You can photograph in the rain by keeping your equipment covered, looking for reflections and wet textures, and shooting from sheltered spots. Rain adds mood, deep colour and shine to ordinary scenes, provided you look after yourself and your gear.
Protect Yourself and Your Equipment
Water is the main enemy of cameras and phones. Check the maker’s guide to learn what your device can and cannot handle, since weather resistance varies and is never total.
- Carry a lens cloth and several dry towels in a zipped bag.
- Use a rain cover or a clear plastic bag with a hole for the lens.
- Fit a lens hood to keep drops off the front glass.
- Wear a hat with a brim and waterproof shoes so you can stay out longer.
- Do not change lenses or memory cards while it is wet.
Steps for a Rainy Outing
- Choose a covered spot first, such as a doorway, bus shelter or archway.
- Wipe the lens, then look for puddles, wet pavement and shiny umbrellas.
- Set a moderate shutter speed. Around 1/250 s makes drops look like sharp dots, while 1/30 s or slower draws them as streaks.
- Raise the ISO if the light is dim, and widen the aperture to let in more light.
- Place a dark background behind falling drops, since they show up best against shadow.
- Frame a person with an umbrella, or a lit window, as a clear centre of interest.
- Dry the lens again after every few frames.
Ideas That Suit Wet Weather
Reflections are the best gift of a rainy day. Crouch near a puddle and shoot toward a bright sign or building so the image appears twice. Close-ups of drops on leaves or glass look delicate, and wet streets glow after dusk. Overcast skies also give even light, so colours often look richer than on sunny days.
Drying Out Afterward
Back indoors, wipe every surface, remove removable parts as the maker advises, and let the gear sit in a dry room with no direct heat. Leave it out of the bag until it is fully dry, since trapped moisture can cause trouble later.
Stay aware of slippery ground, traffic and lightning. If a storm approaches, go indoors and wait.
FAQ
Can I use my phone in the rain?
Many phones tolerate a few drops, but follow the maker’s guide. A clear plastic bag lets you tap the screen while keeping water out.
Why do my rainy photos look flat?
Grey skies reduce contrast. Include a bright accent, such as a coat or lit shop, and raise contrast gently while editing.
The Short Version
Cover your gear, shoot from shelter, and hunt for reflections and dark backgrounds. Match the shutter speed to the look you want for the drops. Dry everything thoroughly afterward.