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. That doesn’t mean they are 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 always keep a folding one in my bag. It has saved me from many some 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 get under any cover, the better.
- Never point your camera in the direction of the rain. You must prevent moisture from entering your lens or getting near the front element.
Conclusion
Shinjuku after the rain was beautiful. It shows how 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? Let us know by leaving a note below if you do.

Rohan Gillett
Rohan has lived in Tokyo for 30+ years. He loves photography and plans to capture the entire city.
Shinjuku after the rain camera gear:
- Camera body: Fujifilm X-T2
- Lens: Fujifilm XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR
For more photography articles, look at:
External articles about taking photos in rain
- Taking Photos in the Rain by Jim Richardson on National Geographic