14 http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk
Technique
Mark Gilligan
A professional photographer, producer/director of TV and
photography teacher for over 40 years, Mark is also a LEE Filters
Master supported by Berghaus and Billingham. A former Fujifilm
ambassador and winner of the #OMGB in LPOTY, he is a Fellow
of the BIPP. Visit http://www.wastwaterphotography.co.uk or follow
him on Facebook or Instagram.Brave t he
elements
Don’t let the damp, cold and windy
conditions put you o enjoying the great
outdoors over the winter months. We speak
to four pros who use the British weather to
their advantage, to capture unique scenes
I LOVE watching dramatic weather
move across the landscape. Whilst I
observe and enjoy, photographing it is
a passion of mine. Fortunately it isn’t
just seasonal either, as our weather
presents opportunities all year. I’m not
advocating thst you venture out into
the eye of a storm but on days when
it is very changeable. Safety is
paramount and I always abide by the
rule that the mountains will be there
another day. You will be exposed to
the wet stuff, so ensure your
waterproofs and kit are up to the job!Work with a partner
It’s better when there are two of you working together. It will be inclement and
whilst I use a sherman’s brolly bracket attached to my tripod, excessive gustscan make that unstable. That’s where a exible, human, brolly holder is handy!
Shielding the lens with the brolly, counting to three and quickly lifting up will work a
lot of the time. However, rain swirling around can prove testing, if not impossible. It
can be hit and miss but weather gaps will appear. Patience is a virtue.
Location knowledge
Luck will always play a part, but I nd it helps to
know the location. Our weather creates anomalies
anywhere, but mountains are my ‘go to’ and I nd that
studying it on recces helps. Positionally, being on lower
ground or slightly elevated produces good results. As
clouds close in, summits invariably disappear. It is a
lottery, but changeable weather generally produces
results. Like the sherman, you need patience! The
MWIS is a good forecasting website but always be
cautious – as with any forecast, it is not set in stone.