Shooting in rain, fog and snowfall presents photographers with some unique opportunities and a chance to capture images with undeniable character and moody visual impact.
But these same conditions provide multiple potential hazards and annoying distractions. Are you and your gear up to the challenge? Here are some tips to make the most of difficult weather.
1. Invest in a lens hood
We typically use a lens hood to reduce flare and glare by blocking stray light from hitting the front element of a lens. But this accessory is just as useful for keeping the front element free of raindrops and snowflakes, as well as helping to prevent condensation from gathering there when shooting in dense fog. Think of it as an affordable and versatile all-purpose multitasker.
You might also want to keep a micro-fibre lens cloth handy, and be sure to place your camera in a bag when transitioning from outdoor weather into climate-controlled interiors to prevent condensation from creeping deeper into the lens or camera.
2. Cover up
For a more comprehensive solution, a form-fitting rain cover envelops the entire camera and lens combination. They’re designed not only to provide protection but also easy access to things like the viewfinder and camera controls while deployed, so you can keep working outdoors even in a sudden deluge whether shooting handheld or on a tripod.
Peak Design’s Shell comes in three sizes – small, medium and large – to accommodate everything from slim mirrorless cameras to heavy-duty flagship DSLRs.
3. Don’t forget about yourself
Gear is always front and centre every step of the way, of course, but don’t forget about yourself. Staying dry in wet weather and warm when it’s cold are just as essential to completing your mission. Moist and/or shivering fingers will have a visible impact on your shot – nothing a proper pair of gloves can’t handle: PGYTECH professional photography gloves, for example, are designed to keep fingers warm when capturing images in cold weather.
And a waterproof poncho is one of the best ways to keep the chill off and your clothes free of dampness. Sachtler’s rain poncho, for one, uses a lighter fabric to keep you cool and comfortable, while its “tile-style” opening at the back allows fresh air to flow inside to prevent overheating.
4. Switch to manual focus
Fog, rain and snow create a kind of moving target. These nebulous and shifting visual patterns can easily confuse autofocus and negate its benefits. Switching to manual focus offers a simple foolproof solution. It not only puts you in charge but also opens up greater creative control to capture the exact subjects and desired effects you want to include in the shot.
5. Shoot RAW
These kinds of unpredictable weather conditions can sometimes end up giving jpegs generated in-camera an unwanted dull and washed-out look. Give yourself all the latitude you need by shooting RAW from the outset and retain the power to inject the drama you’re aiming for more easily and effectively in post-processing.
6. Flurry of activity
Shooting in snowy weather presents its own unique set of challenges. Falling snow can be frozen in time with a fast shutter speed, or you can use a slower speed to create a streakier, more impressionistic effect, but once it has accumulated, a snowy background is highly reflective and can overwhelm a sensor.
It’s better to underexpose your shot to retain more detail in the highlights, which can be adjusted and accentuated in post. A blown-out image is nearly impossible to redeem, unless, perhaps, you’re seeking to achieve an interesting abstract effect in monochrome.
Cover Image Credit: Osman Rana