Flat, gray skies might seem uninspiring, but they offer a unique advantage. Instead of working around harsh shadows and strong highlights, you control the final image. The light is soft and even, allowing for more creative flexibility, especially in black and white photography.
Coming to you from Adrian Vila with aows, this helpful video breaks down why overcast conditions are anything but dull. Vila starts by demonstrating how flat light acts as a blank canvas, letting you shape the final image instead of simply capturing what’s in front of you. He explains how low contrast allows for multiple interpretations of the same scene. By keeping exposures neutral in the field, he maintains flexibility in post-processing. Vila also emphasizes how shooting in aperture priority mode helps him focus on composition while ensuring a clean, flexible raw file. He highlights the importance of good ND filters for long exposures, noting that while cheap alternatives can work, they often introduce unwanted color casts.
Vila takes the concept further by walking through his editing process. Starting with a monochrome conversion, he shows how a flat file provides maximum control. Adjustments in contrast and brightness can completely change the mood of an image. A bright, low-contrast edit conveys calmness, while a dark, high-contrast version feels more intense. He demonstrates the impact of local adjustments, using gradients to direct attention and boost drama. Even small tweaks in clarity and texture can shift the visual focus. The key takeaway: with a neutral base, you can push an image in multiple creative directions.
One of the most compelling comparisons comes when Vila juxtaposes two images—one shot in flat light and another taken after the sun broke through. The second image, while still strong, has harsh shadows and bright spots that limit post-processing options. Flat light offers freedom, while strong light introduces restrictions. He illustrates how small foreground details, like rocks, can become problematic under direct sunlight, making it harder to control the overall look. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Vila.
