Dealing with a Rainy Event
The article below was written for a future post, but recent events make it more relevant.
We’ve had some particularly inclement weather recently and we were scheduled to shoot a 5K run in Central Florida. The forecast said it was going to rain and there’s no reason not to believe it, except early morning rains aren’t as common. The race starts at 7:30 AM sharp and we’ll be there an hour and a half early to meet the client, set up and do some BTS shots as well as a planned group shot around 7.
Rainy weather might seem like a nightmare for most, but for photographers, it’s a golden opportunity to capture the world in a unique light. 🏞️ However, in the case of a corporate event there are mixed reviews. The runners I’m sure were happy to have a cool run, but the handful of photographers there, including us, were doing their best to keep their precious equipment from damage.
Being prepared is key. We knew there was probably going to be substantial rain, so we were ready. Tip #2 below is key. Professional cameras are designed to withstand the worst environmental conditions. Cheaper cameras will get destroyed if extreme measures aren’t taken to protect them.
Rainy Weather Photography: Turning Challenges into Opportunities
When dark clouds loom and raindrops start to fall, photographers don't pack up their gear; instead, they embrace the elements and work creatively to capture stunning, atmospheric shots. Here's how they do it:
Embracing the Mood: Rain brings a natural filter to the environment. The diffused lighting and reflections from wet surfaces create a moody atmosphere perfect for artistic shots. Photographers use this to their advantage, capturing scenes that are impossible to replicate in sunny weather.
Waterproof Gear: Keeping equipment dry is crucial. Photographers invest in waterproof camera bags, rain covers for their cameras, and even weather-sealed cameras and lenses. Some even go the DIY route, using plastic bags and rubber bands to protect their gear.
In our case for this event, I trusted the weather sealing in our cameras and lenses, but kept an umbrella nearby for rare idle times. We also use a covered pet stroller to mobilize our other equipment. Once home, I ensured everything was dried properly.
The danger: Mold can collect in unseen nooks of camera equipment and can affect image quality if not maintained properly.Using Reflections: Puddles and wet streets offer opportunities for striking reflections and symmetry. Photographers position themselves to capture the world from a different perspective, making ordinary scenes look extraordinary.
Capturing Raindrops: Raindrops on windows, leaves, and other surfaces can add a touch of magic to photos. Macro lenses are particularly useful for capturing these tiny details, creating images that highlight the beauty in nature’s intricacies.
Experimenting with Slow Shutter Speeds: To capture the motion of rain, photographers often use slow shutter speeds. This technique creates a sense of movement and can turn a rainy scene into a dynamic work of art.
Creative Lighting: Rainy days often bring dramatic lighting with bursts of sun peeking through clouds. Photographers stay alert to capture these fleeting moments of contrast and light play.
Post-Processing: Editing software can enhance the mood of rainy-day shots. Adjusting contrast, saturation, and sharpness can help bring out the textures and atmosphere that rain provides.
In the end, rain isn’t a hindrance—it's an opportunity. Photographers who embrace the rain often find themselves rewarded with captivating images that tell a story only possible under gray skies.
So next time the forecast calls for rain, grab your camera and head out. You might just capture a masterpiece. 📸
What about you, how do you feel about rainy weather?
