Tony Worobiec -Photography in any Weather

Does the weather affect how or what you photograph? The answer to this was the basis of this weeks talk on Zoom by the award winning photographer Tony Worobiec. The title of his presentation was “ Photography in any Weather “. Tony is a well traveled photographer particularly to the USA. He now lives in Dorset but was origionally from Redcar which he frequently revisits to photograph nearby industrial location. His observations and understanding off the effects of weather on the subject to be photographed were most enlighting. Landscape locations are effected by how bright or dull the day is when deciding to start your shoot. Once you have decided on that location and the weather changes for the worst, change your location. Clouds, their density, shapes and composition can add drama to your pictures. Tony likes to photograpgh after the rain has just stopped as there will be suttle changes in the light. It also affords you the opportunity to add reflections from puddels and glossy surfaces to your picture. You can also use flash to highlight part or all of subject you shoot. When the weather is calm and damp, mist or fog forms and settles especialy in the mountains, hills and valleys, seek those places out when you can. This offers the photographer the conditions for ephemeral and atmostpheric shots for which Tony has won many awards. He often uses the effects of frost and ice as they offer unusual shapes, patterns and textures that can make an ordinary close up extraordinary. Another subject that can help you produce something different is the use of the moon and its softer light creating unique shadows. Backlighting your subjects also gives a different perspective. The use of orange or yellow against blue should add warmth to your shot. Don`t be afraid to take photographs when its overcast or grey particularly by the sea for contrast, was good advice from Tony as some of the best of his photographs utilised such conditions. The evening concluded with questions and answers with Tony.