The Importance Of Clouds
Clouds have the potential to add what’s missing from a scene. And, sometimes it’s the clouds that play a leading role in landscape imagery. If not a leading role, they are very often a strong supporting one. For me, clouds can make or break an image. I look for cloud balance when framing. Clouds that are unusual and in good position to the landscape are of special interest. As most photographers know, approaching storms and clearing storms can be great opportunities to capture interesting clouds. For me, the images below are successful because of the quality of the clouds. Some of these are very recent and a couple of the others were on hold for this post … about ‘The Importance Of Clouds’ in landscape photography!
‘Stripes At Dawn’ © Denise Bush
‘Stacked Clouds Above High Peak’ © Denise Bush
‘Clouds Over Winter Slope’ © Denise Bush
‘Funny Little Cloud’ © Denise Bush
‘Clouds In The Valley’ © Denise Bush
‘Painterly Clouds Over Ridge’ © Denise Bush
‘Frosty Treat & Cotton Candy’ © Denise Bush
‘Clearing Storm With Alpenglow’ © Denise Bush
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Filed under: Colorado, Landscape Photography | 27 Comments
Tags: clouds, Colorado, Colorado Art, landscape, mountains, photography, San Juan Mountains
Denise Bush\’s Photo Blog
Denise Bush's Photo Blog 
Beautiful post, Denise. Thanks.
Thanks Jane!
Totally agree, Denise. Lovely images.
Thanks very much! 😊
Those broad, slanted, gray and orange stripes in the opening image are particularly pleasing, especially as the mountains across the bottom pick up that gray again.
Later on, the pink cloud floating by itself in a gray sky calls due attention to itself. Following that up with a slew of pink cottony clouds is a good way to end.
All that you mention were shot from our property. The first was sunrise and the later two mentioned were at/near sunset. Thanks Steve!
An exciting cloudy sky sometimes makes the whole picture, but can also take it over. The balance and symbiosis therefore become extra important, of which your pictures are excellent examples.
Thanks Hans … glad you think these have a good balance. I feel the clouds are the main subject in most of them but not the only subject.
Clouds in the Valley combine our love of trees, mountains and sky perfectly. Well done!
Thanks Michael. The view from that vantage point was one of the best I have witnessed!
I’ve looked at clouds from both sides now
From up and down and still somehow
It’s cloud illusions I recall
I really don’t know clouds at all
Joni Mitchell’s song Clouds came to mind when I saw this MARVELOUS collection. XOXO
I have always been a big Joni fan. ‘Both Sides Now’ was written by her but recorded by several others and some even before her. I often find it playing in my head when I’m witnessing and photographing beautiful clouds. XOXO … thanks!
Beautiful clouds. I love the clouds in the valley and the clearing storm with alpenglow.
Hi Lawrence. Thanks so much for your visit and letting me know your favorites! 🙂
Clouds do add so much to photos, there are so many variations, endlessly interesting, as no two are exactly alike. The storm clouds around the peaks in the third and last shot are so dramatic and a bit foreboding. ‘Funny Little Cloud’ looks like a great illustration of a children’s story. A picture worth a thousand words! 🙂
Thanks Eliza! Good point that the ever-changing clouds can create very different images form the same location. I am always on the lookout for scenes like ‘Funny Little Cloud’ and Frosty Treat & Cotton Candy’ … sometimes waiting and willing a cloud into perfect position!.
I couldn’t agree more how important clouds are as you have aptly shown. In this blog posting each and every image is a winner and very beautiful. Without the clouds these might be mundane, but the clouds bring them to life. Good job, Denise.
Thanks very much Ken!!! 😊
Agreed! A cloudless sky can drastically minimize a scene’s impact and interest. As your images show, clouds capture and reflect light, color and shadow in endless combinations. “Clearing Storm With Alpenglow” is my favorite! Bravo!
Thanks Carlos! Clearing storms are fun to watch as they reveal what is below.
Great cloud stories!
Thanks very much kewtiebird!
We love clouds! I loved your image “clouds in the valley”, and the last one, “clearing storm with Alpine glow” is so pretty. I find myself disappointed at the beginning and end of each day if there are no clouds.
I know! Non-photographers here get excited over what they call a ‘bluebird day’. I don’t even bother going out unless I have something in mind that doesn’t include the sky. If I do include a bald sky it is minimal. We have another red code winter storm warning for the next couple of days. Thanks for visiting Deborah!
😃
Clouds get in my eyes. And I love ’em. Your Funny Little Cloud looks like a tadpole. I think my favs are Clouds over Winter Slope and Clouds in the Valley. Weather can transform a dull little landscape into a drama queen.
Thanks for looking Linda. I always enjoy reading your thoughts!