Beginning Photography Tip #8:
Watch the Weather, Too

Red Skies at Night © Jim Miotke All Rights Reserved

Carmel Mission Clear Blue Skies and a Polarizing Filter © Jim Miotke All Rights Reserved

Look outside and decide whether or not you are going to want to have the sky in your picture.

If it's overcast, simply keep the sky out of your pictures as much as possible. This is usually the best way to avoid both muted tones in your subject and washed-out skies in your background. You might also find black and white pictures of an overcast day more pleasing than color.

When the day is beautiful, go ahead and make the most of it.

If your camera allows for the use of filters, purchase a polarizer. This will help you render deep blue skies against bright white clouds, richly contrasting colors, and other wonderful effects with a simple twist of the wrist.

Don't shut it down every time the weather looks bad. Adverse conditions can sometimes lead you to the very best photos.