How to Photograph Rain

Rain splashing onto a puddle

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To the naked eye, a rainy day or thunderstorm can be a beautiful event. But when you want to preserve that rain with a photograph, the result is typically an out-of-focus gray mess. There are a few things you can do to take good photographs of the rain.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step1

Get outside. Photos taken from inside through a window will not look sharp and in focus. You might get a little wet, but the difference in photo quality will be well worth it.

Step2

Use a tripod. You will want to get your photographs as in focus as possible and using a tripod will give you the most control. If you do not have a tripod, try using another flat surface that will hold your camera as still as possible.

Step3

Remember that just like any other action shot, the rain is moving and no matter what, so some of your rain will be blurry.

Step4

Compose your shot to get as much as you can of the foreground in focus, even if the background is completely out of focus.

Step5

Keep your camera covered at all times. Water can seriously damage your camera, so even if you are outside stay under an awning or if one is not available, cover yourself and your camera with a microfiber towel.

Step6

Be creative with how you take your rain photographs. It is not necessary to point and shoot into the air to watch the rain fall. Try different angles to get a fresh perspective that will take a more meaningful picture.

Step7

Consider photographing the splash of rain onto surfaces, people playing in the rain, or the water as it beads off trees. Whatever you do, keep your eyes peeled for new and interesting ways to get your best rain shot.

Step8

Do not be afraid to get a little wet. It may dedication, but you will find that staying to get the right picture will make all of the difference.

Tips & Warnings

To protect yourself from the rain, you could even have an assistant keep an umbrella over you and your camera, or place your camera in a plastic bag with holes cut out to view through clearly.
If the weather gets too harsh, bring it indoors. No sense in being in danger from the weather for a photograph.