magazine
2024.09.06

Rainy Days: A Perfect Day for Photography | Focus #146

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cover image by Yukihiro

Don't you want to capture scenes that you usually can't see? On rainy days, you have a perfect opportunity to take unique photos. The slight inconvenience of going out in the rain can lead to creating distinctive works. Prepare rain gear and waterproof covers to keep your camera and lens dry, and enjoy shooting on rainy days.

Cityscapes Under Rain Clouds

People with colorful umbrellas and raincoats, raindrops on building windows, and neon lights reflecting on wet pavements give the city a unique beauty. Capture the distinct atmosphere of the city on a rainy day.

If there's less sunlight due to rain clouds, set a high ISO sensitivity and adjust the shutter speed. Be cautious of noise when increasing ISO. Consider creating narrative works by focusing on scenes unique to rainy days.

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Image by GAMI

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Image by Tsubasa Mfg

Landscapes Utilizing Puddles

Don't forget to use puddles in your rainy day photography. Puddles act as natural mirrors reflecting the city and sky.

By focusing on the scenery reflected in the water, you can create magical photos. Using a polarizer (polarizing filter) allows you to adjust the reflection on the water surface. Emphasize or suppress reflections to capture photos with a mysterious, otherworldly atmosphere.

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Image by sukko

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Image by mee.

Unusual Skies

Heavy rain clouds and ever-changing clouds create dramatic skies. Capture the dynamic photos unique to rainy days by focusing on the changing sky. Pay special attention to cloud movements and sky colors.

When capturing rain clouds, adjust the exposure to match the sky's brightness. Balancing the bright and dark areas is crucial to avoid overexposure or underexposure.

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Image by Shimakou

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Image by ICHIHO

Nature Wrapped in Raindrops

On rainy days, nature shows a different face. Raindrops on leaves and flowers sparkle, enhancing nature's beauty. Close-up shots can capture the small world created by raindrops. Enjoy photographing the moist beauty of nature on rainy days.

When photographing plants with water droplets, focus accurately on the raindrops to highlight their transparency. Consider trying black-and-white photography for a striking contrast that emphasizes the shapes of droplets and plants.

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Image by 黒路

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Image by aya

Rainbow Colors After the Rain

After the rain, a rainbow may appear in the sky. Rainbows are like a reward on rainy days. Especially in the evening, they can blend with the sunset to create beautiful hues. Observe the sky carefully after the rain and capture the rainbow with your camera.

Since rainbows are relatively faint, proper camera settings are essential. Set a low ISO sensitivity and adjust the aperture (F-stop) for sharp images. Slightly increase exposure compensation to make the rainbow more vivid.

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Image by aurinko

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Image by eriko

What do you think?

On rainy days, special landscapes unfold that you can't see on sunny days. Capture the various charms such as rain clouds, puddles, raindrops, and rainbows to make rainy days the best photography days. After shooting, remember to thoroughly dry and clean your camera and lens.