Photo shoot in the rain. Photographing in rainy weather
As soon as it starts to frown on the street, clouds run into the sky and it starts to drizzle, many photographers put away their expensive, and not only, cameras and quickly take cover in the room, under the roof. In vain they do it. Very much in vain. Rain provides a real photographer, a creative person, with a great variety of ideas! That's where the scope for your creative imagination, for the flight of thought! Under rain! Show at this moment all your skill, all your experience, all your technicality! Well, as a hint - here are some fairly general ideas on this subject - how to shoot such a beautiful natural phenomenon as rain.
Let's start with the most obvious. Of course, it is clear that if it rains on the street, both you and your camera can simply get wet. You - to the thread, and the device - to the very last bolt. So, first of all, before taking pictures in the rain, you need to take care of yourself and your friend - the camera. An umbrella will be needed for you, and a waterproof cover for a friend.
Well, and if you are such a sissy and being in the rain is considered an unacceptable event for you, then rain can be created artificially and locally - on a specific patch of any size you need. If you don't have a garden watering can, buy one. It costs much less than a ticket to eternally rainy London. When shooting a subject in the rain close-up, when what you are photographing fills the frame completely, such artificial-local rain can look very believable.
Speed is the most important
The most important thing in photographing rain is shutter speed. Drops will disappear from your frame if you set a very slow shutter speed, i.e. a slow shutter speed. In order to "catch" raindrops as drops, and not as smeared strips, you need to photograph at a shutter speed of about 1/1000 of a second. But the already mentioned gray stripes, that is, the same raindrops, but in motion, can be removed at a shutter speed of 1/125 second. Here the dynamics of the rain will be very well manifested. But when shooting at such short shutter speeds, you have one serious problem. If you decide to photograph raindrops in sunlight, which is known to be quite strong, then at such short shutter speeds you will only need to shoot at a high ISO value, up to 800 ISO or even higher. But in order to “freeze” raindrops in low light, it is good to use a flash.
Well, now specifically about how to take photos of raindrops.
1. Lens
First things first, choose the right lens. To prevent splashing water on the camera, keep it away from the subject. Therefore, it is good to use a telephoto lens here. Or put the zoom on a long focus and move away. Depending on the focal length of your lens, an object in the rain can be photographed even from a comfortable and dry room, through a window. Well, at worst, from under an umbrella from 2-3 meters ... This will allow you to keep the camera dry.
2. Blurred rain
How should you take pictures to make the rain blurry? The most important thing here is to take control of the shutter speed, that is, the shutter speed of your camera. To do this, the first step is to put the camera in manual control mode or aperture priority mode. Set your shutter speed to about 1/125 second. Take a test shot. Check right away what you got. If the raindrops are sharp, then in order to “smear” them, slow down the shutter speed. Make your exposure longer. This will enhance the blur. But be careful: too long a shutter speed will cause the raindrops to be simply not visible.
3. How to “freeze” raindrops in a photo?
To do this is quite simple. In order to get a clear image of raindrops, you need to photograph at sufficiently high shutter speeds, at a fast shutter speed. In order to catch raindrops on the fly, you need a shutter speed of at least 1/1000 of a second. And perhaps even shorter. But keep in mind that even in bright light, you will have to shoot at a high ISO. The ISO value will need to be set to 400 units or even higher.
First, we will decide whether it is worth shooting in such weather at all. To many photographers, this idea seems unattractive, because there is a risk of spoiling the equipment, and not everyone sees something really beautiful in slushy and gray days. My advice: look around carefully, look for interesting stories. Believe me, the rain is a particularly fertile time for creating unusual, atmospheric shots.
But the security of the camera should not confuse you and force you to refuse to shoot. There are several proven ways to protect equipment from moisture. The issue of security is very important, so we will consider it first.
How to take pictures in the rain and not ruin your camera?
The first thing to protect from drops is a lens or filter (if any). Be careful not to get moisture on them, otherwise image quality may suffer. Remember about the mistakes of novice photographers.
Here are some simple ways to protect your camera from moisture:
- Keep the camera under your jacket and take it out only for a few seconds to take another picture. However, you can simply open the view of the device and shoot from under outerwear or a raincoat.
- Screw the hood onto the lens, and after that look for scenes. This will reliably protect the front lens from water drops on it even in windy weather, and, consequently, from defects in the photo.
- A special waterproof cover will reliably hide your device from moisture. You can buy it at the photo store. However, there is an easier option: place the camera in a plastic bag, making a hole in it for the lens.
- You can use a tiny umbrella. Always carry it with you in case you want to capture something interesting in the rain.
- And perhaps the most versatile option is to hide with the camera under a canopy. This is especially handy if you have a telephoto lens.
Photographer: Oleg Pivovarov.
If your camera does get drips, be sure to leave it to dry at room temperature as soon as you get home.
Shooting in the rain
Now let's turn to the technical side of the issue. , what settings to use in order to accurately convey the mood?
Firstly, shutter speed is the main ally of the photographer in such weather. A short shutter speed (500, 250 ms and less) will help you effectively shoot bubbles, drops, circles on the water, but to shoot jets and streams of rain moisture, you will need a slow shutter speed (more than 1 second).
A heavy downpour at a slow shutter speed can be shot very effectively: you get a variety of stripes from the drops. But to fix the camera in a fixed position, you will need a tripod. In order to capture a glare wet surface, experiment with aperture when shooting at slow shutter speeds.
Secondly, it often happens that the camera does not recognize raindrops and water jets as subjects, and focuses on other subjects. Pre-focusing will help you avoid such difficulties - almost every modern camera has such a function. Press the shutter button halfway and focus on any object that your camera "sees". Then carefully move the area of focus to the desired location and press the button finally.
Photographer: Gennady Meshcheryakov.
In this case, the exposure should not be fixed during preliminary focusing, but precisely at the moment the shutter button is pressed. The best option is to manually adjust the distance to the subject. Use manual focus.
Ordinary miracle
Take a closer look and you will see with your own eyes how the rain changes the most familiar objects: swings on the playground, familiar roofs, trees, asphalt. Small drops on glass and metal surfaces, wet foliage and flowers - all this is very rich food for the photographer's imagination. Try to find novelty and an element of wonder in the most familiar environment.
Playing with composition
Inclement weather gives the opportunity for an unusual compositional design of the picture. A kind of frame for your "rainy" photos can be a huge puddle, which reflects what you want to capture. Or an ordinary wet window.
Let the viewer ask the question: “What is this? Tree crown, people, cars?
deserted streets
Flash photography technique
An alternative way to illuminate the rain is flash. But using it during bad weather can be quite difficult.
It takes a lot of practice to be proficient with flash. But when you finally succeed, the rain photos become truly wonderful.
Lightning
During a thunderstorm, you can take a series of excellent shots of lightning. This amazing natural phenomenon looks really spectacular in the photo. Just remember about safety: do not go out into the open when bad weather is raging, but shoot from a safe shelter. You can read more about this in this article.
black and white rain
The use of black and white mode is most justified in the rain.
At this time, the gray color still often dominates even with color shooting. So be sure to take some monochrome shots: they look very harmonious.
Bright objects against the background of bad weather
On cloudy and rainy days, the lighting is usually dim. Therefore, you can photograph a downpour both in black and white, and beat a gloomy background with a bright object in the foreground. Let it be a colorful umbrella, a maple leaf, a traffic light or something else. Any such subject of shooting will stand out favorably.
lucky moment
The most interesting thing is not the very height of bad weather, but transitional states. Amazing natural lighting and cloud pattern can be caught either at the very beginning of the rain, or immediately after the last drops have stopped falling.
They say that if it rains on the day of the wedding, then it is good luck. But will the bride and groom be happy about this event? You rarely find a couple for whom wedding photo shoot in the rain- the ultimate dream. Newlyweds are afraid to get their suits wet, brides do not want to ruin their hair and makeup. And this, of course, is a big minus. But wait, stylists and make-up artists have long learned to record the results of their work well, and in order for wedding dresses to remain dry, it is enough to take an umbrella with you. In turn, many photographers are very fond of walking in the rain with the newlyweds. Let's think, maybe a wedding photo shoot in the rain has some positive aspects and think about how to take beautiful photos if unwanted rain still ruined your wedding day.
photo Alexander Afanasiev
Wedding photo shoot in the rain - it's romantic!
Photos in rainy weather are especially romantic and sincere. Lovers, as if melting in each other's arms, surrounded by small transparent drops of water.
photo Hoffer Photography
photo Sofria Plana Photography
photo Hamilton On Wedding Photography
photo Alex Iordache
photo Anastasia Belik
A wedding photo session in the rain is fun!
Well, the truth is, running under the warm summer splashes of rain is very funny and fun. And the photos will definitely reflect your mood. And then, looking through the wedding photo album, you will remember these wonderful moments together in the first place.
photo Laffler Photography
photo Jody Thai
photo Ivan Zamanukhin
Wedding photo shoot in the rain: how to get beautiful photos
Most photographers say that for really cool shots, the newlyweds will have to get a little wet. So if you like the idea of a wedding photo shoot in the rain, but you're too worried about your appearance, or your wedding day is sunny, choose any other rainy day and take as many photos as you like!
photo Ciprian Biclineru
Aislinn Kate Photography
photo Elegant Union Wedding Photography
Apply cunning. You can get beautiful photos and not get wet: hide under a roof or in a car. True, only the bride and groom will be able to “get out dry” from the set. The photographer still has to stay outside.
photo Valo Photography
photo Jose Villa
Photo Unplugged Photography
The best rain for a photographer is torrential rain, as at this moment you can take the most realistic photos with unique energy. But in the event of heavy rain, the photographer must work very quickly, not only so that the young people and himself do not get wet through. Just a few minutes are enough and expensive equipment can become unusable. And be afraid of lightning: it will be dangerous to take pictures in such weather.
Noon and evening hours are the best time for a wedding photo shoot in the rain. Dark storm clouds will add drama to the shots. And if you set the flash behind the newlyweds, you can take amazing pictures in which raindrops are incredibly clearly visible. The light of street storefronts and city lights is also very conducive to creating beautiful photographs.
photo Hoffer Photography
photo Ryan Brenizer
photo Liz Grogan
photo Adam Jonhson
photo Eric James Leffler
photo Nadia Meli
photo Shane Reighard
photo Ryan Brenzier
photo Eric James Leffler
How to prepare for a wedding photo shoot in the rain
Whether you're worried about the weather or knowingly want to shoot your wedding in the rain, the first thing you need to do is find the right photographer. Be sure to find out if the photographer has had experience working in similar natural conditions and ask to see pictures taken during this.Get your umbrellas ready. They will not only protect you from the rain, but will also become the main props of the filming process. Colored umbrellas will add contrast to wedding photos. And the photos under transparent umbrellas will look like the photographer has spied on you a little and will turn out to be especially tender and sensual. Colored rubber boots will come in handy too! They will make wonderful bright photos.
Does the weatherman predict rain on your wedding day? Do not rush to get upset, and in such weather, a wedding photo session can be held at the highest level. We will tell you which places are best suited for this, what you need, how to pose for the bride and groom. You will be able to draw up a detailed photography plan from A to Z, taking into account different nuances, learn how to protect yourself from the rain and not look ridiculous in the photo.
An experienced photographer will always find a way out of a “wet” situation. The first decision is to choose a suitable location for photography in rainy weather. Here are some ideas:
- Photo studio. A photo studio equipped with special devices and accessories comes to mind first: at any time of the year, you can be here in the most comfortable clothes and not hide the beauty from the attention of the lens. Additional exposed lighting will be able to emphasize the necessary details.
- Cultural centers (museum, theater). Art objects become more beautiful in the rain. When organizing, you need to first find out the schedule of the institution, the possibility of organizing a photo session and obtain permission from official representatives.
- Restaurant or cafe. Places in the bustle of the city, where there are huge windows, will allow you to decorate your pictures with the play of drops on the glass. In summer, it is better to work in an open cafe; in cold weather, a fireplace in the hall will be an excellent background. Discuss the possibility of a photo session with the manager in advance. Before shooting, pay attention to the design of the cafe; it is better that it echoes the clothes of the newlyweds. You can offer an additional decoration of the establishment (balloons, flowers, etc.).
Here are some more ideas from an experienced photographer, he suggests very unusual places - a library, a bowling alley, pool rooms and even a boxing ring:
What you may need for a newlyweds photoset in rainy weather
Here are some tips:
- Protect yourself from heavenly water! Use familiar objects to create romantic and unusual images. Clothes can be perfectly protected from moisture with an umbrella or a raincoat - they have a different design and fit perfectly into the theme of the wedding.
- Make sure you wear safety shoes, ideally rubber boots. But if anything, leather tuffs are also suitable, they also do not let water through. This is especially true in autumn.
- The most important thing is to save the bride's makeup for photos. To do this, take care of waterproof cosmetics (mascara, lipstick, shadows). Oh, don't forget to use the special varnish!
Here are some pro tips for preparing for a wedding photo shoot in the rain:
Can't you? It doesn't matter - our advice will help you to stand up, sit down, look, smile, etc.
The wedding will take place at the golden time? Here are some great ideas for . Here are recommendations for choosing a suitable place, using various props and posing.
Those who are not afraid of a horse should pay attention to. What difficulties does it contain, what is interesting, what should you know when choosing it, how to conduct it? All these questions are answered in another article.
If you are afraid to spoil the bride's flowers in the rain, choose. Here it is told how to make it from satin ribbons and artificial flowers with your own hands.
Photoshoot in the rain with umbrellas
Wedding photography pose ideas
If you have an umbrella, then experiment with it. You can copy Pippi Longstocking or Mary Poppins. To do this, you will need an umbrella-cane. It will be beautiful to walk through the puddles, waving it in different directions.
You can also capture the moment when the bride, as it were, flies into the sky, holding on to an umbrella. At this moment, there must be a bag in her other hand.
An excellent version of the pose - a young man covers the girl with a raincoat. So you seem to keep your feelings from adversity - very romantic and rain will play a key role here. And if you use the groom's jacket instead of a raincoat?
Put on "rubbers"? Then focus on them! The bright print and coloring of the shoes will evoke pleasant emotions. You can, for example, walk through the puddles, let the groom lift his pants, and the bride - the hem of her dress. It will be nice to capture them from behind.
Rubber boots are a very practical accessory.
A kiss on an overcast day becomes a powerful focal point. A couple can be both full-length in the distance, and close-up on their faces - a kiss creates a strong effect.
Running in the rain is a very interesting pose, but requires a light attitude towards clothing. A wedding dress and suit may fall into disrepair, but it's worth the risk for a spectacular photo! By the way, you can run under an umbrella.
Running in the rain
Use the reflection in the puddles! Drops falling on your kissing silhouettes will add harmony and dynamics to the picture.
Take close-ups of the bride's flower arrangement in front of your faces - the plants blend beautifully with the raindrops. By the way, have you chosen yet? In any case, we advise you to familiarize yourself with the TOP-7 options. You will learn what it can be made of, what shape it should have, what is the best way to decorate it and how to make it yourself from difficult materials.
Beautiful bouquet and raindrops
Also interesting are the frames on which the girl is filmed near the glass with raindrops. She can put her hand on it, and the young man can cover it with his. Let the photographer take a picture from the street.
Do not be afraid of rain on your wedding day, many newlyweds are especially looking forward to such weather to create unique pictures. Be brave - keep the love and liveliness of emotions!
Few photographers shoot in rainy weather, fearing for the camera, and the composition is boring - everything around is gray. But rain allows you to see the world and people in a different way. How not to get your camera wet and take an enchanting photo? Read more about this.
Hardware Protection
Everything is very simple:
- Hide your camera under your jacket and only take it out when you want to snap something. You can also open the view of the lens and shoot from under outerwear or a raincoat.
- The hood will protect the lens from water.
- The waterproof cover will reliably hide your device from moisture. You can take a cheap analogue: place the camera in a plastic bag, making a hole in it for the lens.
- A tiny umbrella to help you! Always carry it with you in case inspiration strikes during the rain.
- A canopy is also an option, especially if you have a telephoto lens.
First stage
First, think about the future. For example, do you want raindrops to be visible or not? Even with a drizzle, you can make the drops visible or blur a heavy downpour, cover the entire area of the picture with it.
Pay attention to the fact that the objects after the rain are wet. The water has flowed into the curves, glitters and reflects light. This can be beaten in a photograph, to give it volume.
Try to light up the rain
Look for sources of light - lanterns, the rays of the sun. Why is it interesting? Rain becomes clearer and more visible. Light passing through raindrops is brighter than anything else around it due to multiple refractions. But do not overdo it - do not light up!
The second way to highlight the rain is to use a flash. It is quite complex and it takes a lot of experimentation to learn how to work with flash in the rain.
landscapes
Drops flowing down the window are not commonplace! Proven by French photographer Christophe Jacrot. Open the aperture, and you will get pictures with a kind of double exposure: both the drops and the landscape outside the window will be clearly visible.
Catching flying drops
Flying drops are especially beautiful, catch them! Set a fast shutter speed of about 1/1000 s. And if you want to convey the speed of falling drops, then lengthen it somewhat, somewhere up to 1/125 s.
If you want more clarity in your raindrops, you can try shooting at faster shutter speeds. To completely freeze the rain, you need a shutter speed of 1/1000 sec or faster, but even in bright conditions you may find that you need to set ISO 400 or higher.
Shooting in the rain
Now let's turn to the technical side of the issue. Like when it's raining, what settings should I use to accurately convey the mood?
First. As you understand, shutter speed is everything, especially in the rain:
- short(500, 250 ms and less) for bubbles, drops, water circles.
- Long(more than 1 second) for rain showers and jets.
Tripod. A good spectacular one with stripes from drops can be removed only by fixing the camera motionless.
Second. The important thing is pre-focusing. Has it ever happened that the camera does not recognize drops, but focuses on larger objects? In this case, use the preliminary focus, it is on every modern camera. Press the shutter button halfway and focus on any object that your camera "sees". Then carefully move the area of focus to the desired location and press the button finally.
