All Weather is Good Weather

Parades, rainy days, sunny afternoons—it doesn’t matter. All weather is good weather for photography. You just need to prepare and adapt. That’s how you turn a challenge into an opportunity.

Be Prepared

Rain? No problem. I always bring:

• An umbrella
• A raincoat that goes down to my ankles
• A mindset ready to use the conditions to my advantage

Photography doesn’t stop because of the weather—it starts when the weather changes. Rain adds mood. Snow adds texture. Sunlight and shadows create drama. Be ready to embrace whatever comes your way.

Find the Right Corner

Photographing in a parade isn’t about the parade itself. It’s about the people, the workers, the outskirts. The parade is just the excuse.

“The reason why I’m here on this particular corner is because I know these columns and backgrounds can be used for composition.”

This time, I positioned myself near a vent blowing smoke. The smoke became my backdrop, and I waited for the right moment—a janitor leaning against a pole, framed by the swirl of the smoke. The background is the foundation. Once you’ve got that, the story falls into place.

Photograph the Outskirts

Forget the main event. Look at what’s happening on the edges:

• The crowd watching
• The workers cleaning
• The small, quiet moments everyone else overlooks

“The parade itself isn’t as interesting as the crowd. Photograph the workers, the people on the outskirts, the ones watching. That’s where the real stories are.”

When you’re at a parade or event, find a choke point—a place where people gather naturally. Stick around. Observe. Let the moments come to you. It’s not about running around; it’s about seeing.

Use the Conditions

Rain doesn’t ruin a parade—it transforms it. This year, it was all about reflections and mood. In the past, I’ve photographed sunny parades and even a drained fountain at Logan Square. Each condition brings its own story.

“All weather is good weather. It’s just a matter of using what you’ve got.”

Rain brings out umbrellas, fogged glasses, and people huddling together. Sunlight creates hard shadows and stark contrasts. Embrace what’s in front of you.

Final Thoughts

Every year, I go out and photograph the parades. It’s never the same twice. That’s the beauty of it. You’re not just documenting an event; you’re capturing the way it feels in that moment.

So, don’t let the weather stop you. Pack your gear, find your corner, and look for the stories on the outskirts. That’s where the magic happens.