Let me teach you how to turn a wet and gloomy day in nature into a beautiful piece of art with rain photography!
If you’re in the UK like me, you kind of have to learn to embrace the rain at some point because it’s basically 95% of our weather. Looking at you as well, Pacific Northwesterners 😉
Most people avoid the rain but I love it. It’s my favourite weather and I’m going to show you why.
Just as an example of why I love the rain; I was once photographing a local lavender farm which was rather busy but then it started to rain and everyone apart from me left the field.
I stayed because a) I love a good rain shower b) the smell of the lavender was even more incredible in the rain and c) rain can really add something to nature photography.
So go throw on a raincoat (or not, if you’re like me and have sensory issues with raincoats and actually prefer the feel of the rain), and let me show you how to capture rain photography in nature like an absolute pro.
Why Rain Photography?
Well, besides the fact that it’s just plain fun, rain photography offers a unique perspective on the world around us.
It transforms the everyday into something a little magical, adds drama and emotion to your photos, and challenges you to see beauty in unexpected places.
So, the next time the skies open up and the rain starts to fall, don’t reach for your umbrella, just grab your camera instead.
How to Take a Photo of Rain?
Capturing stunning rain photography is all about timing, settings, and creativity. To photograph rain effectively, start by using a fast shutter speed (like 1/1000 or higher) to freeze raindrops or a slower speed (around 1/30) to create dreamy streaks. Pair it with a wide aperture for that beautiful depth of field, and ensure your ISO is balanced for low-light conditions. A polarising filter can enhance reflections on wet surfaces, while a waterproof camera cover protects your gear. Don’t shy away from experimenting—try shooting against the light for dramatic silhouettes or focusing on rain-soaked details like leaves or puddles. As a photographer from rainy Somerset, I’ve found that embracing the moodiness of a rainy day can transform ordinary scenes into extraordinary art.
Why Checking the Weather is Essential
Rain photography offers a unique way to capture the beauty and drama of nature, but preparation is key.
One of the most important steps (and probably most obvious) to ensure a successful rain shoot is checking the weather forecast.
I’ve learned that timing your session around rain patterns can make all the difference.
Start by using a reliable weather app or local forecast service to plan your shoot. Look for times when rain is expected to turn into heavy downpours because even though this can make shooting more challenging, you’re gonna get the best results!
Golden hour during or after rain can create stunning lighting, with soft, diffused skies or dramatic sunsets breaking through the clouds.
After the rain, you’ll also find glistening puddles, rainbows, and reflective surfaces that add depth and creativity to your shots.
Top Tips For Creative Rain Photography
Embrace Rain Photography
First things first, don’t let a little water scare you off. It’s just water. It’s wet. It will dry.
Rain is your friend in this scenario.
Embrace the elements, feel the droplets on your skin (just don’t let them ruin your camera) and enjoy yourself.
Find the Right Location For Rain Photography
Rain photography in nature is all about finding the right spot.
Look for places in nature that come alive in the rain – like a forest where the leaves are sprinkled with raindrops, a field with mist rolling in, or a even a simple puddle with a cool reflection.
There’s so much beauty to capture if you know where to look!
Protect Your Gear
The most important thing to have in mind when you’re photographing rain, is that it can have an affect on your equipment.
I once did a shoot in the rain and my camera got soaked, my most used lens then had condensation for days and all I could get was hazy photos. I mean, I made it work of course because when life gives you lemons and everything, you take pictures of cottages and make it look vintage!
But, please, use a rain cover or waterproof housing to shield your camera from moisture, and always carry a microfiber cloth to wipe away any stray water droplets because I don’t want to be a bad influence on you or your camera equipment.
A lens hood can also help keep rain off the lens while shooting.
If you don’t have the right gear, a plastic bag with a hole for the lens can work. I have been known to use a food bag in a hurry.
And don’t forget to keep a dry bag or waterproof backpack handy to store the rest of your equipment.
Capture the Action
Rain photography isn’t just about still life, it’s about capturing the motion and energy of the rain itself.
Try snapping shots of raindrops mid-fall, splashing into puddles, or falling off leaves.
Use a fast shutter speed to freeze the rain in frame, anything over 1/1000 seconds will freeze the droplets.
A fast shutter speed will also capture splashes of water in puddles.
Use a slightly slower shutter speed for rain “trails” that show more motion, like in the image of the Deer above.
Get creative with your rain photography and try different settings for different effects.
Get Up Close and Personal
Don’t be afraid to get low and muddy (or very very wet) for that perfect shot.
Get up close to your subject, whether it’s a raindrop clinging to a leaf or a rain-soaked flower petal. Sometimes, the beauty lies in the smallest details.
Waterproof trousers are definitely handy but I have to admit, I’m guilty of not wearing them. I end up getting soaked and sometimes coming home with a slug attached to me but don’t let that put you off! It’s all part of the adventure.
Get The Right Background
If you want to capture rain falling, then I highly recommend finding the right background.
You either need a dark background so that the rain shows up in camera, or you want to backlight the rain so it stands out.
If you’re working with natural light for your rain photography, then I recommend finding a dark natural backdrop like trees.
If you want to experiment with artificial lighting for your rain photography however, then you can do so by backlighting the rain with speedlites or you can even use a street lamp at night to illuminate the rain.
Camera Settings for Rain Photography
When photographing rain in motion, you don’t want too shallow depth of field because you won’t get much of the rain in focus. Aim for an aperture of above f/5.6 and above.
If you’re pairing that with a fast shutter speed for freezing the rain, then you may need a slightly higher ISO as rainy days tend to be dark.
If you’re photographing close ups of rain, then you can use a wider aperture and focus on a specific raindrop.
With macro shots, you may want to bring a little light with you as you’ll have less available light to work with. I recommend a small cube light.
Photographing People In The Rain
Having photographed weddings in the good old British weather for a decade and a half, I’m used to rain being a factor on the day.
Unfortunately not all the couples that have rain on their day, are keen to having the rain featured in the images. So I often have to work around it by shooting a lot more of the formals indoors.
It’s super exciting when you do have a couple who embrace the rain on their wedding day though and I’m always happy to shoot in it.
Rain can add cinematic quality to portrait photography.
Use the soft, diffused light of overcast skies to flatter your subject and eliminate harsh shadows.
Incorporate umbrellas, raincoats, or puddles as creative props to enhance the mood and tell a story. Position your subject against light sources, like streetlights or reflections, to create striking silhouettes or highlights on raindrops.
Final Thoughts
Rain photography isn’t just about the rain itself, it’s about the atmosphere it creates.
Fog, wet streets, and water droplets on flowers or windows.
The magic of rain lies in its unpredictability, but by staying informed and prepared, you can embrace it fully. Checking the weather allows you to capture the fleeting moments that make rain photography so captivating, from glistening reflections to moody skies.
So, grab your gear, keep an eye on the forecast, and head out to turn rainy days into beautiful shots.
Check out this guide for taking pictures on a cloudy day for more gloomy day inspiration & Follow me on Instagram (tag @clicksandconfetti in your rain photography pics).
