It’s all about the light!!
How many times have we photographers heard that statement?
When you’re staring at the warm glow of a sunset, it’s easy to grasp that concept. However, it’s much more difficult to grasp when the day is gray and dreary. On these days, we often have a tendency to leave our cameras in the camera bag and go to the movies instead.
Today we’re going to explore the possibility that we may be missing out on a whole bunch of photography fun by not embracing the rainy day.
First of all, let’s talk about rainy day ‘light’.
Photo by martinak15
Bad weather days don’t bring us the kind of light that we usually seek for our photographs.
But- they do bring an unusual light, which we can put to grand use in our photography.
Overcast days, if the cloud cover isn’t too dense, provide a nice even light source which is quite flattering for many subjects- especially portraits.
"Bad weather days don’t bring us the kind of light that we usually seek for our photographs, but they do bring an unusual light, which we can put to grand use in our photography."
Photo by Jonathan Kos-Read
The lesson here is- maybe it’s not about the quantity of light, but more about the quality of light.
Variations of light quality on a rainy day can be subtle yet distinct.
Cloud cover will often cause shifts in the color temperature of available light. Combine this with our fellow humans trying not to get wet, and you have an interesting recipe for street photography!
Photo by MSVG
Rain can also help your photographic efforts with some natural special effects, including-
- Reflections
- Increased color saturation
- Water droplets
- Artificial light combined with natural light
The more artsy you feel, the more you can combine all of the above in a single photograph.
This photographer (Image above) combined all four natural effects and rounded it off with an unusual angle and the use of a frame in the composition.
Water droplets play a huge role in your rainy day photographic fun. They not only sit on objects like bulbous little magnifying glasses, but they can also run: creating streaks and unusual shapes.
Photo by Jonathan Kos-Read
Photo by Rick Harris
If you don’t have a macro lens, you could invest in a set of close- up filters, or a reversing ring, for just a few dollars.
Close-up filters are pretty self-explanatory. A reversing ring works by attaching it to your lens (where you would normally attach a filter), and using the other side of the ring to mount the lens to the camera body in reverse.
Photo by Tiffany Mueller
Photo by tourist_on_earth
Photo by kaibara87
Photo by why 137
Photo by Jonathan Kos-Read
This photograph (above) pushes the envelope on color saturation.
Rain creates reflective surfaces, which bounce the color of light everywhere. This can create some really interesting effects. Remember, you must maintain composition. Take this photograph for example, if the girl was missing, and we simply saw the background and reflections, it wouldn’t be nearly as strong. In fact, I think it would lose something if the girl wasn’t pulling the suitcase. That suitcase helps tell a story.
You can almost imagine the girl briskly walking along, trying to get where she’s going without getting her things wet.
Photo by paul bica
This is a great example of a photographer making the best of a rainy day situation. The natural light is overcast and flat andthe artificial lighting in the buildings creates contrast.The photographer utilized the tools of composition called ‘blocks of color and repetition of shape’. Finally, the dramatic upward angle and the use of a wide-angle lens pull everything together for an effective cityscape.
We’ve identified some of the ways that rain can bring something special to your images. Now let’s talk about inspiration. Let’s face it; it can be hard to become inspired on a gloomy day. Here are some ideas to get you out in the rain:
- Use some interesting props (something you wouldn’t normally use).
- Get out of your comfort zone (try something new).
- Play with your color balance (see what interesting effects you can achieve).
- Tell a story (try to say ‘rainy day’ without being obvious).
Photo by kennymatic
- Play with color and movement (there won’t be a lot of light, so why not try some blur?).
- Create a setting (have a story to tell… tell it wet!).
- Use the situation to create tension (think dark, moody, and mysterious).
- Walk the streets and look for things that are happening (some people love getting wet- and others don’t).
Photo by Helga Weber
Use some interesting props. How about a toy, or a tool, or a piece of clothing? Let your imagination run wild. Try to come up with new ways to depict old, ordinary objects in a new setting that includes rain.
Get out of your comfort zone. If you’re used to shooting kids, try somefashion. Whatever it is that you always do- do something different. Try to let the foul weather give you permission to get out there and test your limits. If you normallywouldn’t handhold an exposure of 1 second- then do it!
"Let your imagination run wild. Try to come up with new ways to depict old, ordinary objects in a new setting that includes rain."
Photo by h.koppdelaney
Photo by Phil Roeder
Photo by Robert S. Donovan
Photo by Nicki Varkevisser
Photo by ValetheKid
Photo by Georgie Pauwels
Photo by linh.ngan
One of the best moments of a rainy day is when it breaks up and the sun is about to emerge. These moments are magical. They typically only last a few minutes. If you’ve been home all day, and the rain is starting to let up, that might be your cue to check the radar, grab your camera, and go look for an interesting subject!
I hope you feel inspired.
Some of the most viral images on the Internet are created during foul weather. Give it a try!
Everyone at Photzy.com would love to see some of your efforts. Feel free to post your images on our Facebook page. If you do, we will give you kudos and hugs!
