Rainy Day Photography for Saturated Photos

First up is my declaration: stay safe above all else! I do not advocate shooting outdoors during thunderstorms.  Please heed: Carbon Fiber is a great conductor. 

Why would you want to go shoot while it is raining?  The top three reasons are color Saturation, very even lighting, and excellent reflections.

1. You will lose the battle if I do not shoot in heavy driving downpours. I choose days when the rain drizzles or when a passing rain cloud has dropped some moisture.  
2. Timing: Check your local weather forecast (use a phone app) and try to time your trek with the gradually diminishing rain so you do not have too much to deal with as you get to your location.  
3. Dealing with rain: I always carry my camera on my tripod with the lens attached, If your camera is not weather sealed I suggest carrying your camera in a bag/backpack. I carry my camera out on the tripod with a bag over it to keep it dry until I get to the side with the camera and lens down @ about 40 degrees, then carry the tripod and camera over my shoulder. I know I have a good carry when the lens touches my back as I walk. I place a plastic bag over the entire setup while I carry it. It does not matter how you carry - have complete rain protection from the onset. My method ensures everything is ready to go, NO worries.

• I carry two or three microfiber towels large enough to cover the entire camera and lens combo. Once I am ready to shoot, the micro towel goes around the camera and lens before I pull it from the plastic bag. My Micro Towels are 12 x 16 inches and give you several minutes to safely compose while it wicks away any moisture from your trig.
• Secondly, I use a think tank water-resistant belt bag to carry a second large plastic bag, water bottles, and other things.
• Keep your gear wiped up and as dry as possible using the second towel 

Things to watch for Diminishing weather conditions. Don't hesitate to pull out if you see the weather going badly.  

• Look for rain on the lens element, filter, and wide-angle lenses, especially as rainfall drops may appear in your images.
• Look around. The best shot may be behind you; look, scan, and re-scan.
• Your lens selection. Wow - my wonderful Nikkor 19mm PCE is not well suited for rainy days - and that is too bad; the front lens element is out and exposed, making it difficult to protect the lens element from raindrops. This also includes fisheyes, and another bulbous lens (14-24)

Equipment: Keep it simple. Carry just what you need.

• I always carry a polarizing filter for my rain shots.  
• My lens selection depends on my intent. Anything from fisheye to 300mm