How to Photograph in the Rain: Capturing the Magic of Wet Weather
Photographing in the rain can feel a bit intimidating, but we see it as an opportunity to capture unique, atmospheric shots that we at Wendly are known for.
Rainy weather brings reflective puddles, soft, diffused light, and the dancing movement of raindrops, offering a different kind of beauty that sunny days just can’t match. So we say embrace the rain and get creative with your photography when the skies turn grey.
1. Embrace the Mood: Why Rainy Days Are Perfect for Photography
Rainy days provide soft, even lighting thanks to the overcast sky, which acts like a giant natural softbox. This eliminates harsh shadows and helps bring out richer, more saturated colours in your photos. Whether you’re shooting portraits, products, or landscapes, the rain adds mood and drama, lending your images a cinematic feel.
Rain has an emotional quality too—think nostalgia, solitude, or a calm introspection. Instead of avoiding it, lean into the mood that the weather brings. You might be surprised at how the rain can elevate the storytelling in your images.
One of our most memorable rainy shoots was at Loch Awe during an amber weather warning. The wind was howling, and the rain was relentless—most people were indoors, but here at Wendly we can never resist the call to capture Scotland’s raw, wild, untamed beauty. Armed with the camera tucked in our head to toe waterproofs, we ventured out along the loch’s edge.
The landscape was a wild mix of mist, crashing waves, and the relentless burst of rain breaking through the clouds. We set the camera to a fast shutter speed to catch the rain in mid-air, freezing each droplet against the dark, brooding backdrop of Ben Cruachan. Our favourite shot of the day was of the crumbling Kilchurn castle, half-shrouded in mist, with the blurred motion of rain adding its ghostly effect. It felt like we had captured a moment in a Scottish legend, something you could only see and feel at that moment, in that storm.
2. Gear Up: Protect Your Equipment
Before you head out into the rain, make sure your gear is protected. Here’s what we use to keep our cameras safe:
Rain Cover: A dedicated rain cover for your camera is essential, but you can also improvise with a plastic bag or by tucking it into waterproofs. Make sure your lens and controls are accessible while the rest of your camera stays dry.
Lens Hood: A lens hood helps keep raindrops off your lens, which is crucial for avoiding blurry spots on your photos.
Microfiber Cloths: Keep a couple of microfiber cloths handy to wipe off any water on your lens or camera body.
Weather-Sealed Equipment: If you shoot in wet conditions often, investing in weather-sealed cameras and lenses can provide extra peace of mind.
Umbrella: An umbrella can be a lifesaver, keeping both you and your gear dry. You can mount it on a stand or grip it while you shoot.
3. Settings to Nail the Perfect Rain Shot
Rain photography often comes down to your camera settings. Here are some tips to help you get it right:
Shutter Speed: A fast shutter speed (1/250 sec or faster) will freeze individual raindrops in mid-air, while a slower shutter (1/60 sec or slower) can create a soft, blurred effect that shows movement.
Aperture: A wider aperture (f/2.8 or f/4) creates a shallow depth of field, which helps highlight raindrops against a blurred background. Perfect for close-ups or portraits.
ISO: Rainy days are typically darker, so don’t be afraid to bump up your ISO to get a well-exposed shot.
Focus: Raindrops can sometimes confuse autofocus. Switching to manual focus can help, especially when shooting through windows or capturing reflections.
4. Composition: Make the Rain Stand Out
Use the rain to add depth and layers to your shots. Here are some ways to achieve this:
Reflections: Look for reflections in puddles, wet streets, or any shiny surface. They can create interesting, mirror-like effects that add another dimension to your shots.
Textures: Get up close to capture raindrops on windows, leaves, or other surfaces. These textures can add an intimate, detailed touch to your images.
Silhouettes and Shadows: The dim light of a rainy day is perfect for playing with silhouettes. Look for opportunities to capture figures against the muted, grey sky.
Movement: Rain creates movement—capture splashes, ripples, and the dynamic flow of water. Slowing down your shutter speed slightly can add a beautiful sense of motion.
Embrace the Imperfections: Don’t worry too much about a bit of blur or a water spot; these imperfections can add character and a sense of authenticity to your shots.
5. Making Rain Your Muse
Backlighting Rain: Position yourself so the light source, like a streetlamp or headlights, is behind the rain. This will illuminate the drops and make them stand out beautifully.
Bokeh in the Rain: At night, raindrops and city lights combine to create stunning bokeh effects—soft, out-of-focus light points that add a magical quality to your images.
Long Exposure: For a dreamy, blurred effect, use a tripod and slow down your shutter speed. This works especially well with waterfalls or the loch’s churning waves.
Reflections for Portraits: Use wet surfaces as mirrors to create unique portraits. A reflection shot can add a surreal, artistic twist to an otherwise straightforward image.
6. Enhancing the Rainy Vibe
Editing your photos can really bring out the moody, dramatic quality of a rainy day. Here are some editing tips:
Boost Contrast: Increasing contrast can help define raindrops and make your image pop.
Play with Tones: Cool, blue tones complement rainy photos well, but warming them up slightly can add a cozy, nostalgic feel.
Sharpen and Clarity: Add some clarity to enhance textures, but be mindful not to overdo it—you still want the image to feel natural.
Desaturate for Mood: Muted, desaturated tones can emphasize the melancholic vibe of a rainy day. Black and white edits also work beautifully for a timeless feel.
7. Stay Comfortable: Tips for Shooting in the Rain
Don’t forget to look after yourself! Wear waterproof clothing and non-slip boots, and bring gloves if it’s cold. Packing a hot drink or a snack can keep you comfortable if you’re out for a while—shooting in the rain is more enjoyable when you’re prepared.
