How To Still Shoot Photos At Festivals In The Rain

You can never count on the British weather at festivals, so we've put together a quick guide on how you can still capture photos of your festival experience even when the weather's not playing ball.

 
Get Undercover

There are usually plenty of smaller stages which are undercover so you'll be able to capture the bands on stage without getting wet. Alternatively, you can shoot out from the tent, keeping your equipment dry while still capturing the essence of the festival and wet weather. 

Protect Your Camera

If getting undercover isn't an option, then make sure your camera is properly protected against the elements. Use an umbrella to stop most of the rain getting on your camera, or use a rainsleeve or waterproof housing. You can create a makeshift waterproof case if you don't have one from a freezerbag but this won't guarantee your equipment will stay dry and isn't a great substitute for equipment which is designed for the job.

Lens Cloth

Make sure you take a lens cloth with you to wipe away drops from the lens that will obscure the photo.

Tough Camera

It might be worth investing in a tough camera if you think you'll be shooting in the rain a lot. Tough cameras are designed to be able to be fully submerged in water for a period of time – so they'll have no problem in festival rain showers. They're also shock and drop proof, so they're perfect for large jostling crowds. There are several tough cameras available these days, from Fujifilm's XP series to the Olympus Tough TG-1. Check out our Top 7 Best Waterproof Cameras article for more choices.

Shoot from your tent

It's not all about the music – some great shots can be taken around the camping area if it's wet. Use your tent for cover and capture shots of people and objects that can sum up the festival atmosphere, adding to your shots of bands and crowds.