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April showers bring great photos

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When the rain comes, don't run and hide your camera

By Mason Resnick

April 2, 2008

There are wonderful photo opportunities when it rains that you won’t find any other time.


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But if you’re going to venture forth into the elements, be prepared. Make sure your camera is protected from the rain or is water resistant (check the specs). Light will be low, so be prepared to use slower shutter speeds and wider apertures. A tripod is a very good idea.



This close-up of a collapsible folding black umbrella with rain droplets could have been shot on a rainy day—or set up in the shade. Photographer Albert Hewitt isn’t telling! Gear: Konica Minolta 7D, 18-70mm lens set at f/16, and Benbo tripod to keep the camera steady during a long exposure. Photo © Albert Hewitt/iStockphoto.com

While compact cameras might be convenient, image quality won’t be as good as what you can get using an SLR, so consider ditching your pocket-sized digicam for a well-protected larger rig. Come back tomorrow for a complete gear guide!



Bojan Dobravic saw how the rain and surrounding gray intensified the color of the yellow bench. He chose a long shutter speed and shot with his camera on a tripod so he could capture the passing car in motion. Photo © Bojan Dobravic/iStockphoto.com

Look for droplets forming on surfaces, reflections on wet pavements, and blasts of saturated color against otherwise gray scenes (little-known fact: colors appear washed out in direct sunlight and more saturated in rain). People photographers: Watch for folks ducking under umbrellas and awnings and avoiding getting soaked.



Terraxplorer knew to look down and found these colorful reflections on a wet city sidewalk in Shanghai, China. Photo © Terraxplorer/iStockphoto.com

One more thing: Take care of yourself. Wear a poncho, anda hat or cap with a visor that keeps rain drops from falling on your face, and protective footwear. A dry photographer is a happy and creative photographer! 

 
About The Author

Mason Resnick is the editor of the Adorama Learning Center and a lifetime photography enthusiast.

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