Nature Photography in the Rain

Don't let wet weather keep you from capturing great nature photography moments!

Summer is the wet season in Florida. Nearly every day, we can expect at least some afternoon showers, and when a weather system parks itself over top of us like it has this week, we may have more rain than sun for days on end (an unusual experience for folks in the Sunshine State!). Rainy weather may slow down some wildlife, but for the most part, the natural world continues to go about its regular business. This can be a great time for nature photography, as long as you follow a few basic tips.

Protect your camera’s lens. Most cameras can stand a little moisture, but if your lens gets rain drops on it, you’ll have to stop to clean it, which means you’ll miss your shot. Use a lens hood on a higher-end camera, attach an umbrella to a tripod, or simply keep the front of the camera pointed down a bit and away from the wind.

Nature Photography in the Rain Mockingbird

Use your macro settings. Raindrops on roses make for lovely nature photography shots. Emphasize the up-close beauty by using the macro setting on your camera, which allows you to capture detail.

Nature Photography in the Rain Spiderwort

Look for unusual shots. Water droplets can magnify detail, or a sheet of rain can lend a filtered look to a shot. The best nature photography looks at usual subjects in an unusual way – use rainy weather as a chance to see the world a little bit differently.

Nature Photography in the Rain Gulf Fritillary

Capture rainy day behavior. Animals adjust their routines in rainy weather. Find butterflies taking shelter, or get a few shots of the rain sliding off a duck’s back (it really does happen).

Nature Photography in the Rain Monarch

Enjoy nature photography? Get more ideas from The Ultimate Guide to Backyard Bird Photography by clicking here!

Jill Staake
Jill lives in Tampa, Florida, and writes about gardening, butterflies, outdoor projects and birding. When she's not gardening, you'll find her reading, traveling and happily digging her toes into the sand on the beach.