If you are a photographer then a rainy day would be the perfect time to sit on your couch, with a warm drink and blanket, and, of course, your camera. You can still get some great shots if you do not go out. Not all rainy-window pictures are equally stunning. You’ll need to consider your subject, composition, and technique carefully if you want a photo that stands out. This article will show 35+ examples and tips on rainy-day window photography.
How to photograph rain on windows
Here are some tips to help you capture a wet day from a window. Each strategy is paired with an image to help you get inspired.
These images are a selection of the best from both our Flickr community and our monthly newsletter. This post contains some of the photos we took for a “Rain” photography challenge. You can find more photos in the post on outdoor photography. Click here to see!
Make Your Own Rain
You might think that this theme of photography isn’t for you if you are like me, and live in an area with very little rain. You can create your own rainy day window photo even if it’s not raining where you live. Here is an example window shot of a “rainy” day without actual rain. Spray water onto a sheet of plexiglas and put it between your subject and camera. Try experimenting with angled, moody lighting to get interesting results.
Try bokeh.
With the right lighting, raindrops can produce a beautiful bokeh effect. You’ll generally get better bokeh when shooting in a dark or gloomy environment. You can use car headlights at night to get great bokeh.
You can get bokeh pictures with both sunshine and rain. Although it may be harder to do, because the sun needs to be at an angle in order to light up the raindrops.
Barb – Bokeh Rain
Use bright colors to compose your images.
Gray skies can make for dull photos, particularly when viewed through windows. This grayness is also a plus if the bright object on the opposite side of your window can be seen. This dullness brings out colors, which makes it more dramatic. The bright colors can make the image interesting even if your subject is unclear because of the wet window.
Joseph Pellicone – Waiting for a Train In the Rain
Black and white is now the default.
A black-and-white photograph can make an otherwise dull scene more striking by bringing out the contrast of light. The focus on the light makes subjects appear more clear and brings out patterns which are not as obvious when shot in color. The moodiness and colorlessness of black-and-white can also match the mood of a rainy, bleak day.
Jason Trbovich: that rainy Saturday afternoon drive
Select subjects which are easily recognizable.
You’ll be more likely to capture a good photo, whether you choose black-and-white or color photography. It’s important that the subject is identifiable. Otherwise, your viewers may be confused as to why and how you captured it. It is particularly important when the subject of the photo may be blurry, or partially hidden by rain. Even if your subject is blurry, viewers can still understand the photo if it’s something that they recognize, like a tree or building.
Omer Diyelim Rainy Windows 1,
Shoot portraits.
Even when rain obscures them, people are easy to identify. People tend to attract attention too, particularly if their portraits show their eyes. One facial expression is enough to convey a whole story, and can add emotion weight to the photo.
Otacilio Rodrigues – Pasajera en transito
Raindrops are the focus.
If you’re having trouble finding a suitable subject, or an angle from which to photograph it through a window that is raining, focus on the drops of rain instead. Get really close to the window and look for interesting patterns. If you’re lucky, raindrops can show your background upside-down. But even if not, texture and colour alone are beautiful.
Fe Ilya – Raindrops On My Window
Add a topic to the window or next to it.
It’s not necessary to take the subject that is on the opposite side of your window when it rains. Choose a subject that will attract attention to the window or on it. This way, you can create an intriguing shot. People and red leaves, which are both colorful subjects, are good choices. A handprint on a window can be enough to make it look interesting. On a wet day, try out different compositions and ideas.
VV Nincic Rain
The conclusion of the article is:
Rainy day photos are special. It could be that the photos evoke nostalgia or that they give a peek into a hidden world. There’s no doubt that there is a charm to these pictures. Maybe part of the appeal is that these photos capture a calm moment in a world otherwise frantic. A rainy-day window picture can be a welcome respite in a world that is constantly filled with distractions and noise. This is a great opportunity to step back, and enjoy the beauty in the world. These photos, whether it is the subtle shimmering of raindrops or the soft lighting of a rainy morning remind us that beauty can be found even in the most simple things.