Some people chase sunsets. Others wait for clear skies.
Me? I’m looking up, chasing clouds.
Of all the subjects I shoot, clouds are the most generous. They’re always there, always changing, and always surprising. Whether it’s a moody overcast sky or a single puff drifting across blue, clouds turn even the simplest photo into something layered—emotionally and visually.
Why I’m Chasing Clouds
Clouds are one of the most expressive elements in nature. They have mood. Movement. Form. Sometimes they mirror our emotions: heavy and dark, light and playful, dramatic and explosive. Other times, they’re simply abstract—natural sculpture shaped by wind and time.
I photograph clouds because they’re infinite. No two skies are ever the same. You can walk the same route every day and see a different sky each time. It’s like nature’s own improvisation—always composing, always dissolving.
Plus, they often transform a shot. A plain building becomes cinematic with looming storm clouds behind it. A rural field turns poetic when capped with drifting wisps. Even empty space gains character with just the right sky.
You Never Run Out of Motifs
There is no such thing as “nothing to shoot” when clouds are above.
- Dramatic storm fronts that roll like ocean waves.
- Minimalist skies with a single cloud breaking the blue.
- Golden hour textures lit from beneath.
- Reflections of clouds in lakes, windows, or even puddles.
- Abstract patterns in wispy cirrus or turbulent cumulus.
Each cloudscape is a moment in time—fleeting, impossible to recreate. That’s what keeps it exciting. You’re not just documenting the sky—you’re capturing a unique expression of the atmosphere.
What Makes a Great Cloud Picture?
Chasing clouds might seem simple—just point up, right? But making them truly sing in a frame takes thought. Here’s what I keep in mind:
- Think Compositionally – Clouds are part of the story, not just a background. Use leading lines (like roads or treetops) to draw the eye toward the sky. Place a horizon low or high depending on how much weight you want the sky to carry.
- Expose for Texture – Avoid blowing out the highlights. Slight underexposure often helps preserve detail in bright clouds, especially when shooting in RAW. You want to capture the subtle shadows and layers inside them.
- Use Foreground for Contrast – A good cloud picture often needs a sense of scale. Mountains, rooftops, silhouettes, birds—these add grounding to the sky and give your viewer perspective.
- Embrace B&W for Drama – Some of my favorite cloud shots are in black and white. Stripping away color emphasizes form, contrast, and atmosphere. A brooding sky in monochrome can feel operatic.
Shoot Often, Review Later – Clouds change quickly. Take multiple shots while the light shifts—what looks average in real time might become breathtaking with the right light burst or structural sweep. Reviewing later often reveals gold you didn’t notice in the moment.
The Sky is Always Open
Chasing clouds is a quiet kind of joy. There’s no pressure, no schedule—just an invitation to look up, pause, and frame the sky as it is right now.
So next time you’re stuck, or uninspired, just tilt your camera toward the sky. The clouds are already performing.