Published: August 21, 2020 | Last Updated: May 26, 2025
The world is unpredictable, and all too often, that reflects itself in our shoots. If you’re an independent filmmaker and shoot outside, it’s only a matter of time until you face bad weather.
Luckily, there are some steps we can take to prepare ourselves and our gear to survive the elements.
Now, none of these are failsafe, and the only way to ensure your camera is 100% safe is not to take it outside. Unfortunately, that’s not an option for most of us, so we’ll have to make do with what we have.
So, let’s explore some tips for shooting in bad weather conditions.
1. Get A Weather Sealed Camera And Lens
If you are looking for a new camera specifically for shooting in outdoor conditions, consider weather-sealed, weather-proofed, or waterproof cameras. Also, be aware that these terms mean different things depending on the manufacturer.
Weather-sealed and weather-proofed means that measures have been taken to make the camera water, dust, and freeze-resistant. Therefore, these cameras will most likely survive rain and snow. That said, they are not waterproof and will be damaged if they get too wet or are submerged in water.
Waterproof means that your camera will not be damaged by water. Most GoPro cameras are a great example of this. In addition to peace of mind, waterproof cameras can give you unique shots.
2. Use a Camera Bag
A camera bag is a huge, essential, cheap, and simple accessory for battling the elements. A water-resistant camera bag allows you to store your camera, lenses, and other gear.
It also makes it easy to keep your gear with you, which helps tremendously in keeping it safe.
3. Use a Rain Cover
Rain covers, also known as rain shells or sleeves, are another great tool to keep your camera safe while shooting. These are made from plastic (or other water-resistant material) coverings for your camera.
You’ve probably seen these with photographers at sports games or other wet, outdoor scenarios. You may not know that they can be very cheap and effective.
4. Windscreens
When shooting in adverse conditions, your camera isn’t the only thing to worry about. If you’re recording dialogue, you’ll also have to consider your audio equipment, especially your microphone.
Having a windscreen and foam shield on your mic can provide some protection. However, if the material is not water-resistant, it can collect moisture. Certain shields are designed to be more weatherproof, so check out the small details before you buy one.
5. Hardshell Cases
If you’re shooting outside in an extremely aggressive environment, having a waterproof hardshell will offer far more protection than a backpack or soft case.
Get one of these to store your gear in for the ultimate peace of mind. These cases will protect you from the elements and your gear from heavy impacts.
Pelican is a company that makes great cases, and the Pelican 1510 model on Adorama is a great choice for most gear.
6. Hands Free Umbrellas
Having an umbrella is very helpful for protecting your gear while shooting. If you don’t have someone to hold an umbrella or need to use both hands, hands-free umbrellas are an option.
Though these umbrellas look extremely goofy, they’re also beneficial. You may not have known that umbrellas with backpack attachments exist, but this one from Adorama is a great example and is a budget-friendly lifesaver if it rains or snows.
7. Tarps
Another very simple solution to keeping your gear dry in the rain is to carry a tarp. Having a tarp in your car or backpack is a great way to always be prepared.
Not only can the tarp protect you from rain, but if it has recently rained, laying it down can let you lay out your gear without worrying about it getting wet or dirty from the ground.
This is an extremely cheap and effective way to protect your equipment.
8. ZipLock Bags
ZipLock bags are even cheaper than tarps. These plastic bags are great for organizing small camera accessories and protecting gear from the weather.
If you have a water-resistant backpack but are still worried about being outside for an extended time, putting your gear in ZipLocks first will keep it safe while it’s raining outside.
9. Underwater Camera Housings
Although it may seem excessive, an underwater camera housing will definitely protect your camera from the weather. Although there are many other ways to keep your gear out of the rain, this will let you face it head-on.
More importantly, underwater housing can let you take a DSLR or Mirrorless camera underwater and get some awesome shots. Or, if you’re shooting on or next to the water, this will save your camera if you drop it.
However, if you’re serious about diving, underwater photography, and video, you should check out our Beginner’s Guide To Underwater Video.
10. Use Reflectors instead of Lights
If you’re worried about taking your expensive lights in weather that will damage most gear, try using reflectors more. That way, you can bounce the daylight onto your talent’s face.
Not only are there many cheap reversible reflectors available, but they are not electronic, meaning they will be okay if they get wet, dusty, or anything else.
Reflectors are a great addition to a filmmaking kit regardless of the weather, and given their low price, there’s no reason you shouldn’t consider adding them to your arsenal.
11. Location Scouting
A simple and free tip for protecting your gear is to scout your locations before shooting. When you do this, be sure to look for areas where you could stage the shoot and store gear. Parks will have campgrounds with structures available.
This is also a great way to ensure the safety of your equipment. You don’t want to leave anything unattended, so having somewhere nearby to stage a shoot is essential.
Read more on location scouting.
12. Forecast
In addition to scouting a location, look at the forecast. Of course, nothing is certain, but checking the forecast is a great way to help you prepare and see what you’re in for.
Some great websites offer pretty reliable global weather predictions. Below is my personal favorite. It will give you a detailed look at the weather, including cloud cover and wind speeds, which is good to be aware of as filmmakers.
Check It Out Here: https://www.timeanddate.com/weather/
13. Crew
Having a crew is one of the best ways to ensure your gear is safe.
If possible, get a crew ready before you shoot. Even if it’s just some friends who know nothing about filmmaking, they can help move gear quickly or spread a tarp.
If you must store gear out of sight to keep it safe from the rain, assigning someone to watch it is essential. When filmmaking in easy conditions, there are already a million things to watch out for.
Giving some responsibility to someone else will let you remain more focused on what matters.
14. Silica beads
Finally, make sure you know proper camera care. Don’t change your lens in dusty or wet conditions. Store your cameras and microphones in dry places. Keep your lens cap on. There are so many different and easy steps to take that will keep your camera safe.
You know those bags of silica beads that come with everything you order? Those absorb moisture and keep things fresh.
Instead of throwing them away, please keep them in your bag. Everything helps!
Or get something like the Nanuk Silica Gel Canister Desicca Container from Adorama to add moisture to your Pelican case. It’s an inexpensive solution; you can use it repeatedly, and it is much cheaper than buying a new camera or lens because moisture and fungi build up inside.
Conclusion
Not all cameras are created equal. Certain cameras are weather-sealed or even waterproof, allowing you to take them outside with peace of mind. Others are extremely fragile.
Luckily, being weather-sealed is often a selling point and will most likely be stated under camera specifications. While you may have a weather-sealed camera, your lens may not be. So, if you know you’ll use your camera outside a lot, check up on this before buying a new one.
Also, your audio equipment may be exposed. In windy conditions, make sure your shotgun mic is protected by a blimp and dead cat, use a lavalier under your clothes in rainy conditions, or keep your shotgun mic under some kind of rain cover, and keep your preamp or external recorder safe and dry.
Finally, a lot of gear is available for DSLRs and Mirrorless cameras, but certain housing and attachments may not fit the camera you’re shooting with. This is especially pertinent when it comes to weatherproofing your camera body and lens, so make sure that the necessary steps are appropriate for your camera and gear.
I hope these tips help keep your gear safe and functional in adverse conditions.
Read Next: Quick-guide to Image Stabilization.
