You have read regularly that I love shooting on the edges of storms. The light is often crips and fresh. The clouds are nice. The sun and moving clouds often play games. There might be rain in the distance and rainbows can appear. Then again the weather can change and you can get wet. The clouds can hide the light and sun. We don't know and cannot always predict when the weather is going to do what. Even paid meteorologists often get it wrong.

          You have also read regularly that I said that you have to be out there when it happens to get the shot. That means that I often go out and come back without even getting my camera out. When the magic does happen however, I want to be there to capture it. That being said, I don't want to waste time in miserable weather when it is reasonably certain that conditions are not going to be conducive to good photography.

          That is where anticipating great light comes in. Firstly, I watch the weather regularly to see when storms are forecast. Secondly, I make sure that I know from which direction the storm usually comes and goes. Then I go out to shoot ahead of the storm (as the storm rolls in). Since the storm is still coming please be reminded that bad weather is on its way; so keep safe and get away from the storm early to be safe. I typically sit tight at home or work during the storm. As the storm clears I go out again to shoot just behind it.

          The weather does not always cooperate but from time to time either the entrance of the storm or its exit is timed with sweet light (close to sunrise or sunset). That is when things get interesting. Go scouting for good locations when the weather is harsh or drab for shooting so that you are ready and know where to go when the storm comes. Hopefully it all comes together:

I was visiting in Hollister during just such a storm. It was raining and drab for a number of days. I kept watching the weather. I followed the rain patterns on my phone's doppler radar app. The storm came to an end and moved on. I watched the movement of the clouds and I knew where the sun went down. Seeing that those broken clouds were moving to where the sun goes down at the right time of day excited me. All the ingredients where there to anticipate great light. I grabbed my gear and headed out.

          It was still cold. The wind still blew. It was not pleasant to be outside, but hey, thats when we photographers roll. I knew where to go since I scouted this area many times before. Everything came together; at least I think so.