RAIN CHECK: HOW TO SHOOT PROPERTY PHOTOS ON A RAINY DAY
Caught in the rain? Make your photos shine anyway! We can’t control the weather—sometimes, it just rains when you need to get those property photos taken. Whether you’re on a tight schedule or trying to meet a client’s deadline, rainy days can’t always be avoided.
If you can’t wait for ideal weather and shooting a property is an absolute must, there are still ways to make the most of a less-than-perfect day. With the right techniques and a little help from BoxBrownie.com, you can still capture impressive property photos, rain or shine. Here's how to make the most of your rainy-day shoot.
1. When Heavy Rain Strikes, Hold Off on Outdoor Shots
Here’s the thing: when it’s raining heavily, you can actually see the rain falling in your photos. Those raindrops can blur your shots, and create reflections or haze, which distracts from the property’s features. Even worse, the rain can be visible on everything from the building’s exterior and windows to paths, gardens, or driveways. You’ll notice puddles, reflections, and damp surfaces that may not be the most flattering for a listing. If the rain is coming down hard, it’s often best to skip exterior shots altogether. Focus on capturing the interiors and leave the outdoor shots for when the weather clears up. This way, you can keep your photos clean, sharp, and professional—without the hassle of editing out rain droplets later. The last thing you want is a blurry, waterlogged property listing!
2. Always Wipe the Lens
Rain can sneak up on your lens when you least expect it. Even a small amount of water can blur your photos or leave behind distracting smudges. Always carry a lens cloth or microfiber towel and give your lens a quick wipe before each shot. Not only does this keep your photos crisp and clear, but it also saves you editing time later.
3. Bring an Umbrella
It sounds simple, but bringing an umbrella can be a lifesaver during a rainy shoot. It’s not just for you—it helps protect your camera from direct raindrops when you’re shooting outdoors. Pair it with a lens hood or rain sleeve for extra coverage, and you’ll reduce the risk of water spots and keep your gear safe and dry.
4. Embrace the Cloud Cover
It might surprise you, but overcast skies are actually a photographer’s friend. The clouds act like a giant diffuser, softening harsh shadows and creating even, flattering light. This makes it easier to capture exterior shots and covered outdoor areas without needing to worry about intense contrast or blown-out highlights.
5. Turn on All the Lights Indoors
Rainy weather usually means lower light levels inside, which can make interiors look gloomy or flat. The fix? Turn on every light in the property—lamps, overheads, even the stove light. This helps brighten up the space, adds warmth, and gives your photos a more inviting feel.
6. Indoor Shots with Outdoor Views
Can’t shoot the exteriors just yet? No problem. Focus on your interiors—especially rooms that feature windows with outdoor views. These shots are perfect candidates for an Image Enhancement edit, which we can easily apply to transform dreary skies into bright, sunny backdrops.
If there are rain droplets streaking down the windows, our Item Removal & Virtual Clean edit can tidy them up and help your images look polished and professional. It’s a great way to make your property feel bright and inviting, even when it’s gloomy outside.
7. Clean It Up with Virtual Clean
Sometimes, no matter how careful you are, the rain still leaves its mark. Whether it’s a wet driveway, puddles on a path, or water spots on windows, these can all affect the quality of your final photos. Our Item Removal & Virtual Clean service is a fast, affordable solution to fix those issues. We can virtually dry up damp outdoor spaces, remove water droplets, and polish your images to look like the sun was shining all along.
Make It Work, Rain or Shine
Rainy weather doesn’t have to ruin your shoot. With a few smart techniques and our service, you can still create high-quality, professional photos that show off the property in its best light.
Need help cleaning up your rainy-day images? Try a free edit today, or check out our full suite of editing services to make every listing shine—rain, hail, or sunshine.
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