What to wear

What to wear for a rain photoshoot

A coat that photographs — colour, texture, structure — and shoes that survive. Avoid white and pale grey, which merge with a wet street and a flat…

In short: A coat that photographs — colour, texture, structure — and shoes that survive. Avoid white and pale grey, which merge with a wet street and a flat sky. Bring a towel and a full change; the session lasts as long as people are comfortable.

What works for a rain shoot specifically

Colour. Anything but pale grey and white, which merge with wet pavement and a flat sky. A coloured coat and a coloured umbrella are the two most useful objects available.

Fabric. Wool and waxed cotton photograph well wet; technical shells reflect every light source and read as hiking gear.

Footwear. Waterproof and already broken in. Wet feet are the reason rain sessions end early.

The thing that ruins frames. A black umbrella. It shadows the face completely and disappears against a grey sky — the one accessory worth buying in colour.

In the bag. A microfibre cloth for the lens, a plastic bag for the camera between frames, a towel, and a full change of clothes so the session can run its length.

Two rules that hold everywhere

  • Steam it the night before — creases are the most expensive thing in any retouching bill and the cheapest to prevent.
  • Bring options and decide on set, where you can see the light and the background rather than guessing at home.

Next step

See if a session makes sense

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