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Shinjuku after the rain was beautiful
I’d never photographed in the rain before, but I had wanted to do it for a long time. So when I was shooting in Shinjuku one night, it suddenly started to drizzle, and I grabbed the opportunity. My umbrella went straight up, and I kept shooting. It turned out to be an exciting and rewarding night.
Unfortunately, the rain was very light and didn’t last very long. But it did leave behind enough water that gave off some great reflections. It was a side of the city I had never had the opportunity to photograph before, brighter and more colorful than usual. I can’t wait to do it again.
After doing it once and surviving, I wouldn’t hesitate to do it again. You just need to have a plan to keep the water off your gear. Of course, protect yourself too!
Yes, it can be pretty scary using a camera in the rain. Get water inside it, and you might need to get some repairs done, or even worse, a brand-new one might become necessary. So the question is, what can we do?
How to protect your camera from rain?
- First of all, many modern cameras are weather-resistant. But weather-resistant doesn’t mean waterproof. It only means that there is some protection against moisture.
- If some water gets on it, it’ll probably be okay. But put it in a bath, river, typhoon, or something similar, and you’ll need a new camera. Got it? Never intentionally put water on your lens, especially near the glass.
- Get some cover for your camera. I bought a camera sleeve straight after this Shinjuku shoot! It covers the tops and sides and has been very handy ever since. In an emergency, or on a very tight budget, you could even use a plastic bag and cut a hole in one end.
- Use an umbrella. I keep a folding one in my bag, which gives me peace of mind. It has saved me from many sudden showers, like when I took the pictures for this article.
- Shoot from under a roof. This is the best one if you shoot in the rain. The deeper you can get under any cover, the better.
- Under no circumstances point your camera in the direction of the rain. You must prevent moisture from entering your lens or getting near the front element.
Wrapping up
Photographing in the rain can be rewarding. I was very hesitant to do it for a long time. But when I finally did, it was an excellent photographic experience.
The results can be incredible. You just need to weigh the risk. And if you do it, take the appropriate steps to keep your camera safe (and yourself, too!).
Is there anything I’ve missed in this article? Do you have any tips to share? Please let us know by leaving a note in the section below if you do.
What camera gear did I use for Shinjuku after the rain photos?
- Camera body: Fujifilm X-T2
- Lens: Fujifilm XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR
To read some more Shinjuku articles, look at: