While driving by Amarillo, Texas, I came across an interesting scene in a cow pasture just off of Interstate 40. There is a row of old, brightly painted Cadillacs half-buried into the ground. Canisters of spray paint are laying near the cars and visitors are encouraged to decorate the cars as they see fit.

This scene presents an interesting photography subject. However, bright sunshine and lingering tourists made capturing a good image very challenging. Bright reflections (specular highlights) appeared all over the cars. And, there was too much harsh contrast in the scene as well.

Fortunately, there were some clouds in the sky that afternoon. So, I waited until the clouds moved in front of the sun while the remaining tourists were on the other side of the cars. The specular highlights were tamed and a better photograph was then a possibility.

Cadillac RanchCadillac Ranch off Interstate 40 just west of Amarillo, Texas on December 18, 2012

More often than not, I find that the diffused light that cloud cover provides helps make better photographs.