Wildlife photography in the rain offers opportunities you won't find in fair weather. The atmospheric mood, unusual animal behaviors, and transformative effect of rain on landscapes can make your images stand out. Beyond the challenges of staying dry, rain brings scenes to life in ways that fair weather simply cannot, adding depth and story to your photos.
Coming to you from C4 Photo Safaris, this insightful video by Shem Compion highlights why rainy conditions should be embraced, not avoided. Compion explains that animals, especially big cats, often act differently in the rain. They may shake their wet fur, scrunch their faces, and appear more animated. Capturing these candid moments provides a unique look at their character, something you might miss on a sunny day.
The video also goes over techniques to keep your gear safe while you shoot in these conditions, which is critical given the high cost of camera equipment. Compion advises using simple rain covers, which he attaches with insulation tape to a clear plastic bag so he can still see his settings through the cover. This straightforward approach prevents rain from damaging expensive gear without compromising usability. He also suggests using a tripod or increasing your ISO to manage the low light without compromising sharpness.
Photographing in the rain also adds to the creative possibilities. Compion emphasizes using a long lens and backlighting to capture individual raindrops, especially if the background is dark, making those raindrops pop. He explains that a mix of fast and slow shutter speeds will allow you to experiment with the appearance of the rain—freezing drops in mid-air or creating streaks that add dynamic energy to the image. Rain combined with lush green landscapes provides a vivid, seasonal backdrop, giving your photos a naturally saturated look that enhances the scene.
You’ll also want to consider the unique moments that come with rainstorms in places like Africa. Compion notes that storms often bring dramatic lighting, rainbows, or even the phenomenon he calls a "monkey's wedding"—rain with simultaneous sunshine. These moments provide naturally cinematic lighting and an unusual mix of elements in the scene that few others are likely to capture. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Compion.
