Photography in the Rain

Photography in the Rain

Why would you pack your camera away at the first hint of a few drops of water falling from the sky? Soft light, glistening surfaces and reflections to name a few of the opportunities you'd be missing out on.

Photography is an all weather pursuit. If it isn't so for you then it should be. Earlier I blogged about low light photography under the heading 'Poor Light?'. Rainy conditions are part of the low light scene and more likely to make people put the camera away than low light levels. It's like saying 'I only photograph landscapes in the mountains'. You're missing out on a chunk of photo opportunities.

Rain leaves attractive droplets on many subjects. The soft overcast conditions re ideal for capturing all the details. Shooting just after a shower will give you good images without getting wet, or at least too wet.



Papua New Guinea impatiens


There are times when you have no choice but to shoot in the rain. I guess you do have another choice and that's to go home but in that case you need to consider a different hobby. Unless you're a cricket photographer. Talking of sport and outdoor events, the action usually carries on in the wet. And the action can come in buckets (well it is raining!).



Michael Schumacher at Donington


For a great example I'll take you back to the 1993 European Grand Prix at Donington Park in Leicestershire. The morning was dull to start with, followed by drizzle and then heavy rain for the race. You would be sinking a dozen centimetres into the mud if you wanted to walk anywhere. Alain Prost found it difficult. The group of German fans in front of me went quietly home when Michael Schumacher (der Regenmeister, inappropriately on this occasion) spun out. Ayrton Senna drove round as if it were dry. To get back to the photography, there was plenty of action to capture with cars struggling for grip and plumes of spray shooting up behind the cars. That shows action, so much more than a frozen subject on a sunny track that just looks as if the car is parked. Attending a BTCC race there later in the year was also in wet conditions. Donington is well known for its rain.



A round of the BTCC at Donington


There's the usual concern, understandable and rightly so, of keeping the camera dry, or at least protected from the worst of the wet. A little drizzle or few spots of rain won't be a problem. I hae a waterproof coat that's roomy enough to put my camera under if necessary. Sports photographers have been known to use a chamois leather over their gear. I use a microfibre cloth to wipe down equipment, and to clean the lens and I'm careful to avoid getting any grit on the cloth. Rain on the camera isn't so troublesome as rain on the front of the lens as that does affect the image. Simply using a lens hood (they're not just for sunny days) will keep the front element reasonably clear in most situations.



Protective measures at Cosford Air Show


Outdoor shoots with models can be interesting in the wet. Having back-up plans and contingencies is good practice. Even if it doesn't rain you'll have those alternatives if you need further ideas.

So next time it rains get the camera out.



Dani with an umbrella


All text and images © Keith Rowley 2021