Dealing With Rain

[jsc230]

Hi all,

I like to photograph waterfalls. One thing that always gets me is that it is rarely overcast without raining (except winter in PA, then the sun never shines and it is always overcast). So in order to take good shots I would most likely have to hike and photograph in the rain.

The big problem is that my camera is not weatherproof (5D Classic). I have had my camera in the rain before, but only very briefly and a light rain.

So what is the best method to hike (sometimes hours at a time), setup compose, and shoot while it is raining outside? My gear is all insured, but I'm sure the insurance company won't appreciate weekly claims :) .

Thanks,

Joe Conklin

[jcothron]

This is something I find myself doing all the time. Same subject, same conditions. :) If it's a sprinkle I don't do much more than maybe hold my hat over the camera..few drops isn't going to hurt it...just use your common sense there.

If it's raining a significant amount I usually end up under an emergency poncho with the camera while setting up the shot... then raise it high enough above the camera so that it's not in the shot.

Of course there are things made to deal with this specifically, but I don't have any personal experience with them.

While hiking it's in my backpack that has a built-in rain cover. Although I've had the outside of the pack wet many times, I've never seen an indication of moisture on the inside (even without the cover).

[neilwood32]

If you are keen to get photos no matter the conditions, then a rain cover is your only option.

Do a search in here or try this topic http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=547649

[Mike-DT6]

Any sort of rain cover should work. Even a carrier bag and elastic band job would do the trick.

There was a photographer down near my local harbour during some stormy weather a little while ago and he had wrapped up his entire camera in cling wrap, including a single layer over the front of the lens!

[Mark_Cohran]

http://www.stormjacket.com/SJ1.html

[NYPhotog]

I always keep an Op/Tech RainSleeve in my bag. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/469774-REG/Op_Tech_USA_9001132_18_RainSleeve_Set_of.html

[bps]

Op/Tech rain sleeves work great!

Bryan

[jcothron]

http://www.stormjacket.com/SJ1.html

I like the looks of this.

[WillOPhotos]

Plastic bag :) works good tbh your not going to be shooting waterfalls while its raining you wont get very good shots, Id just cover the camera and wait for the rain to stop for long enough to take some shots.