s why.
CINEMATIC LIGHTING: A sky full of clouds acts as a large softbox in the sky, which basically means that it diffuses the light into soft and even lighting. With a lot of my work, you’ll notice that I don’t love super harsh lines and will usually “soften” edges for a dreamy effect through editing, but a cloudy sky automatically does that for me. Instead of harsh shadows, we get smooth lighting that gives romantic, cinematic engagement photos or soft and flattering maternity portraits.
MOODY VIBES: An overcast sky can add so much mood and depth to a gallery. If you have looked at any of my photos at all, you’ll know that I LIVE for the drama and often lean into that theme. If you’re wanting a romantic beach couples session, a dramatic engagement gallery, or cinematic family photos by the ocean, the clouds are going to be your best friend.
FREEDOM WITH LOCATIONS AND TIME: With all of my sessions you’ll notice that I tend to chase light, but an overcast day means complete freedom for both where AND when we shoot. We can even shoot on the beach at noon without having to worry about harsh shadows or bad lighting! The diffused light makes for total flexibility, whether it’s a cliffside engagement session in La Jolla, a sunset maternity shoot in Coronado, or a coastal family session in Del Mar.
I totally understand that sometimes a cloudy forecast may feel like a bad thing, but I promise you that when I see a cloudy day, I am INCREDIBLY excited to get to work! A cloudy sky will make your photos feel romantic and cinematic in a totally different way—a way that sunshine simply can’t replicate. If you’re dreaming of a whimsical San Diego engagement session, a timeless maternity shoot, or an artistic family portrait on the beach, clouds may just give you the perfect lightbox.
Here’s a ton of examples of photos I took on overcast days that are also some of my favorite images I’ve ever taken!
