One of the most common mistakes people make is thinking that an overcast day means there is no light out to shoot. Time and time again I have over heard this conversation between people....but I have to share a little secret that most photographers secretly already know. Overcast days are PREFECT for shooting portraits. The key to understand an overcast day is to look at the sky as something other than just a sky. See the sky is like one big lightbox. What is a lightbox. A lightbox is a completely white box that photographer use to brighten items up when shooting inside. Normally used in still photography to highlight an item by bouncing the light off all the white sides in all directions. This is just what the sky does for you on an overcast day. The light is bouncing off everything and everywhere. Bright sun can leave harsh shadows on the face and can white out one side of the face while leaving the other side dark. When shooting over cast think of it like shooting a sunset. Turn the shutter speed up. Don't be afraid of those clouds in the sky. When shooting landscapes during an overcast day you might have to boost up the colors in processing or turn it into a black and white photo. Overcast days are perfect for Black and White photos....PERFECT!
For portraits an overcast day will soften the skin and bring out the eyes. The catch light in the eye will be brighter and you don't have to worry about any harsh shadows on the face. Don't be scared of those overcast days. Don't shy away or think that it means you have to put that camera away. Get out there and shoot..shoot..shoot!