Just realized the best time to get clear shots of a dead mall is right after a heavy rain

I was trying to get good pictures of the old Westgate Pavilion last month, but the windows were always so grimy and the light was flat. After three trips with okay results, I went back the morning after a big storm. The rain had washed a lot of the dirt off the glass, and the wet concrete outside acted like a giant reflector, filling the dark interior with this soft, even light. I got a shot of the empty fountain through the main entrance glass that was crystal clear, no glare at all. It made the whole place look like it was just closed for the day, not for six years. I guess the weather does some of the cleanup work for you. Has anyone else had a similar experience with weather helping their photos?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_robin1mo ago

My shot of the old Sears entrance last fall was totally saved by that same wet concrete trick, just like @kevin_adams said.

kevin_adams1mo ago

That's a solid tip, the wet ground as a reflector is a game changer. I've had the same thing happen shooting old factories, where the overcast sky and rain just kills the harsh shadows. It's like the weather does all the diffusing for you. Makes the whole scene way less contrasty and easier to expose.