Rain photography is an excellent way to add more excitement to a scene, be it street, landscape, macro, or product photography.
Texture, composition, reflections – this article will show you how to take advantage of a rainy day.
1. Choose the Right Equipment for Rain Photography
Having the right equipment is the most crucial aspect of rain photography. You want to protect your camera body, lenses, and yourself.
You will need a waterproof camera case or a rain cover for your camera body. You might also need a weather-sealed lens or waterproof lens hoods. A water-resistant camera bag and lens cap are also essential when you take pictures in the rain.
If the rain catches you without any of this particular equipment, have at least a plastic bag with you and wrap it around your gear.
Do not forget to pack waterproof clothing and a raincoat for yourself as well!
A tripod can come in handy too when you photograph on a rainy day. Some scenes look better with long exposures, and you need to keep your camera steady.
Moreover, rainy scenes look even better at night when all the lights are creating reflections. A tripod is a must-have item for these kinds of photos if you will not use any external flash or light.
2. Use Juxtaposition for Unique Compositions
Juxtaposition is one of the best compositional rules of photography. You place a subject next to another or in a scene that contradicts the original idea or message.
One way to show great rain photography is to place a subject that would not usually find its place there. Mixing rain and fire, for example, makes for a powerful and symbolic shot.
3. Shoot the City Through a Rain-Covered Window
Cityscapes do not have to be picture-perfect. You do not always need a traditional correct exposure and usual composition. Here, you can use rain to your advantage in showing a different side of a city.
In this example, the city is in the background and out of focus. The rooftops and buildings are not sharp. Instead, the focus is on the water droplets.
Because of this close-up on the raindrops themselves, the city becomes an impression.
4. Create Portraits With Umbrellas
Umbrellas add shape, form, color, texture, and size to a photo. On top of this, they add the metaphysical idea of protection.
Umbrellas are also great tools to add narrative to your rain photography. A couple protecting themselves from the rain and the outside world can convey a romantic mood.
They can also become a natural frame for your subject. You can have an umbrella blocking unattractive areas in your scene, for example. They can also work as very abstract elements in your photograph.