Nikon D300 Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 lens @ f/8 ISO 200 1/320th Strobist: Nikon SB-800 Speedlight 1/2 power on light stand
A majority of my photography jobs lately have taken place in the evening outside (or in "the environment" in photographer terms). This has coincided exactly with the start of the subtropical thunderstorm patterns of west central Florida. Thus, on top of all the other things I have on my mind as a photographer, nowadays the weather has become almost the dominant thought. For my own shooting style, I do like the drama and dynamism a storm can bring to a photograph's background. So artistically, I am very ok with them. However, the logistics can get quite intense knowing when to continue a shoot, and when to run for cover!
Nikon D300 Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 @ f/8 ISO 400 1/320th Strobist: Nikon SB-800 Speedlight handheld off camera 1/2 power
As long as I am able to start shooting 30 minutes before the rain arrives, I have a very good sense for avoiding the rain. Having lived in Florida since I was a boy, and spending most of that time outside, knowing if a storm on the horizon will pass or punish is an acquired skill. With the Hebert family, we were at the far south end of Sunset Beach as a southerly storm closed in quickly. I used my fastest shooting methods possible. Got the shots I wanted to, then got everyone on the boardwalk back toward our cars in order to take cover if necessary, and if not then drop off all gear but what I can handhold and go back on the beach for a few final pre-storm shots.
Nikon D80 Nikkor AF ED 80-200mm f/2.8 @ f/4 ISO 500 natural lightWell, everything was timed perfectly as I was able to get all the shots the Hebert family requested and all the shots I personally wanted as well. With all gear safely in the back of the Lexus and my drive away song queued, the rain fell. Skills.