FOCUS Oregon V2 I1

By Alexis Dowdle
TIPS FOR A
RAINY DAY
PROBLEM: Protecting your gear
SOLUTION: Many of us know how to protect our gear, but for those of you who don’t
know, you can purchase official rain gear to protect your camera from the elements at Pro
Photo Supply or online. Or, if you are like me, and don’t mind a little D.I.Y. you can make
rain gear out of a garbage bag. I know a photographer who swears by wrapping her camera
tightly in an old t-shirt. There are many ways to protect your gear.
When I was ten years old, I moved to Oregon from Utah. It only took bringing my umbrella
to school one time before it was made apparent to me that in Oregon, where it rains
100 days out of the year, only nerds and tourists use an umbrella. Clearly, Oregonians
don’t let a little rain get in their way, but for photographers--especially portrait or natural
light photographers--rain can be a real problem. On a rainy day, the light isn’t always as
good, you can’t always make the agreed upon location work, you may not have access
to a studio, you need to protect your gear, and heaven forbid you or your client may
need to use an umbrella. Rescheduling isn’t always an option--it’s like the cheesy sticker
I had on my binder when I was ten that said, “LIfe isn’t about waiting for the storm to
pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.” (I thought that was so poignant at ten). So
here are some tips and solutions for your typical Oregon rainy day shoots.
PROBLEM: Having to use an umbrella
SOLUTION: Use a photogenic light-friendly umbrella. Clear umbrellas are a great
alternative to ugly light-blocking umbrellas. They keep the client dry and the pictures pretty.
I have seen these umbrellas make an appearance in many PNW wedding photos.
Rainy days are an inevitability here in Oregon, but I wouldn’t trade Oregon’s beauty for dry
weather any day. And when all else fails, dancing in the rain would make for some great
images.
Here are a few local rainy day spots to add to your own “rain route”
PROBLEM: Less than ideal lighting
SOLUTION: Off camera flash or a reflector can help make up for/augment the natural
light that is available. Obviously, a light-filled and dry alternative would be ideal, but reality is
that’s not always available. When shooting in less than ideal lighting, I have found that doing
a custom white balance and shooting in Kelvin really helps.
PROBLEM: Having to choose an alternative location
SOLUTION: The best indoor solution would be a studio, but we don’t all have access to
one. The best alternative location is light, dry, and free. Check your local parks for aesthetically
pleasing covered areas. Lobbies, coffee shops, and book stores can also be all those things.
Of course, always ask permission before shooting in any spots like these. Parking garages
can also have amazing natural light. The 2017 OPPA Board photo was taken in a parking
garage! Portland is known for its bridges and they are a great way to get out of the rain
(though you may have competition for the driest spots if you’re in certain areas of Portland).
Awnings provide protection from the rain as well--I know one OPPA photographer who has
a “rain route” that uses only downtown bridges and awnings to protect from the rain and it
has been very successful for her. She rarely has to reschedule a session because of rain.
• Tualatin Community Park
8515 SW Tualatin Rd, Tualatin, OR 97062
• Pearl Auto Park
1111 NW Davis St, Portland, OR 97209
• Champoeg State Park
8239 Champoeg Rd. NE, St. Paul, OR 97137
If you would like to share your favorite rainy day locations
please make a post on our OPPA facebook page under
Announcements/Discussion!
24 • FOCUS OREGON
WINTER 2019 FOCUS OREGON • 25