The Sunny 16 rule can suck it.

Field Notes

The sunny 16 rule, although traditionally a reliable guide in photography, can indeed be quite frustrating on days when it seems to perpetually rain. As a photographer working in alt. processes, I can't help but sigh with disappointment when I step outside with hopes of printing some stunning images under the natural sunlight, only to be greeted by gloomy clouds and relentless precipitation. Under such circumstances, the sunny 16 rule feels like a cruel joke, as it assumes a bright and sunny scene, completely disregarding the damp and overcast reality that has been the norm for weeks. Nay..months. In these moments, we must adapt, and say “screw the rain” and rely on alternative methods of exposure. Embrace the unique atmosphere that rainy days bring. While contact printing may prove ineffective during inclement weather, it is precisely these instances that challenge us to explore new avenues. That being said, I recently finished building/ hobbling together a new L.E.D. UV printer! yea! … more to follow

(In photography, the sunny 16 rule (also known as the sunny f/16 rule) is a method of estimating correct daylight exposures without a light meter.)