Keep shooting on cloudy and rainy days

Look at any postcard rack and you'll see pictures taken on bright, sunny days. The pictures were often taken late in the day or early in the morning, when the scenes are bursting with warm colors, contrast and detail. Those are the kind of pictures that sell a destination -- pictures that make us want to be there.

But, we can't always get sunny-day shots. Sometimes, Mother Nature has other ideas. That's what happened on my second trip to Monument Valley, Ariz. On my first visit in 1995, I had spectacular weather. But this past September, it rained about 80 percent of the time I was there.

Because I was determined to get images, I stayed out all day looking for locations -- and breaks in the weather. I made the best of it. I took pictures, and enjoyed the challenge of trying to get good ones, even if they were pictures that illustrated bad weather.

My suggestion to all outdoor photographers is this: Even if it rains on your parade, go out there and shoot. Challenge yourself. The soft light might enhance some scenes. You might get lucky and get a bit of sunshine. What's more, you might have fun and come back with some keepers.

If you plan to take advantage of the wonderful light that rainy days can offer, and look forward to the challenge of shooting in adverse conditions, consider bringing along the following accessories and gear;

Fast film-ISO setting. Pack ISO 400 or 800 film or make sure that your digital camera has a fast ISO equivalent.

Camera protector. Large plastic sandwich bags with an opening for the lens might work. More serious camera covers and flexible and watertight plastic models are available.

Waterproof camera bag. Several companies make backpack and shoulder bags with a built-in "raincoat" that folds into a pocket and unfolds to cover the entire bag.

Plastic bags for accessories. Keep your memory cards and film in bags for extra protection.

Camera cleaning kit. You'll need one in case your camera gets wet. On that note, if a raindrop gets on the front element of your lens or a filter, wipe it off with a lint-free cloth. If you don't, a single raindrop can become a big blob in a picture. The wider the angle of the lens, the larger the blob. Also, a lens hood will help keep the front element of your lens dry.

Rain gear. You'll want to be comfortable and dry in the field. Get rain wear that will keep you dry. Waterproof hiking boots are a good idea, too.

Rick Sammon is the author of 21 books about photography and marine conservation.