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Ye Chuan

September 2, 2024

Shooting in the rain without making a fuss

Rainy days in Chengdu are made for going out. You don’t need special waterproof gear, just an umbrella, a cloth and a bit of patience.

A crowd of people with umbrellas walking down a street at night

Friends often ask how I shoot in the rain. My answer has never been impressive: an umbrella and a lens cloth.

The camera shouldn’t be too expensive, and you shouldn’t be too afraid of getting it wet. In a light drizzle I keep it inside my jacket, take it out when I want a frame, and wipe it down afterwards. If it really pours, I duck into the nearest shop, watch the rain, watch the people, and wait for it to ease.

A person with an umbrella in the light of a street stall
The stall’s lamp. No matter how hard it rains, it stays on.

A rainy street gives you three things: the ground reflects, people slow down, and the colours sink. At night, a sign reflected in the water is often better than the sign itself.

If you only remember one line: in the rain, don’t look for the best light. Look for the brightest small patch in it.