As you’ve probably guessed by now, my favourite weather for taking photos isn’t what most people would call ideal. Give me an overcast sky and a bit of drizzle any day. While others might be heading indoors, I’m heading out—camera in hand, raincoat zipped up.
If you’re not into photography, you might be wondering: Why on earth would someone willingly go out in miserable weather and risk their gear like that?
Simple answer? The results are absolutely worth it.
Cloud cover acts like a giant softbox, diffusing the light evenly and removing harsh shadows—perfect for capturing the delicate beauty of our feathered friends. And then there’s the rain itself. Raindrops can become a magical extra layer—like nature’s own special effects—something you just can’t fake or replicate in post-production.
Every now and then, I get lucky and capture a bird covered in tiny droplets. To me, it’s like looking at diamonds set into a golden piece of art—mesmerising, timeless, and endlessly satisfying.
Here are a few examples of what you might see if you ever decide to brave the wet:
A stunning Sunbird in Papua New Guinea, where the rain never really stops.
An Eastern Spinebill giving itself a good shake—doggy style—sending water flying everywhere.
A Sacred Kingfisher stoically facing the downpour… and another one delicately covered in sparkling droplets.
A Boobook Owl right after the rain, looking nothing like its usual sleek self—honestly, it’s hilarious.
A baby Masked Lapwing grazing in rain-drenched grass—absolutely adorable. You can enjoy reading a full article about these birds >>here<<.
A male Shining Flycatcher shielding his tiny chick from the falling rain—parenting goals. A story about taking this photo can be found by visiting this >>link<<.
And probably my favourite rainy photo so far: a Noisy Pitta, nestled amongst soaked ferns. You can read the full story behind that shot here: >>link<<.
These photos hold something special for me. Now you know why I’m always keen to get out in the rain, even when it seems like madness to most.
Let me know in the comments if you’re the same—willing to risk your gear for that one unforgettable shot. Who knows, maybe I’ll see you out there one rainy day.
Fun Facts About Photo Gear in the Rain
- Some Pro Cameras Are Basically Weatherproof Tanks. High-end camera bodies (like Canon’s R5, Nikon Z9, or Sony A1) have weather-sealed designs that can survive light to moderate rain. They’re not waterproof, but they can take a bit of a splash—just don’t go swimming with them!
- Lens Hoods: Not Just for Sunlight. Lens hoods aren’t just for blocking glare. In the rain, they act like tiny umbrellas, keeping droplets off your front element. Bonus: they also help prevent accidental fingerprints when you’re fumbling around in wet conditions.
- Plastic Bags = Poor Photographer’s Rain Cover. In a pinch, a plastic shopping bag and a rubber band can be your best friends. Punch a hole for the lens and voilà—instant DIY rain cover. Not glamorous, but it works!
- Rain Covers: The Unsung Heroes. There are actual purpose-built rain covers for camera gear—some even have arm holes and clear windows so you can operate everything without getting drenched. A good one can save your gear and your day.
- Memory Cards Handle Rain Better Than You Think. Most SD and CF cards are surprisingly durable—even if they get wet, they’ll usually survive as long as you dry them thoroughly before putting them back in the camera. Your photos are safer than you’d expect!
- Fogging Happens—But There’s a Trick. Going from cold rain to a warm car or house? Your lens might fog up inside. To avoid this, seal your gear in a ziplock bag before coming indoors. Let it warm up slowly and avoid the dreaded internal condensation.
- Some Lenses Have Water-Repellent Coatings. High-end lenses (especially from Canon and Nikon) often have fluorine coatings on the front element that repel water, making it easier to wipe off raindrops or mist. They don’t advertise it much—but it’s real!
- Rubber Weather Seals Look Cool… and Actually Work. That little rubber gasket around your lens mount? It’s not just decoration—it’s a weather seal that helps prevent moisture from sneaking into your camera body. Still, it’s not 100% waterproof… just “weather-resistant”.
- Umbrellas Can Be Tripod-Mounted! With a bit of ingenuity (or a clamp), you can mount an umbrella on your tripod to protect your gear while you shoot hands-free. Just don’t try this in strong wind unless you enjoy chaos.
- Some Photographers Use Shower Caps on Their Lenses. Sounds silly, but a shower cap stretched over your lens or camera is a quick way to keep it dry between shots. Lightweight, cheap, and surprisingly effective!