Photographing in the Rain: Turn a Drizzly Day into a Masterpiece

Fotograferen in de regen: Maak van een druilerige dag een meesterwerk

You feel like going out with your camera, but then... rain. No clear blue sky, no golden sunset, just grey and wet. Disappointing? No way. Rain creates reflections, atmospheric drops and a cinematic vibe. So put on your raincoat, protect your gear and go out. We give you some tips to turn that rainy day into cool photos.

1. Keep your gear (and yourself) dry

Your camera can do a lot, but braving the rain is not its strong suit. Luckily, protection is a piece of cake.

  • Smartphone : Many smartphones are splashproof, but a heavy shower can be disastrous. Put it in a waterproof case or a simple zip-lock bag.
  • Camera : No rain cover? A plastic bag and rubber band will do the trick. Bring a microfiber cloth for drops on your lens.
  • GoPro : It can take a beating, but for extreme conditions you can use a waterproof housing .
  • Yourself : Getting wet for the perfect shot is cool, but dry socks are priceless. So: put on a raincoat, pull up a hood and go.

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2. Rain makes everything more atmospheric, so take advantage of it

Wet streets, misty skies, reflections in puddles… a rain shower brings instant cinematic vibes.

  • Drops on windows : Focus on the drops and blur the background for a mysterious look.
  • Puddles = Free Mirrors : Sit low and use water surfaces to reflect buildings, lights or yourself. To influence the reflection in the water you can use a CPL filter .
  • Lights & Rain = Magic : Street lamps, car lights and neon signs add extra drama to your shots.

3. Action! Take advantage of movement in the rain

Rain is dynamic, so let your photos be too.

  • Slo-mo splashes : Jump in a puddle or let someone run through it. Extra cool in slow motion.
  • Drops on your lens : Sometimes this gives a cool 'I'm there' effect, especially with a GoPro.
  • Timelapse of a rain shower : Place your camera in a dry place and capture the changing weather.

4. Light & rain: the ultimate combination

Good light in the rain can take your photos from 'meh' to 'wow'
to lift.

  • The Blue Hour After the Rain : Just after sunset, skies take on a deep blue hue. Perfect for atmospheric city photography.
  • Neon and wet streets = gold : Water reflects light and creates a Blade Runner-esque vibe.
  • Fog + rain = drama : Sometimes after a shower you get a thick layer of fog. This is the moment for mysterious shots.

5. Post-processing: the finishing touch

Rain photos are already atmospheric, but with a little editing you can get even more out of them.

  • Contrast Up : Make dark clouds appear even more threatening.
  • Cool tones boost : Blue and grayish colors enhance the mysterious feeling.
  • Extra sharpness on drops : Make them really pop in your image.
  • Cinematic filters : Black and white for a dramatic effect, warm tones for nostalgia.

Useful accessories for photography in the rain

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Time to get wet

Next time it rains and you're in doubt... just go!
Rain is not an obstacle, it is an opportunity to take unique, atmospheric and creative photos.

While others are inside with a blanket and a cup of tea, you are outside shooting the coolest shots. Now that is dedication.

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