I’m still blown away by the photo Steve McCurry took of the Sharbat Gula, the Afghan Girl, in 1984¹ – it’s one of the most iconic images of all time, and it was shot in the middle of a dusty, rainy day. What I love about that photo is the way the rain adds to the mood and atmosphere of the scene. But let’s be real, shooting in the rain can be a total nightmare if you’re not prepared. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve had to scramble to protect my gear from a sudden downpour.
You don’t need a fancy camera to shoot in the rain, but you do need some basic protection. A simple rain cover or plastic bag can work wonders². I like to use a Think Tank Photo rain cover – it’s cheap, lightweight, and does the job. Don’t bother with those fancy, expensive covers that claim to be “weather-sealed” – they’re often just a waste of money.
Look, I’m not gonna sugarcoat it – shooting in the rain is all about compromise. You’re gonna have to deal with reduced visibility, reflections, and a whole lot of moisture. But if you’re willing to put in the effort, the rewards can be huge. Some of my favorite photos were taken on rainy days, and I think that’s because the rain adds a level of depth and texture to the scene that’s hard to replicate on a sunny day.
It’s all about the gear, baby. I mean, sure, you can shoot in the rain with a basic point-and-shoot, but if you want to get serious, you need a camera that can handle the elements. I swear by my Nikon D850 – it’s a beast of a camera that can handle anything the weather throws at it³. And don’t even get me started on lenses – a good, weather-sealed lens can make all the difference.
Why You Need a Weather-Sealed Lens
A weather-sealed lens is not just a nice-to-have, it’s a must-have if you want to shoot in the rain. I’ve had my fair share of lens failures over the years, and it’s always because I didn’t use a weather-sealed lens. Don’t make the same mistake – invest in a good lens, like the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8⁴, and you’ll be golden.
It’s not just about the camera and lens, though – you need to think about the other gear you’re using, too. A sturdy tripod, like the Gitzo GT3543LS⁵, can be a lifesaver on a windy, rainy day. And don’t forget a good, waterproof bag to carry all your gear – I like to use a Lowepro ProTactic 450 AW⁶.
Shooting in the rain is all about being prepared. I always carry a few extra batteries, a backup camera, and a lens cleaning cloth with me. You never know when you’re gonna need them. And don’t forget to bring a few plastic bags and some gaffer tape – they can come in handy in a pinch.
I think one of the biggest mistakes beginners make is trying to shoot in the rain without a lens hood. Don’t do it – a lens hood can save your lens from water spots and streaks. I like to use a generic lens hood, like the ones from B+W⁷, – they’re cheap and do the job.
The Importance of Lens Hoods
A lens hood is not just a fancy accessory – it’s a necessary tool if you want to shoot in the rain. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve ruined a shot because of water spots on my lens. Don’t make the same mistake – get a good lens hood and use it.
It’s all about the little things, too. I like to use a remote shutter release, like the Nikon MC-36A⁸, to minimize camera shake. And don’t forget to use a lens cleaning cloth to wipe down your gear after a shoot – it’s a simple thing, but it can make all the difference.
Shooting in the rain is not for the faint of heart. It takes patience, persistence, and a whole lot of practice. But if you’re willing to put in the work, the rewards can be huge. Some of my favorite photos were taken on rainy days, and I think that’s because the rain adds a level of depth and texture to the scene that’s hard to replicate on a sunny day.
I’m a big fan of the work of photographer, Joe McNally⁹ – he’s a master of shooting in tough conditions, and his photos are always inspiring. Check out his book, “The Moment It Clicks”¹⁰, for some amazing tips and insights on shooting in the rain.
You can’t control the weather, but you can control how you react to it. So next time it rains, don’t stay inside – grab your gear and get out there. You never know what amazing shots you might get.
For more information on shooting in the rain, check out the [National Geographic photography guide](https://www.nationalgeographic.org/photography/).
References:
¹ Steve McCurry, “The Afghan Girl,” National Geographic, June 1985.
² Think Tank Photo, “Rain Cover,” [www.thinktankphoto.com](http://www.thinktankphoto.com).
³ Nikon, “D850,” [www.nikon.com](http://www.nikon.com).
⁴ Nikon, “24-70mm f/2.8,” [www.nikon.com](http://www.nikon.com).
⁵ Gitzo, “GT3543LS,” [www.gitzo.com](http://www.gitzo.com).
⁶ Lowepro, “ProTactic 450 AW,” [www.lowepro.com](http://www.lowepro.com).
⁷ B+W, “Lens Hoods,” [www.bwfilter.com](http://www.bwfilter.com).
⁸ Nikon, “MC-36A,” [www.nikon.com](http://www.nikon.com).
⁹ Joe McNally, “The Moment It Clicks,” [www.joemcnally.com](http://www.joemcnally.com).
¹⁰ Joe McNally, “The Moment It Clicks,” New Riders, 2008.
