For most people, a rainy day is an excuse to snuggle up with hot cocoa and a good Netflix series. But if you’re a photography nut eager to capture some amazing shots, you should put down that remote and head out into the downpour!
Here are some tips on how to take incredible photos in the rain and make the most of your rainy-day shoot:
Protect your gear
Whether you’re shooting with a state-of-the-art camera or a smartphone lens, protecting your equipment is priority #1. For serious hobbyists there are plenty of products on the market to keep your camera dry, but in a pinch you can get by with a gallon-sized plastic bag. Rain gear for the photographer is optional.
Umbrellas are everything
An umbrella can do more than just keep you and your camera dry – here are just some of the ways umbrellas can rock your rainy world:
- Even on a rainy day, your brightest light source is usually coming from the clouds, making the scene below look darker – use the umbrella as a shade for better exposure on your subject.
- Include part of your umbrella in your shot for an interesting frame and to highlight the beauty of the bad weather.
- In a city-scape, a colorful umbrella can make a great focal point for your composition. For that matter, a sea of umbrellas make for a beautiful scene.
Take time to reflect
Take advantage of wet sidewalks and pot-hole puddles by paying attention to what kind of imagery they are reflecting. Reflections of trees, skylines, or even people can turn your shots into inception-style works of art.
Zoom in
Look for close-up shot opportunities: raindrops on petals, water trickling off a ledge, wet eyelashes. You can even try capturing a reflection within individual water droplets. These details can make your photos magical.
Capture the moment
If you’re shooting in an area where people are out and about, take some time to people watch. You’ll probably notice the polarizing nature of rain – people are either miserable or elated. Try capturing both emotions – kids splashing in puddles and bedraggled adults huddled under eaves. Each brings its own brand of personality to your photos.
If you’d rather stay dry…
You can get some amazing shots without getting all soggy. Huddle under an awning or in a doorway and wait for the action to come to you. Conversely, take photos from the comfort of your car (just remember to park so that the wind isn’t blowing thru your driver’s window). You can also play with the effects of raindrops on windows, capturing the world outside while sitting cozily inside your favorite cafe.
No matter whether you prefer to take photos in the wet or the dry, remember to archive them for safe-keeping. Learn more here!
