Shooting in the rain? How to prepare?

[V4her]

I have or had plans to go to VIR for SCCA Double Nationals this weekend. Forecast is now for heavy rain Saturday and Sunday.

It's not a paid shoot. Worth going? I have seen a lot of racing shots from rainy races, so I know it's doable with the right set-up and you can even get some good shots.

I just don't have a clue how to shoot in foul weather?

Better to sit this one out that risk the gear?

[xchangx]

I shot an indy race with part of a practice run in the pouring rain. I had protective gear on my lens and body (Aquatech SS-600) and still managed to mess up my body (Nikon D3s). So if it's not paid, I wouldn't risk it.

Here's a link to the images from the rain:

[Bosscat]

I've shot in the rain with a Kata cover and never had an issue yet.

May have to use it later this morning as I am off to shoot a motorcycle enduro.

[DC Fan]

Originally Posted by V4her

Forecast is now for heavy rain Saturday and Sunday.
It's not a paid shoot. Worth going? I have seen a lot of racing shots from rainy races, so I know it's doable with the right set-up and you can even get some good shots. I just don't have a clue how to shoot in foul weather?

Keep an Op/Tech Rainsleeve in the camera bag, and put it on the camera when rain falls. This was done the other day when weather radar clearly showed that a line of precipitation was approaching. When the rain arrived, the Rainsleeve was pulled from the camera bag and placed over the equipment. The Rainsleeve was more than large enough to cover the camera body and a telephoto lens.

[Bicknell55]

Some type of rain cover is a must. Light rain to a drizzle is one thing, but if you're going to get up to the 4" they are calling for in southern PA you might have problems. With the right equipment you can keep the rain off the camera but then you have to worry about keeping yourself dry. One issue I've had in the past is condensation buildup inside my rain cover due to my hands being warm. I'm not sure there is any solution to that issue.

[GSH]

I just keep a Storm Jacket on the lens at all times. It's easy enough to pull pack over the camera when it rains and light enough to forget about when it's dry.

[xchangx]

Sorry, just realized the link didn't show. Here it is:

http://www.iconsportsmedia.com/sets/459428

[Richard Brewer]

Carry a chamois leather, or similar, to wipe things dry, or even drape it over your lens as some do.

[Mike Hoyer]

Couple of big chamois leathers work for me. I've got some dedicated rain covers, but often find them a bit cumbersome.

[Jimil]

I always take the shower caps at the hotels. Works in a pinch to cover your camera body. That coupled with a chamios or a microfiber cloth to cover the lens works really well in light rain. For the heavier downpours, others have posted great suggestions.

Also, depending on the track, sometimes the corner workers have EZUP style canopies and if you ask nicely they are usually pretty cool about letting you shoot from under them.

[dinanm3atl]

Good recommendations in here. And YES... you should go. Eventually shooting it he rain will wear thin and you'll see many of the pros not happy about it BUT you do get cool photos. Like this past weekend in Miami... it was rough.



Brass Monkey Racing Miami Rain 01 by Halston Pitman | MotorSportMedia, on Flickr



Horton Autosport Porsche 997 911 GT3 Cup GT Miami Rain 01 by Halston Pitman | MotorSportMedia, on Flickr



Ganassi Telmex Dinan Daytona Prototype DP Miami Rain 01 by Halston Pitman | MotorSportMedia, on Flickr



Starworks Daytona Prototype DP Miami Rain Race Start 02 by Halston Pitman | MotorSportMedia, on Flickr



Aim Autosport FXDD Ferrari 458 GT Miami Rain 02 by Halston Pitman | MotorSportMedia, on Flickr