Rainy days are the perfect opportunity to curl up with a cup of tea and get lost in a good book. But if you’re the type of person who prefers to make the most of every opportunity, then a rainy day can also be the perfect time to get out your camera and explore some creative photography ideas.
N.B. Before you set out or set-up, make sure you've got the right equipment to protect yourself and your equipment from the elements.
From photographing raindrops on leaves to experimenting with long exposures, there are endless possibilities for capturing stunning images on a wet and wild day.
So next time you’re stuck indoors, don’t let the rain stop you from getting out your camera and exploring your creativity. Check out this list of rainy day photography tips & ideas to inspire your inner artist!
1. The Beauty of Rainy Days
Rainy days are a great opportunity to capture some unique and magical photos. From moody monochromatic tones to capturing raindrops on windows and flower petals, there is much beauty to be found on a wet and wild day.
Here are some ideas to help you capture the beauty of rainy days:
1. Capturing raindrops on petals - Experiment with shooting at different angles and settings to find the perfect combination for capturing raindrops on petals.
2. Reflections of the rain - Use slow shutter speeds to capture amazing reflections from the rain in your images.
3. Water puddles and streams - Don’t forget to capture the little wonders of a rainy day, like water puddles and streams. You’ll be surprised at the stunning abstract images you can create.
4. Stormy skies - If you’re brave enough, try venturing out and capturing dramatic shots of stormy skies.
5. Shooting in the rain - Get creative and shoot outdoors in the rain. Wrap your camera in a plastic bag or even waterproof it to protect it.
6. Monochromatic images - With the grey and muted light on rainy days, you can create moody, monochromatic shots for a beautiful effect.
2. The opportunity for creativity
7. Creative natural shots - Look back to your childhood and use your imagination. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the natural and enchanting environment of a rainy day. From sticks in the ground to raindrops on trees and mushrooms, the possibilities are endless.
8. Forests in the rain - Forests are magical on rainy days. Capture the beauty of the forest landscape and capture some images of the mysterious and beautiful plants and animals that exist in their environment.
9. People in the rain -Although this can be tricky, it often leads to some incredibly captivating shots. If you can capture a photo of somebody standing in the rain and umbrellas, it can be a lovely way to encapsulate the beauty of rainy days.
10. Water drops on glasses - Find inspiration from your favourite films or books and recreate those iconic shots of rain on glasses. This can be a great way to transform a regular image into something eye-catching.
11. Rainy day fashion - After the rain has cleared, take a quick fashion shoot of your favourite outfit in the beautiful, post-rain haze.
12. A misty morning - The morning sun hitting the mist after a rainy evening is breath-taking. Capture these special moments before they evaporate!
3. Embrace the rain
13. Reflections in the rain - Rain storms are the perfect opportunities to capture some beautiful reflections in puddles and lakes. Grab your camera and make the most of the reflections of light and colour in the water droplets to capture some stunning images.
14. Rainclouds - Rainclouds can make even the most dreary sky look beautiful. Try using long exposure techniques to exaggerate the movement of the clouds and highlight the unique colour tones.
15. Rain-soaked vegetation - Rainy days are great for capturing the unique textures of your environment. Take a look around at the streets or countryside and find something interesting to photograph, whether it’s a bed of leaves, moss on a rock or the beauty of nature after the rain.
16. Camera lens rain drops - Use your camera lens to capture some amazing images of raindrops. Use macro lenses for the most effective results.
17. Rainy city streets - For a more urban-themed shot, take advantage of the city streets that were glistening after a rainy day. Capture images of the patterns on the road, the lightning strikes and street lights that refract in the rain.
18. Rain puddles - Rain puddles can be a great source of inspiration and photos. Focus on small abstracts on the surface of the water, or fill the frame with reflections of the street or sky.
4. Change your perspective
19. Change your perspective - Change the way you look at your photography and instead play with the angles of your shots. Take the same photo, but from a higher angle, lower angle, left and right side to experiment which works best.
20. Black and white photography - Change your photographs from colour to black and white for a different look and feel. This will help you bring out any details and textures in your subject, even on the grey and dreary days.
21 Up close and personal - Get up close and personal with your subject and experiment with the macro capabilities of your camera. This will help bring out the small details in the raindrops or puddles, that you may not have been able to focus on if you take the photo from far away.
22. Reflection shots - On a grey and overcast day, the light from the sky reflects beautifully on the water surface. Try taking some interesting reflection shots by positioning yourself low enough to the ground to get the reflection.
23. Street art - Street art becomes immortalized when it's soaked in the rain. Look for interesting alleyways with rain-soaked graffiti to highlight some of the creative artwork. Change your angles, focus on the small details or shoot from a distance to capture something unique.
5. Explore different types of photography
Exploring different types of photography is a great way to inspire creativity, even on a rainy day! Try some of these techniques to get you going:
24. Scenic landscapes - Capture scenes around you that you find interesting on a rainy day. Mist and fog add a certain moodiness and atmosphere to landscapes, so this is the perfect opportunity to capture a delightful view.
25. Galaxy or star-scape photography - When the sun's not out, star-scape and galaxy photography can be an interesting challenge. Experienced photographers use precision tracking mounts and the right lenses in order to take amazing shots of the night sky.
26. Stop-motion photography - Create amazing stop-motion photographs on your rainy days. Stop-motion photography involves taking a succession of Pictures with short exposures and subtly shifting the camera in between photographs.
27. Macro photography - Macro photography requires you to get up close and personal with the tiny details in your subject - something that can be perfect for a rainy day. Focus on the intricate details like raindrops and plant life as they get soaked in the rain.
28. Silhouettes - Use the lighting of the grey sky to create compelling silhouettes in your photography. This will give your subject a mystery, or moodiness that you may be looking for.
6. Get closer to your subject
Getting closer to your subject adds a personal element to your photography. Try some of these ideas on a rainy day:
29. Street Photography - Street photography is the art of capturing moments and stories of everyday life happening in public places. This can be a great way to capture the hustle and bustle of business or streets on a rainy day.
30. Portraits - Get creative with portrait photography on a rainy day. Use raindrops and umbrellas as props to create interesting photographs that capture the personalities of your subjects in a unique way.
31. Macro Plants - Macro plants is a great way to get closer to your subject, as you can focus on capturing the plants intricate structures, textures, and shapes without them being lost in the background.
32. Interiors - This is your chance to set up an amazing indoor studios and take creative control of the environment you're taking your shots in. From play with lighting and colour to get creative with your subject.
33. Close-up food photography - Food photography takes on a whole new level of life on a rainy day. With macro photography, you can get close to the food you’re photographing, allowing you to add perfect shadows and light reflections to make the food look even more appetizing.
7. Use the rain to your advantage
Rain photography can be extremely rewarding if done well. Here are some ways to use the rain to your advantage and capture some truly stunning images.
34. Reflections - Create abstract and surreal scenes by capturing the reflections of the rain on the ground.
35. Focus on the Foreground - Enhance the effect of the rain by focusing on the foreground and using a slower shutter speed. This will cause the rain to blur and give the scene a dream-like quality.
36. Move your Perspective - You can create unique images by changing your perspective - standing, crouching, or even lying down while taking the shot. This can help you capture creative angles, abstract patterns, and new perspectives.
37. Lens Flare - When shooting in the rain, you may get some lens flare due to the raindrops on the lens. Experiment with this to get creative and unique shots.
38. Choose a Good Quality Filter - Having a good quality protective filter on your lens helps creating sharp images in rain. If you have a wide aperture lens and you are shooting in low light, a warm colour filter can help you capture striking results.
39. Artistic Details - Look for artistic details and play around with them to create surreal images. Capture bright colours such as umbrellas, raincoats, outdoor decorations, trees, plants, vibrant signs, and other elements in your frame.
8. Be prepared for the unexpected
Sometimes the best shots don’t come when everything is perfectly in place, instead it’s the unexpected that sometimes produces the most unique results. If you don’t plan ahead and prepare for the unexpected, you’ll find yourself missing out on some truly great raining day photography ideas!
40. Anticipate the Splashes - Get ready for some splash photography and take advantage of the slow shutter speed provided by the rain. Set your shutter speed to 1/4 second and move your camera around the drop to create some mesmerizing images.
41. Capturing Drops - Place yourself between two surfaces and capture the drops in between. Experiment with different angles, lenses and distance for different results.
42. Macro shots - Rain provides you with some great close up opportunities. Create interesting abstracts by focusing on flowers, plants and water filled surfaces.
43. Shower - If you are inside during a rain shower, take some close up shots of rain droplets. Capture raindrops on windows, mirrors, plants and walls.
44. Move the Camera - When shooting indoors you can use the rain outside to see how the water traces different patterns on the window. Move your camera around the window to capture unique compositions.
45. Mirrors - Use mirrors to capture interesting reflections of the rain. Play around with different angles to create interesting compositions.
9. Convey the Mood
The mood of a rainy day scene is often one of lonely contemplation and can be difficult to capture in images. However, with a bit of creativity, you can convey the emotion through a number of different techniques.
46. Abstracts – Shoot abstracts to represent the feeling of the scene. Consider shooting patterns and colors that help to evoke the melancholic feel of the rain.
47. Silhouettes – Utilize the silhouetting technique to capture the emotion of the rainy day. Play with different angles and shades to convey a sense of loneliness or reflect on the scene.
48. Reflections – Find reflections that really tell a story. Play with the colors and shades of the rain as it falls on the surface of reflective surfaces.
49. Focus on Detail – Zoom in on small details that can evoke the mood of the scene. Look for colors, patterns, and textures that can convey a story.
50. Create a Story – Create an image that captures a story. This could be a single people walking in the rain, a couple sharing an intimate moment, or even a group of people gathering outside despite the rain.
10. Let the rain tell a story
Rainy days have a mystique all their own, especially when photographers can explore its stories. Try these tips to capture the essence of a rainy day:
1.Splashes – Capture the droplets splashing right before they hit the ground, then the action shots when they do.
2. Puddles – Reflections are great and can make scenes even more interesting when the camera is pointed down and focused on puddles of water.
3. Animals – Whether they’re walking in the rain, running away from it, or just standing in the drips, animals make great subjects.
4. Dark Clouds – Get a snapshot of a time and place when the rain seemed to take over the entire sky.
5. Aftermath – When the rain has stopped, capture the aftermath, the steam rolling off the wet pavement, wet driveways, or the lingering drops.
6. Macro – Style of photography can add an artsy flair to any photo.
7. Streaming Windows – Rain streaming down windows looks incredible and can add an element of mystery and surreal beauty.
8. Candles – Light a candle and snap a picture with the raindrops pouring around it for an ethereal shot.
9. Street Lamps – Street lamps make pictures look much more powerful, and the rain catch the light of the lamp in interesting ways.
10. Cityscapes – For a cityscape
11. Use props
Props can be a great way to create unique and interesting photos in rainy weather. Try these props to add extra visual interest to your photos:
1. Umbrellas – Bright coloured umbrellas can add a pop of colour to your photos and can also be used to create reflections.
2. Raincoats – A brightly coloured raincoat can also create a nice contrast against the muted hues of the rain.
3. Boots – Splashing through puddles in rain boots can add a playful sense to any photo.
4. Vibrant Objects – Grab objects with vivid colors, like balloons, umbrellas, lollipops, or hats. These props can draw in the eye and make your photos even more interesting.
5. Reflections – Objects placed in puddles can create amazing reflections across the water, like a rainbow or stars.
6. Objects That Capture Rain – Items like nets, bowls, or leaves can be used to capture the rain, creating a unique effect.
7. Waterproof Electronics – Try using your cell phone or an electronic device to capture unique perspectives or even video.
8. Refractive Objects – Place any shiny objects or even bubble wrap in the rain for a unique effect.
12. Get creative with reflections
Reflections can add an entirely new layer to rainy day photography. By positioning the camera in a specific way, you can achieve some breathtakingly beautiful images. Try some of the following reflections photography ideas to get creative with your shots:
1. Reflections in windows – Capturing reflections in windows can add a unique element to any shot; try to look for something interesting to capture in the windows.
2. Reflections in puddles – Capturing reflections in puddles can be a great way to capture a beautiful, symmetrical shot.
3. Refracting light off objects – Place items like mirrors or even bubble wrap in the rain; the results can be stunning!
4. Shoot through glass – Using the raindrops on a window or other glass surface can create some unique shots.
5. Reflection off a car – Use the reflections off a car that’s been parked in the rain to add an interesting twist to an otherwise mundane shot; the reflections off the body of the car can be mesmerizing.
6. Reflections in the street – Capture interesting images in the reflections off the street. Look for street signs, buildings, or other landmarks.
7. Reflections off rain drops – Use the drops of rain on a window or other surface to create a dreamy effect with your shot.
8. Shooting through glassware – Use items like jars, glasses, or bottles to add some texture to
13. Go black and white
1. Go black and white – It almost goes without saying that black and white photography can be stunning on a rainy day. Try to capture the highlights and shadows of a scene to create a really stunning image.
2. Look for contrast – Contrasting light and dark can be a great way to capture the mood of a rainy day. Look for areas with darker lighting and make sure to use it to your advantage.
3. Use complimentary colours – Complimentary colours can add depth to your photos. Try locating items that are contrasting in colour and are visually striking. The richness of the colours will really add to the image.
4. Shoot silhouettes – Capturing silhouettes outside will help create an eerie and mysterious feeling in the shot. This can give an interesting artistic edge to your photographs.
5. Look for symmetrical shots – Symmetrical shots can be a great way to draw the eye of the viewer to an area of the photograph. Look for areas of the shot where you can frame things up with symmetry.
6. Highlight textures – With everything the rain can do to affect the texture of objects, shooting in black and white will really help emphasize those textures. Look for items in the scene that have interesting textures and play with the lighting to really highlight it.
7. Look for patterns – Rainy days can be the perfect time to capture patterns. Look for patterns in the rain, the street, or anything else in
14. experiment with long exposures
Experimenting with long exposures during a rainy day can be both fun and challenging at the same time. Long exposure photos can get very interesting results, making the rain look like a surreal dream. To maximize your success, be sure to use a tripod so your camera won’t be affected by the rain or the wind.
A great photography technique to use is light painting. With this technique, you can use street lights and headlights of passing cars to create distinct streaks, providing a dramatic effect to your photos. And if you use slow shutter speed, you can extend the duration of the light’s visibility in the photo. Another popular approach to take long exposure photos is star tracking. This technique is mostly used for astrophotography but it can also be used to capture stars and other celestial bodies during a stormy night.
While it’s true that the proper gear and techniques are important, it’s also important to remember to have fun and be creative. Look around and pay attention to what nature has to offer, experiment with different shots and you’ll be sure to capture some unique and amazing images.
15. Use natural light
A rainy day can also be a great opportunity to experiment with natural light. By using natural light, you will be able to avoid using flash, which can sometimes be distracting.
To make the most of the extreme contrasts found in natural lighting during a rainfall, open up your aperture and lean more towards silhouettes and imposing shapes instead of details. This will bring drama and mood to your images and create carefully composed shots despite the low light.
To use natural light when out photographing in the rain, try looking for slightly sheltered, reflective places. This will help bounce some of the warmth of the light off things like walls, windows and other surfaces, which you can then use to add character to your photos.
Should you seek a more classic approach, try noting the direction of the rain. This will help you determine the ideal angle to hit the scene with natural light, capturing the most amount of detail while still being able to evoke mood and emotion.
16. Capturing the rain
Capturing the rain in your photos creates an amazing sense of detail, mood and emotion.
A few tips to help you capture the rain in photos:
1. Use a fast shutter speed - When trying to capture the detail of the rain, go for faster shutter speeds. A fast shutter speed will freeze the rain droplets in mid-air, creating a surreal effect that will add drama and beauty to your photos.
2. Utilise manual settings - While shooting in manual mode, play around with the ISO and aperture settings to get a better understanding of how the camera is capturing the rain. High ISO setting will give more clarity and sharpness at the cost of digital noise, but you can always reduce the noise in post.
3. Look for reflections - Zooming in or looking for reflections of the rain on windows and other surfaces can create lovely abstract photos that will draw in your viewers. Reflections also give that 'fairy-tale' look when everything is glistening.
4. Play with depth of field - Experiment with depth of field by either increasing or decreasing it. Increasing the depth of field will allow you to capture more in focus, while decreasing it will provide that focus on one particular point, like rain droplets falling against a black backdrop.
By capturing the rain in your photos, you can create stunning visuals with amazing detail that will energise your images, no matter the weather.
17. Look for leading lines
Leading lines are an important element in photography. They draw the viewer's eye to the main subject of the photo. When taking photos in the rain, look for leading lines like roads, pathways, or fence lines that draw the eye to the subject.
Rain can add an extra element of texture and texture to a photograph and can lead the eye even if the lines don't exist. Look for leading lines amidst puddles, raindrops, streams or rivers, and tracks in the mud.
Photographs in the rain can be calming and peaceful, but they can also be dynamic and exciting. Shallow depth of field can make rain drops stand out and dominant in a photo, creating an interesting leading line.
Dark, low-contrast scenes make it easier to add lines. Look for wet leaves, branches or rocks that clearly stand out against a darker background. Using flash or a tripod can add an extra layer of leading lines.
The possibilities are endless. Look for vibrant red umbrellas that stand out. Search for reflections in the rain. Any bright or contrasting feature can lead the eye to the main subject, providing a more interesting image.
18. Use symmetry
Symmetry is an incredible device for adding depth and beauty to a photograph. When taking photos in the rain, look for ways to make use of this powerful photography element.
Reflections on wet surfaces can create a symmetrical shot. They can also help to bring the focal point of the image into the frame. Reflections can create reflections of lines in the shot, as they bounce off surfaces like buildings, puddles, walls and windows.
Shadows can also be used to create symmetry in your photo. Look for shadows of objects such as trees, buildings and people on wet surfaces, such as the pavement. This can be particularly effective in the evening when the sun is lower in the sky.
Finally, try focusing on the shapes in the rain. The droplets themselves can create a perfectly symmetrical shot if your background is dark enough. Shoot at a fast shutter speed to freeze the motion of the rain in the frame.
These are some great tips on how to use symmetry while taking photographs in the rain. Get creative, experiment and look for interesting reflections and shapes to capture the beauty of the rain.
19. Create a sense of emotion.
When it comes to taking photos in the rain, don't just focus on composition and symmetry. Creating a sense of emotion is just as important. If you're looking to create images with more depth, aim to capture a mood.
Take photos that show the raw beauty of the rain, capturing the energy and emotion of the moment. Use abstraction to create images that people can relate to. Think about different angles to take your photos - shoot from unusual perspectives to spark a person's imagination.
Don't forget to experiment with the light during a rainy day. Take photos using available light and shadows, or consider using a flash to make a dramatic statement. Create atmosphere with deep shadows and vivid colours, or use a flash to create silhouettes or emphasise shapes.
Taking photos in the rain is as much of an art form as when it's sunny. Keep these tips in mind to help you master this genre and make great shots in the rain.