02.03.2016

Taking pictures in the rain

02.03.2016

Taking pictures in the rain

Rain often has the power to spoil your mood and ruin the plans of those who are travelling and enjoying a well-deserved holiday.
I have often thought that photographing a clear, blue sky is more enjoyable than capturing a feeble,grey one, especially if you are on holiday; however, I have learned over the past few years never to underestimate the poetry and potential of the rain.
Of course, it’s not easy to take pictures in the thunderous rain and there’s always the risk of ruining your equipment; but, with a bit of patience and a few precautions to protect your devices, I can guarantee you that the results can be truly surprising.

Let’s start with the subject of protection: I won’t suggest any particular technique or strategy, but just a few tips that, in my opinion, seem to work. I usually wrap my camera in a plastic bag, making a hole in one end and fixing it around the lens with an elastic band. It is always a good idea to have the things you may need with you, in case of bad weather.
It can happen, though, that you find yourself ill-equipped; in emergencies, I have tried even the most rudimentary techniques, such as wrapping my camera in a scarf. Out of necessity, a virtue.

Once you are ready, all you have to do is unleash your creativity.
One classic but sure success are photos of reflections in puddles created whilst it is still raining, or after heavy rainfall. This is one of my favourite effects because it allows you to capture important details from a different viewpoint. It can be the reflection of an important monument, a symbol, or simply a beautiful sky that has opened up after the rain to reveal its better side.

Rain-in-Hue1

reflections-clouds

The secret to shooting interesting photos from this viewpoint is to squat down and use a low perspective, almost level with the surface of the water.

reflections milan

The symmetry of images reflected in water is also important; the visual impact will definitely work in your favour and don’t worry about any ripples on the surface, as the natural effect and the unusualness of the shot will win out.

Istanbul-reflections

As well as reflections, I also love to take pictures of subjects in the rain because I sort of feel that I manage to capture their mood. I like to capture moments of life in different places in the world, and I don’t necessarily mean people, but animals too. The melancholic air that the rain provides is definitely an added quality in this type of shot.

monkey-in-the-rain-sri-lanka

butterfly-rain-hue1

I also try to include details that add importance, contrast, colour in my photos in the rain: a good example are umbrellas, whose bright tones I use to interrupt the grey of a rainy sky. When used with success, it can be the perfect contrast that totally changes your photo.

umbrellas-sri-lanka

Are you ready to arm yourself with umbrella and camera? If it’s a rainy day, you know what to do.

Stefania Pozzi

Stefania, born in Milan -a city with which I have a love/hate relationship. I write only what my heart sees, not absolute truths. I like to savour the true feelings of the places I visit. I set aside any comforts to experience people and places to the full. I love to dabble in taking photos with a propensity for street photography. I love to mix in with people and gather fragments of local culture.

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