Photo by Setsiri Silapasuwancha,
http://fineartamerica.com/featured/rainy-day-seisiri-silapasuwanchai.html
We’ve been washed out with rain this week but don’t let spring showers keep you from getting outside and taking great pictures.
While wet weather might seem like an undesirable situation, it’s actually an ideal time to take some really moody and interesting shots. Rain can add mystery to an otherwise boring landscape, it helps to saturate colours and the reflections it creates can be interesting and artistic.
Here are some quick tips for getting great rain shots while still staying dry.
1. Keep yourself dry: If you’re miserable you’re not going to stick it out in the rain to get that great shot. Dress appropriately and use an umbrella. You can wedge an umbrella between you and your camera backpack or clamp it to a tripod to keep your hands free. Also look for porches and overhangs to stand under.
2. Keep your camera dry: A wet camera is not a working one. Use a shopping bag, shower cap or camera jacket to keep you camera dry. Save the silica gel packs that come in packaged goods or shoe boxes and throw them in your camera bag. They absorb moisture and will help keep you camera dry even if you bag gets damp.
3. Use faster shutter speeds: If you want to catch the rain drops falling then make sure to use a fast shutter speed in order to freeze. Something around 1/1000 should be fast enough. Don’t go slower than 1/125 otherwise your rain drops will disappear.
4. Look for cool reflections: Rain creates puddles and puddles create reflections. Keep an eye out for interesting angles that will catch neat reflections.
5. Wait it out: if the rain gets too crazy for you find shelter and wait it out. But be ready to jump up and shoot at a moment’s notice! That moment when the rain suddenly stops and the sun comes out is the BEST time to shoot. You’ll have great light and because everything is still wet, colours will be super saturated.
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Image source: http://www.rickety.us/2010/03/save-money-for-tough-times/