I shared a version of this post over on my photography blog, but thought I would share over here as well!
As my cat and I gaze out the siding glass doors from my drenched South Florida balcony, we both can’t help but think about our up and coming RV trip next week. Well, actually, the cat might be staring at the rain drops currently dropping into the small pool of water on said balcony, but like I said … she is a CAT.
My challenge, as I head out for this short trip is finding the content for my youtube channel that I hope to capture, notably, images that help tell these stories. Navigating the drenched Florida and Gulf coasts should be challenging enough (have you seen the weather recently!?) without the added pressure of creating images. But where there are challenges, there are always opportunities.
A few random ideas …
Abstract Art: Use rain-soaked windows to create abstract images. Focus on the patterns made by raindrops and the distorted view of the outside world. Play with colors and reflections to create unique compositions.
Texture and Patterns: Capture the textures and patterns of different materials found in and around your RV. This could include the upholstery, wooden surfaces, wet leaves, or bark of trees. Look for interesting and contrasting textures.
Candid Moments: Photograph candid moments of daily life inside the RV. Capture natural, unposed shots of yourself or your cat engaging in everyday activities, giving a documentary feel to your images.
Through the Window: Create a series of images shot through the RV windows, framing the outside world with the window borders. Experiment with different times of the day and weather conditions to capture various moods and scenes.
Rain Gear Portraits: Create portraits featuring rain gear like raincoats, umbrellas, and boots. Incorporate the rainy environment as a backdrop to highlight the contrast between the weather and the protective clothing.
So with all that being said, I reached out to my AI assistant to prepare a little “cheat sheet” as well as the ideas above to keep me on track. I feel a little better now. Bring on the rain 🙂
Here are ten photo challenges for you to work on during your travels, keeping in mind the potential for bad weather and indoor time:
- Rainy Reflections: Capture the beauty of raindrops on various surfaces like windows, leaves, or puddles. Look for unique reflections and play with focus.
- Cozy Corners: Photograph the coziest spots inside your RV. Use different lighting techniques to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
- Wildlife Watch: Despite the rain, try to capture images of local wildlife from inside your RV. Birds, squirrels, or even your cat’s reaction to the outside world can be interesting subjects.
- Macro Magic: Focus on small details inside the RV or at the campsite. This could include textures, patterns, or close-up shots of everyday objects.
- Rainy Landscapes: When the rain stops or is light, step outside to capture the misty, wet landscapes. The rain can enhance colors and add a unique mood to your photos.
- Time-Lapse Inside: Create a time-lapse video of a day inside your RV. Capture the changes in light, activities, and movements throughout the day.
- Storytelling Series: Develop a series of photos that tell a story about a day in the life of your cat during the trip. Include different activities and perspectives.
- Reflections and Shadows: Use the rainy conditions to play with reflections in water and shadows inside the RV. Experiment with different angles and light sources.
- Campground Life: Document the life and activities at the different campgrounds. Capture the essence of each place, the people, and the atmosphere.
- Night Photography: If the rain clears up at night, try some night photography. Capture the starry sky, moonlit landscapes, or the illuminated RV and campground.
Now, let’s start packing up some of these cameras! Hope the cat is ready for this!
