May Gray has definitely settled in for those of us that live along the coast and we can expect June Gloom to follow. As a photographer, my work is all about the light and usually color. I absolutely love sunny days, blue skies, and blue water and the vibrant images that can be created in those settings. So what to do in May and June? Well, in the spirit of lemonade from lemons, our annual marine layer presents some wonderful opportunities to see our world in a slightly different way.

In fact, some of my best selling images were taken on foggy days where the sun is muted and the sky a blank canvas showcasing subject matter in the foreground. This is a chance to train the eye to see patterns and silhouettes in nature.

For shooting in these conditions, there are several choices. First, you can set your exposure based on the ambient light which will create darker silhouettes and stronger lines. (See, eg., the first image). Alternatively, you can set your exposure based on your foreground subject matter. This technique should result in an almost totally white background. (See, eg., below)

Then, of course, there is the morning where May Gray is so heavy that the sun can barely register its brilliance. In these situations, you get to defy your mother’s wisdom and indeed look directly at the sun. Spectacular, yet muted reflections are possible and ghostly silhouettes become the norm.

So don’t be discouraged by the marine layer. Get out there and experiment with different settings and moods. I promise you will not be disappointed!