How to Take Photos in the Rain
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photo by NickyLloyd via iStock
Learning how to take photos in the rain was one of the most difficult things I’ve ever had to do, but once I really figured it out, I absolutely loved it.
One major problem I had when learning how to take photos in the rain was that I didn’t have gear for rain photography. As an outdoor enthusiast, I should have known that gear can make or break your experience.
But, I also just didn’t have anybody to help me. I didn’t have any photographer friends when I first got started, so I didn’t have anyone recommending tips for taking photos in the rain. I basically did it all on my own.
But, one positive thing about this learning curve was that I now know how to take photos in the rain like an absolute champ.
If you’re just learning how to take photos in the rain, then these rain photography tips could drastically improve your experience.
Bring Your Rain Photography Gear
photo by AlenaPaulus via iStock
I already mentioned that the biggest mistake I made when learning how to take photos in the rain was ignoring all of the gear recommendations.
This was a pretty stupid move on my part, too, since most of the rain gear you need is super cheap.
For instance, just by bringing towels, I have been able to save so much of my gear over the years by simply having something to wipe the rain off of my camera and lenses.
photo by Sandra Dombrovsky via iStock
You’ll also need to bring a tripod, which I typically carry with me regardless of the weather, and a way to protect your camera from the rain.
This part is, obviously, the most important part of learning how to take photos in the rain.
You can go the traditional route and get one of those plastic ponchos that goes over both you and your camera. The problem with this route, though, is that it is really messy. It’s frustrating to use one of these rain ponchos because, inevitably, you will get either yourself or your camera wet.
Instead, you can opt to purchase a Camera Canopy. Camera Canopy acts as a rain shield for your camera. It mounts directly onto your camera’s hot-shoe and it protects your camera and lens from rain, sleet, snow, and hail.
There are two different sizes. The traditional Camera Canopy is designed for a DSLR and sells for $88, and the Mini Camera Canopy, shown below, is designed for your mirrorless equipment and sells for $60.
If you have a super zoom lens, you can even add an extendable shield to either one of those units.
I love supporting Camera Canopy because it is such a small company and because their product is truly wonderful. The shield works with absolutely any camera that has a hot shoe connection, which means you can purchase one and use it across all of your different cameras.
Each Camera Canopy is made and assembled in the United States.
The Camera Canopy is also so easy to use because you don’t have to assemble anything.
Since the Camera Canopy weighs only 2 pounds, it is also easy to throw in a backpack for your adventurous photoshoots.
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Stay Positive
photo by NickyLloyd via iStock
While this isn’t necessarily a trait you can teach, the most important part about learning how to take photos in the rain is learning how to remain positive under any circumstances.
One way I’ve helped myself to stay positive in inclement weather is to make sure that both myself and my equipment is dry. I see a lot of photographers worrying so much about keeping their gear dry, but then neglecting the fact that they also have to keep themselves warm and dry in order to have a good shoot.
Bring a rain jacket, umbrella, and a warm coat. Keep them in your car, if you have to. Don’t get caught without one.
Finally, you’ll also need to head into each shoot with an open mind. If you wanted to get a 4-hour shoot in, but the weather is truly awful, perhaps you should take the hour you have to complete as much as possible.
This is an especially important tip if you’re working with other people. Your models will pick up on your energy and will notice if you are stressing out, and so will other photographers on photoshoots with you.
Have a Backup Location
photo by dusanpetkovic via iStock
Sometimes learning how to take photos in the rain is really more about learning how to plan your photoshoots more appropriately.
For example, if you’re shooting a wedding, you likely won’t be able to convince your happy bride and groom to ruin their outfits that they’ve spent thousands of dollars on in order to shoot with the exact background you were hoping to. And that’s okay, so long as you have a backup location in mind.
Your backup location could be an indoor venue, or it could be an area under an awning or even tree cover.
Of course, if you are shooting an event, then you will need to work with other people in order to figure out what your backup location could look like. Even if there is 0% chance of rain on the day of your shoot, you should have a backup location.
I have a backup location for every photoshoot I do and it has saved me countless times. Sometimes parks are closed. Having a backup location not only keeps the photoshoot from being ruined due to the weather, but a plethora of other reasons.
Open Up Your Aperture
photo by piskunov via iStock
The best tip I was ever given about how to take photos in the rain is to open up the aperture a little bit.
While you will want to keep the aperture relatively large to help maximize depth of field, you don’t need to slam it down to f/22, either.
When it’s raining, try shooting at f/4, f/5.6 or even f/8. The extra light the lens can collect will help brighten your images and will help you avoid dark, depressing shots.
Plus, those larger apertures are great for outdoor raining portraits, if that’s your thing.
Give these easy rain photography tips a try and see how they might help you improve your rainy, moody photos!
