Photography in the rain: Your ultimate guide
Flowers started blooming, trees have been growing their leaves, and animals are out of hibernation. its also a great time to capture it all through your lens.
If you are a photographer, then you know how hard it is to master rain photography. You avoid getting the camera wet, you try to capture everything clearly despite the fog, you wet yourself for the perfect shot... Rain photography can really be hard. But instead of leaving the camera at home or in your hotel room, there are several things that you can do to help enhance your photography-in-the-rain skills.
Protect your equipment from rain
The first thing that you should do when taking photography in the rain, is to protect your equipment. If you do not have a waterproof camera, then think about checking the local forecast on AccuWeather to see if it is going to rain the whole day. After all, rain photography can ruin all of your expensive equipment. Simply bumping your trip up or back an hour can help protect your equipment. If that is not possible, then expose your equipment to as little moisture as possible. If you do not have access to a rain sleeve, then use a shower cap from the dollar store. Once done, put your equipment in a plastic storage bag with a silica gel pack.
Photo by Artem Sapegin
Use a Tripod for Rain Photography
If it gets darker when it rains, then you will need to use a lower ISO. Unless you have a very steady hand, you will need a tripod to hold your camera during a session of photography in the rain. Think about getting a large umbrella and attaching it to your tripod with a cable tie to keep you and your camera dry. For the best rain photography possible, it is better to capture airdrops when they are backlit. You may find interesting reflections to photograph in puddles.
Photo by Sven Kucinic
Leave Lenses Extended
If your lenses have moisture on them, then leave them extended until they dry to prevent mold growth. When trying to capture rain photography, store your lenses in plastic containers with silica gel in them. If you notice lens fungus starting to grow, then use vinegar and water on a cotton swab to get rid of it. Then, let your lens dry completely before storing it surrounded by silica gel. Replace the gel regularly because it is only good for about four months when left unopened.
Bring Towels to Dry
Rain photography requires you to tote along plenty of hand towels. They can be used to dry off your equipment if it gets wet. You can also use them to provide a dry place to sit if you are taking portraits in the rain. You may even want to use one to dry off yourself because most photographers will sacrifice getting wet to capture a great image as long as they know that their equipment is protected.
Photo by Tom Pumford
Employ a Lens Hood
A lens hood helps to keep water off the glass of your lens whenever you are taking pictures during a session of photography in the rain. It also helps to protect the lens if you fall during slippery conditions caused by the rain. If you are on a tour in the rain without a chance to go to an electronics store where you can get a lens hood relatively inexpensively, then find a small plastic container. Use a knife or scissors to cut a hole in the bottom of the size of your focal ring. Then, use a strong rubber band to attach the container to your camera. You may need to change the circle that you cut because you do not want it showing in the photo. While you may get some strange looks, your lens will stay dry and protected.
Photo by Kace Rodriguez
When you use these tips for rain photography and master the art of photography in the rain, you will never leave your camera behind when it rains. You can also deepen your knowledge of rain photography, with these artistic rain photography tips.
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