Rain is a beautiful and powerful force of nature that has captivated photographers for centuries. Whether falling from the sky or reflecting on the ground, rain can create a dramatic effect in photos.
From capturing lightning strikes to photographing puddles, there are endless possibilities when it comes to rain photography.
1. Catching A Rainbow
Rain is often seen as a source of sadness and gloom, but even during periods of intense showers, the sun can turn it into something truly stunning. To capture this special moment in your photograph, all you need to do is look for a rainbow (see also “How To Photograph Rainbows“).
Though they can appear at any time of day and be quite short-lived due to the fluctuating sunlight intensity and weather conditions, with the right camera gear you might get lucky enough to catch sight of one increasingly more vivid than before.
So pack your camera and always keep your eyes open for these moving masterpieces of nature!
2. Utilizing Umbrellas!
Umbrellas are not just a practical weather accessory. They have become an important decorative element for both indoor and outdoor photoshoots. From small pastel umbrellas to the more dramatic black ones, they can do wonders for your photos.
The shape of an umbrella gives depth and texture to the shot, while the material and color can change the perceived mood of your photos significantly.
A colorful umbrella can give your photos an uplifting tone, while a black one will create a more dark and mysterious atmosphere.
What’s more, umbrellas are also multi-functional – you can hide some unattractive features in a scene with this item or tell interesting stories by creating unique composition shots that feature an umbrella in it.
3. Raindrops And Puddles
Capturing the beauty of raindrops in a puddle is certainly a dramatic effect. The puddle has its own unique reflections, ripples, and colors to give the photo an extra special look.
To achieve this desired result, it’s best to set the shutter speed slowly and use a tripod for stability so that any movements during the exposures don’t cause any blur.
Longer exposure can be used successfully to capture raindrops falling into the puddles. Slow shutter speeds will allow for more light absorption and make for stunning photographs where each raindrop can be seen clearly.
4. Watching The Rain
Stare out the window and enjoy the sights of rain on a rainy day without braving the weather. You can have an excellent time without getting wet from raindrops, or on days when you just need some alone time.
Sitting by the glass transmits a sense of tranquility as you watch droplets combine with sunlight and brighten up the streetscape.
The colorful roofs of houses or lively city life make for interesting views, hidden under dark gray clouds blanketing the sky.
You can also take amazing photographs indoors, capturing raindrops as they fall into puddles.
5. Stormy Weather Mood
The feeling of a looming storm brings a unique sort of excitement. As the wind changes direction and the sky turns to a mysterious gray, you feel compelled to stay.
This is your chance to witness something truly spectacular – from the growing darkness, gusts of rain blowing in, and flashes of lightning that light up the night sky.
The first step is always safety – make sure you’re in a sheltered spot. Then set up your tripod and camera and get ready to capture some incredible moments.
It’s all about finding balance here – capturing the drama but still getting enough clarity for an interesting photo.
6. Capturing Rain On Plants
When the skies clear after a downpour, head out to your garden or local park to capture the raindrops that remain on flowers and plants.
Brightly colored petals and vibrant green leaves will be coated in glimmering droplets of rain, making for stunning photographs.
Try and get close up with a macro lens to really bring the image to life.
From unusual angles and perspectives, you can create abstract compositions of colorful water drops saturated against the petals below.
Experiment with both shallow depth of field and deep depth of field settings for creative shots by either allowing the drops to take over a third of the composition or isolating them against a dreamy natural background.
7. Capturing Rain In Reflections
Rainfall is a great opportunity for reflecting light, offering amateur and professional photographers alike an interesting and unique way to take pictures.
Reflecting on watery surfaces creates an almost magical transformation of the surrounding environment, revealing patterns and textures otherwise invisible.
Using reflection to capture images of buildings, flowers, or anything really can create works of art by capturing different angles, textures, and symmetrical shapes in the still water.
8. Splashes
Splashing in puddles can bring happiness and joy to people of all ages. Capturing this moment in a photograph is the ultimate way to keep that memory forever.
To successfully capture splashing water, it is important to understand the technique and use the right equipment.
A fast shutter speed should be used – around 1/250th second or higher – to freeze the moment and avoid motion blur while using a zoom lens will help avoid getting splashes on your camera.
Additionally, a continuous mode on your camera will ensure you get several shots at once so you can pick the best one.
9. Utilizing Splashes Of Color
A splash of color can make all the difference in a photograph. A bright red barn in the background, for example, will transform an otherwise dull landscape into something much more dynamic and visually appealing.
Such splashes of color can also be found when nature is acting up – during rainy days, for instance. Even if the skies are dark and dismal, you can pay special attention to the small details and incorporate colorful elements that stand out even against the rain.
Look for brightly colored objects or processes, such as puddles reflecting the sky’s hue or rain creating tiny prisms on forest leaves.
Stemmed flowers sticking out after a downpour can add a hint of pink or yellow to your array of photos, while vibrant foliage against cloudy skies can instantly bring life to your frames.
Even “sad” subjects like lone trees or scaffolding in an urban cityscape will look more interesting with some touches of color here and there.
10. Misty Rain
Formed from small water droplets suspended in the atmosphere, a mist can be a beautiful addition to any landscape.
When combined with a moody rainstorm, it can create an ethereal atmosphere that is perfect for capturing stunning nature shots.
When photographing mist, it is best to do so in the morning or late afternoon, when there is still plenty of moisture in the air and the chances of catching some fog are higher.
Final Thoughts
Rain photography can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Whether it’s capturing the beauty of a rainy day or the chaos of a storm, there are so many possibilities for amazing photos.
Experiment with different shooting techniques and angles to create stunning images that you’ll cherish forever.
Frequently Asked Question
How Can You Master The Art Of Photographing Rain?
Photographers often must work within specific settings to achieve desired results. These include mastering white balance and other settings as well as composing in difficult conditions while still capturing beauty.
Additionally, textures are emphasized when photographing wet subjects in rain-soaked environments, providing natural framing opportunities like reflections, windowpanes, or droplets for an awe-inspiring result.
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For as long as I can remember, I have loved taking photographs. There is nothing I love more than looking back through old pictures, and having all of the memories come flooding back.
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