Blue Sky vs Clouds

[Shawn Marques]

In regards to having an image of a bird in flight in a clear, blue sky as a background, is it better to have some clouds there for added interest? Is a simple, blue sky okay, or are clouds generally preferred?


Thank you all for your input. ;)

[Alfred Forns]

I think it all depends on the bird but I take what I have. Don't add clouds to my clear blue sky images. Imagine is all personal but I would feel uncomfortable.

[Jeff Nadler]

IMO opinion, if you add clouds or anything to the scene you have, it might be better looking but you have changed the definition of your end product from a photograph to digital art. Digital art may be fine for hanging on your walls, putting on your computer screen, or selling to friends, etc. But you should not formally submit such work for publication or photo contests without disclosing what you have done. The issue becomes where do you stop. How about adding the moon, a setting sun, distant mountains, snow or rain, etc. You need to be content capturing what you are able to, or get out more frequently to anticipate and experience the sky conditions you want.

[Fabs Forns]

I'd take clouds over blur sky anytime, and if I have the chance, would rather capture in a pretty colored sky with clouds. I'd not add them though, unless I'm in a playful mood and do full disclosure.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

Having some clouds in the BG can look great but if it is a clear day then I wouldn't add any in postprocessing. If someone adds them after the fact then he/she should disclose it.

[Shawn Marques]

Thank you, everyone! My friend states when the bg has been altered.

Basically, I'd like input on whether or not it is better to have clouds for the sake of context.

[Maxis Gamez]

Hi Shawn,

I prefer blue skies but don't get me wrong, sometimes clouds can really add to your image as well. Let's take a look at this image for example. Just enough clouds to add something to the BG but at the same time it can distract from your main subject. Interesting question BTW!

[Shawn Marques]

Good point! Thanks, Maxis.

[Grady Weed]

I have to fully agree with Jeff Nadler on this sensitive subject.

If you want clouds in your frame, then go out more and get them in the frame as you click the shutter. Nothing beats an image that is as you saw it and has all of the elements coming together. Patience is key and a heavy dose of personal integrity is highly recommended.

[Joseph Martines]

Jeff Nadler and Grady Weed are on the money as far as I am concerned.

Many professional publishing houses will not accept and/or publish and altered image. Then there is the "Enquirer!"

Any how that is what I have been taught and my friends, who sell to magazines and papers, have told me that.

[Shawn Marques]

I appreciate everyone sounding off here on the integrity of the image-but that is getting off the topic I am bringing up! So I deleted that part from my original post.

All I am asking is input on whether or not clouds are an asset to a clear, blue sky (in reference to natural clouds, not fake ones)! :)

[Stefan Minnig]

I'm not a professional photographer, but if I see something I want to capture, I'll try to capture it, clouds or not. A photograph captures a unique moment in time, and if clouds are there, so be it.

If you have the availability of seeing your subject (birds or whatever) at any given time of day, day in and day out, you can then capture shots in a variety of lighting and backgrounds and choose which you like best. Clouds can add a dramatic effect and mood. Sometimes they can detract, like if they take too much attention away from the subject, or are not contrasted well enough against the subject. Only when you see them on screen will you be able to tell if the clouds will work for you or against you.

I don't think capturing a bird without clouds will ever be an issue. Subject matter/availability is the most important. I'd shoot an Ivory-billed woodpecker in any kind of condition. Now a House Sparrow...I have options.

The moral of the story is...shoot what you can, when you can, and then decide whether the clouds work or not; that is if you have a good photo of the subject in both cloudy and non-cloudy conditions.

[Daniel Cadieux]

For me yes, some clouds. A beautifully lit subject that is well exposed, sharp, has great wing position, a perfect head angle, and not too steeply high is an image I will be happy with any time...but if there are a few bonus clouds to accentuate the sky that is a major bonus. So, to answer your last phrase: yes a general blue sky IS ok, but a few clouds are preferable (IMO). Of course you take what you can :-)

P.S. One thing to remember is not to oversaturate a plain blue sky BG. Many times you see an otherwise perfectly fine image with an un-natural "electric" blue sky that spoils it.