The Ultimate Rainy-Weather Camera Guide for Travel Bloggers
As a travel blogger and photographer constantly navigating Scotland’s unpredictable skies, I’ve learned one truth: rain doesn’t wait for perfect light. That’s why I shoot with a dual setup—my trusty Canon EOS 4000D DSLR paired with a range of lenses, and a rugged GoPro Hero 12 for when the weather turns wild. My DSLR kit includes a 10–18mm wide-angle lens for sweeping landscapes, a 24mm f/2.8 prime for crisp street shots and low light, the versatile 18–55mm kit lens, and a 75–300mm telephoto that brings distant wildlife and stormy skies closer than ever.
Introduction
Travel bloggers know that the journey doesn’t stop when the rain starts. In fact, rainy and stormy days can lead to some of the most dramatic travel photos – if you’re prepared. This guide will help you set up a waterproof camera setup that lets you keep shooting in rainy and rough weather conditions worldwide. We’ll compare DSLR vs GoPro in bad weather, discuss usage strategies, recommend rainproof photography gear, packing tips, and how to switch between your DSLR and GoPro on the fly. With the right approach, you can capture amazing travel photography in storms without risking your equipment or missing the shot.
DSLR vs GoPro in Bad Weather: Pros & Cons
Which is the best travel camera for rain – a DSLR or a GoPro? The answer often is: both, for different reasons. DSLR cameras (and mirrorless cameras) typically offer superior image quality, interchangeable lenses, and better low-light performance. Many mid-to-pro DSLRs are weather-sealed, meaning they can handle a bit of rain or dust without trouble. For example, a weather-sealed DSLR body can keep out moisture in light rain and continue working fine. However, no DSLR is truly waterproof – a heavy downpour or full submersion can damage it. You cannot shoot underwater with a DSLR out of the box, and relying on third-party waterproof covers can be risky. In short, a DSLR is rugged but not meant to get soaked.
GoPro cameras, on the other hand, are built for abuse. A GoPro is an action camera designed to easily cope with rain, dust, shock, or sand during adventures. Its biggest advantage in bad weather is that it’s fully waterproof without any extra housing (newer GoPro models are typically waterproof to about 33 feet/10 meters). You can literally film in a downpour or even dunk a GoPro underwater, and it will keep on recording with no harm. Whatever wet or wild conditions you face, the GoPro’s sealed design has you covered. The trade-offs are in image capability: GoPros have a fixed wide-angle lens and smaller sensor. They excel at wide POV video and decent stills, but they can’t match a DSLR for high-resolution photos, depth of field control, or low-light performance. In storms or heavy rain, though, a GoPro lets you keep shooting when a DSLR must be packed away.
Bottom line: Use your DSLR when you need that high-quality shot and the weather is manageable, and switch to the GoPro when the rain really pours or for action footage. Many travel bloggers carry both for this reason. There’s no single “best travel camera for rain” – instead, learn to leverage each camera’s strengths depending on the weather.
Setting Up a Waterproof Camera Kit
Preparing your gear before heading into bad weather is crucial. Here are some usage strategies for a waterproof camera setup that includes both a DSLR and a GoPro:
Weather-Seal Your DSLR: If your camera and lens are weather-sealed, make sure all covers (battery, card slots, etc.) are closed properly. Attach a lens with a rubber gasket on the mount (common in pro lenses) if possible to prevent water ingress. Remember, “weatherproof” is not waterproof – a drizzle is fine, but you’ll need added protection in a downpour.
Use Rain Covers and Sleeves: Always pack a dedicated camera rain cover or rain sleeve for your DSLR. This is your first line of defense against heavy rain. A rain sleeve is a plastic or nylon cover that slips over your camera and lens, keeping them dry while allowing you to shoot. (We detail options in the Gear section below.) If you don’t have a formal rain cover, improvise one: even a plastic bag or a shower cap from a hotel can work in a pinch to shield your camera. The key is to prevent water from pooling on or seeping into your gear.
Prep Your GoPro: The GoPro is already waterproof, but make sure the battery door and ports are sealed tightly (especially if you opened them to swap battery or SD card). For older GoPro models that require a housing for full waterproofing, double-check that the O-ring is clean and the case is properly latched. Consider applying an anti-fog insert inside the housing in cold or humid environments to avoid the lens fogging up. A quick tip: occasionally wipe or lick the GoPro lens cover to disperse water drops, since droplets can blur your footage (the latest GoPros have hydrophobic lens coatings to help with this).
Mount for Hands-Free Use: Plan how you’ll handle both cameras. In bad weather, you often want to minimize how often you expose your DSLR. You might wear the GoPro on a body mount (chest harness or head strap) so it can capture video hands-free while you concentrate on shooting stills with the DSLR. Alternatively, mount the GoPro to a sturdy tripod or clamp if you want a steady wide shot of yourself in the scene, allowing you to step away with the DSLR. Having the GoPro mounted means you can record continuously in the rain, then quickly grab the DSLR for a few still shots when conditions allow.
Quick Switching Routine: Practice a routine for switching cameras. For example, keep your DSLR off and in your jacket or backpack until you see a photo opportunity; use the GoPro in the meantime. When you spot something worth a DSLR shot, find a bit of shelter (or use your body/coat as a shield), quickly pull out the DSLR and shoot a few frames. then cover it up again. This minimizes the DSLR’s exposure to rain. Between shots, you can let the GoPro keep rolling – it doesn’t mind getting wet at all. This tag-team approach ensures you capture everything without constantly risking your main camera.
By setting up your gear thoughtfully, you’ll be ready to handle sudden weather changes. Next, we’ll look at specific rainproof photography gear and accessories that make rainy day shooting much easier.
Rainproof Photography Gear and Accessories
A DSLR protected by a transparent rain cover, which shields the camera and lens from getting wet. Using a proper rain sleeve or cover is essential for shooting in heavy rain.
Having the right camera gear for travel bloggers in wet weather can mean the difference between getting the shot or packing up early. Below is a list of rainproof photography gear and accessories to consider adding to your kit:
Camera Rain Cover or Sleeve: A dedicated rain cover is a must for your DSLR. Products like the OP/TECH DSLR Rain Sleeve are inexpensive, lightweight plastic sleeves that slip over your camera and lens. They often come in two-packs and take up virtually no space in your bag. For more durable protection, consider a fabric rain cover like the Think Tank Hydrophobia or LensCoat RainCoat, which cinch tightly and even allow access to controls. These covers are seam-sealed to keep out heavy rain, snow, or salt. When using a rain cover, also attach a lens hood underneath – the hood will further shield the front glass from raindrops and is recommended by pros for wet shooting.
Waterproof Housing (for Extreme Conditions): If you anticipate truly soaking conditions – say shooting surfing, kayaking, or in a torrential tropical storm – you might use an underwater housing for your main camera. Brands like Ewa-Marine and DiCAPac offer flexible clear housings that fit around a DSLR or mirrorless, effectively turning it into an underwater camera. These housings let you shoot in a downpour or even underwater up to a certain depth (e.g. DiCAPac cases often protect down to ~5m/16ft). They are bulkier and slower to operate, so they’re not for everyday use – but for extreme rain or coastal storms, they keep your camera 100% dry when nothing else will.
Waterproof Camera Bag or Insert: Your camera bag itself should offer protection. Many camera backpacks come with a seam-sealed rain cover – make sure you pack it! For serious wet travel, look at fully waterproof camera backpacks (such as Lowepro’s DryZone series). These have airtight compartments that completely block water. Even if your bag isn’t waterproof, you can use dry bags or dry sack inserts inside. For example, put your camera and lenses inside a roll-top dry bag inside your normal backpack for double protection. Keeping gear dry during transit or when you’re caught in a downpour is crucial. It’s “better to be safe than sorry” with extra waterproof layers for your bag.
Lens Hood and Filters: As mentioned, always use a lens hood in rain – it’s a simple accessory that helps keep raindrops off the front element. A hood also reduces glare from stray water reflections. Some photographers also use a clear protective filter (UV or clear filter) on the lens in bad weather. This isn’t truly “rainproof gear,” but it means if mud or saltwater splashes your lens, you can just unscrew and clean the filter later, rather than scrubbing the lens itself. (Only use filters if they won’t cause fogging; in cold rain, a wet filter can sometimes fog up when removed to a warm environment, so weigh the trade-off.)
Microfiber Cloths and Lens Wipes: Pack multiple microfiber cloths in a waterproof pouch. You’ll need to continually wipe water off your lens, LCD, and viewfinder. A microfiber cloth safely wipes away moisture or grime without scratching. Keep one in your pocket for quick access and a dry spare in a zip-lock bag for later. Single-use wet lens wipes are also handy for cleaning off salt residue (salt water can leave a film). After shooting, gently wipe down all your gear with a damp cloth (fresh water) to remove salt and then dry it – this prevents corrosion.
Spare Batteries (warm and dry): Cold and wet weather can drain batteries faster. Always carry an extra camera battery (or two), and keep them in a warm inner pocket or wrapped in plastic. If your DSLR battery dies mid-shoot in rain, you don’t want to fumble with a charger outside. Likewise, have spare GoPro batteries ready – though consider that opening the GoPro in pouring rain to swap batteries could let water in. Plan to swap during a lull or under cover if possible.
GoPro Mounts and Accessories: Part of what makes GoPros great in rough weather is the variety of mounts. A few that travel bloggers find invaluable: a Chest Mount Harness for immersive POV video while keeping hands free, a Head Strap (or strap that goes on a hat/helmet) for first-person perspective, and a Suction Cup Mount for vehicles or smooth surfaces. For example, you can stick a GoPro via suction cup to a car hood, surfboard, or even a bus window in the rain – the industrial suction mount is very stable even at high speeds. These mounts let you get angles and shots with the GoPro that would be risky or impossible with a larger camera. Also consider a hand grip or tripod for the GoPro that won’t slip when wet (some grips are foam or rubber coated for this reason). Lastly, use a floating handle or strap if you’re around water (so you don’t lose the GoPro in a river or sea wave).
Silica Gel Packs: Throw a few silica gel packets in your camera bag. These desiccant packets will absorb moisture and help dry out your gear after a humid outing. When you come back to your hotel after shooting in the rain, put your camera (with battery out) in your camera bag or a sealed box with some fresh silica gel packs. This helps pull out any moisture that snuck inside, and can prevent fungus or electronic issues caused by condensation. It’s a cheap, lightweight safeguard, especially in the tropics.
These accessories will greatly improve your ability to shoot in rain. Next, let’s go over packing tips – how to organize and carry your gear so that you can deploy it quickly but also keep it safe from water.
Packing Tips for Wet Weather Travel
Travel bloggers often have to pack smart, and that’s doubly true when expecting rain. Use these packing tips to ensure your camera gear for travel stays dry yet accessible:
Layer Your Protection: Pack your gear in layers of waterproofing. For example, put cameras and lenses in dry bags or zip-lock bags inside your main camera bag. Your backpack itself should ideally have a built-in rain cover (if not, pack a separate rain cover that fits over it). This way, even if you’re hiking through a downpour, water has multiple barriers to penetrate before reaching your gear.
Easy-Access Pouch for GoPro: Keep the GoPro (and maybe a small towel) in an outer pocket or belt pouch for quick grabs. Since the GoPro can handle rain, it’s okay if this pouch isn’t 100% waterproof – the priority is that you can pull out the GoPro at a moment’s notice to capture sudden action or shoot B-roll in the storm. Some travel photographers clip a GoPro in a small case to their backpack strap for one-handed retrieval.
Secure Storage for DSLR: Your DSLR should ride in the main compartment of your bag when not in use, ideally in its rain cover already. If you anticipate rain, attach the rain sleeve to the camera before you start hiking or walking. That way you aren’t caught fumbling with it in a squall. Keep the camera turned off to prevent heat and humidity buildup inside (which can fog things up). Also, avoid changing lenses in bad weather at all costs. Decide on a versatile lens (e.g. a 24-70mm zoom) beforehand and stick with it. If you must change lenses, do it under shelter or at least under your jacket, and turn off the camera while swapping to reduce the chance of shorting anything if a few drops sneak in.
Use Padded Wraps for Gear: Within your bag, use waterproof padded wraps or pouches for each item. For instance, wrap your camera body in a dry microfiber cloth or a waterproof wrap. This not only protects against bumps but also gives a bit of water absorption if moisture does get in. Lenses can go in neoprene lens cases (many have water-resistant fabric).
Keep Things Upright: Pack your camera bag so that if rain does seep in, it won’t drip directly into your gear. For example, store the camera with the lens facing downwards or sideways, not pointing up. Gravity can help here – water will run off a covered camera instead of pooling in the lens hood or viewfinder.
Quick-Dry Items Handy: Pack a small quick-dry towel or chamois at the top of your bag. When it starts raining, you can immediately throw this over your camera or wipe your hands and gear. Also, have a dry bandana or cloth accessible to wipe your own face – water on your eyeglasses or viewfinder can hinder shooting.
Aftercare Supplies: In your luggage back at base, keep supplies to care for wet gear: silica gel packs (as mentioned), a blower and soft brush (to remove grit that might stick to a wet camera), and maybe some isopropyl alcohol wipes to disinfect or clean gear that’s been in swampy conditions. Once back indoors, wipe off any moisture on your camera and let everything dry completely before storing.
Proper packing means when the weather turns, you won’t be frantically shoving your expensive camera under your shirt (we’ve all been there!). You’ll have a system to keep gear dry and still get to it when inspiration strikes.Switching Between DSLR and GoPro on the Go
One of the challenges of carrying two camera systems is knowing when and how to switch between them, especially in the middle of rain or action. Here are some switching techniques between DSLR and GoPro gear that travel bloggers can use:
Assign Roles to Each Camera: Decide ahead of time what each camera is primarily for during a shoot. For example, you might designate the GoPro for video footage, wide-angle point-of-view clips, and any time you’re literally in the rain with no cover. The DSLR could be designated for still photos, zoom/close-up shots, and when you find an interesting subject and have a brief window to shoot. Having this in mind helps you instinctively know which camera to grab for a given moment.
Hands-Free vs Hands-On: Use the GoPro in a hands-free way whenever possible (mounted on your body or on a clamp), so it can be recording while you handle the DSLR. Suppose you’re hiking in a storm: you can record the whole experience on the GoPro chest mount, capturing immersive footage of you trekking through wind and rain, while your hands are free to hold and operate the DSLR when you want a high-quality shot of the landscape. This parallel shooting ensures you don’t miss candid moments. When you need to clamber over rocks or use trekking poles, stow the DSLR safely and let the GoPro keep capturing.
Stowing and Drawing Your DSLR: Practice a quick method to holster and unholster your DSLR. Many travel shooters use a camera holster clip on their backpack strap or belt (e.g. Peak Design Capture Clip) – this can hold the DSLR securely even while you move, yet release it in a second. This is great in light rain when you can leave the camera out (if covered) but need both hands. In heavier rain, you might keep the DSLR inside the bag; in that case, practice unzipping and pulling it out smoothly (perhaps keep the zipper one-third open for faster access when you know rain is imminent). The less time your DSLR stays exposed while switching, the better.
Use GoPro Voice Control or Remote: Newer GoPros have voice commands (e.g. “GoPro, start recording”) which can be extremely useful. Imagine you’re sheltering under a tree, camera bag open, swapping memory cards for your DSLR, and suddenly something cool happens – you can verbally command the GoPro to start recording that moment without dropping what you’re doing. Alternatively, a GoPro remote or using your phone app (if weather allows) can trigger the GoPro. This way, you “switch” to the GoPro by controlling it remotely, capturing footage while your DSLR might be momentarily out of action.
One at a Time in Practice: While it’s tempting to wield both simultaneously, realistically you will often focus on one at a time. In intense situations, explicitly decide when to put one camera away and switch to the other. For example, “I’ve got enough GoPro footage of this river crossing; I’m now going to pocket the GoPro and take out the DSLR for some still shots of the waterfall ahead.” Give yourself that mental cue. Safely secure the one you’re not using (clip it, zip it, etc.) before fully concentrating on the other. This prevents juggling and potential drops.
Synchronize Content Later: Don’t stress about capturing everything with both cameras. It’s okay if some parts of your adventure are only on GoPro and some only on the DSLR. In your travel blog or video, you’ll merge these perspectives. For instance, you might use GoPro video for the “B-roll” of you walking in the rain, then cut to a beautiful DSLR photo you took of a misty temple. They complement each other. So switch cameras based on what will best tell the story in that moment. If a lightning strike illuminates the sky, you probably want a DSLR photo if you can get it; if a huge wave is about to crash into you, better to let the GoPro handle that!
With practice, swapping between your DSLR and GoPro becomes second nature. Many travel bloggers develop an intuition – they’ll have the GoPro running by default, then pause, secure it, and pull out the DSLR when a composition or subject demands a high-quality shot. The key is secure transitions: always make sure whichever camera is not in use is strapped down or tucked away before focusing on the other. This way you won’t drop a camera while excitedly reaching for the other.
Scenario: Hiking in Rainy Conditions – Rugged Weather Camera Tips
Hiking through a rainforest or up a mountain in the rain can be both challenging and rewarding for photography. Here’s how to handle a wet hike with both DSLR and GoPro, with some rugged weather camera tips specific to trekking:
Minimal Gear, Maximum Protection: When you’re hiking, you don’t want excess weight or fiddly gear. Pick one good versatile lens for your DSLR (like a 24-105mm or 18-135mm) so you won’t need to change lenses on the trail. Mount the rain cover on the camera before you set out. If it’s only drizzling, you might keep the DSLR in an easily reachable top compartment of your pack (inside a dry sack). For heavier rain hikes, bury it a bit deeper in the pack to ensure dryness, and rely more on the GoPro for capturing footage in the moment.
Use a Chest Pack or Clip: A handy hiking trick is to use a chest-mounted camera bag or clip for your DSLR. This attaches the camera to your front straps, so it’s right at your chest. Combined with a rain cover, you can walk hands-free yet grab the camera in a second for a photo. Meanwhile, your GoPro can be on a head strap or clipped to a shoulder strap recording continuously. This setup was born for “hike and shoot” – the GoPro records the journey POV, and the DSLR is one unclipping away for any shot you deem worthy.
Beware of Condensation: In rainy, humid jungles or during strenuous hikes, your body heat and rain can create a fog on lenses. When possible, keep some airflow around your gear – for example, don’t wrap the camera in a wet jacket inside your pack (it may trap moisture). During a break, check the front of your lens and viewfinder; wipe any fog with a microfiber cloth. Also, try to store cameras in a relatively consistent temperature – sudden transitions from cold rain to your warm jacket can fog them up. If climbing to higher altitudes, the temperature drop can also induce condensation; silica packs in your camera bag can help mitigate this. Stability in Windy Peaks: If your hike reaches a windy summit or cliffside, be cautious with tripods. A lightweight travel tripod can help steady a shot in wind, but you must weight it down (hang your bag from it) to avoid it toppling. Alternatively, use the environment: brace the camera on a rock or against a tree to stabilize for a shot. For the GoPro, wind isn’t as much an issue due to its wide angle – but remember wind noise will overwhelm its mic, so consider recording with no audio or add music later for those clips.
Keep Yourself Dry (ish): Your comfort affects your photography. Wear a good rain jacket or poncho – not just for you, but because you can also use it as a mobile “tent” for the camera. For instance, some photographers stand with their back to the wind/rain and flip the poncho over the camera to shield it while shooting. Also, waterproof hiking gloves with grip are useful – cold wet hands fumble camera dials. If you can’t operate tiny buttons with gloves, use fingerless gloves or those with flip-back mitten covers.
Enjoy the Unique Shots: Embrace what rain on a hike offers: misty valleys, saturated colors of foliage, dramatic clouds over peaks, and countless waterfalls in full flow. These make for stunning images that fair-weather travellers often miss. Use the GoPro for dynamic clips – like you crossing a swollen stream – and the DSLR for capturing that double rainbow breaking through the clouds. Remember, rainy days can make for great photo opportunities if you’re prepared with the right gear. So rather than hiding the camera, use these tips to keep shooting safely. Your viewers will feel like they trekked right there with you through the mud and rain!
Scenario: Urban Travel Photography in the Rain
City scenes take on a special atmosphere in the rain – reflections on streets, moody skies, and people with colorful umbrellas. Here’s how to manage DSLR and GoPro when doing urban photography in a downpour:
Street Shooting Tactics: In a city, you can often find partial shelter. Take advantage of awnings, bus stops, or overhangs to pause and shoot. For instance, you can stand under a shop awning, use a telephoto on your DSLR to capture a distant subject through the rainy haze, then move on. Keep your DSLR under your coat when moving between spots. A great trick is using your clothing: wearing a roomy rain jacket, you can actually keep the camera slung around your neck under the jacket, then quickly unzip, shoot, and cover it again. Your body and hood can shield the camera while composing the shot. This works well for brief exposures – the camera peeks out just long enough to grab the image.
Umbrella – Friend and Foe: Carrying an umbrella can help keep you and your gear dry, but it’s also one more thing to juggle. If you have an assistant or friend, have them hold a large umbrella over you while you operate the DSLR – a classic technique for event photographers in rain. Solo, you might consider a hands-free umbrella holder (there are harnesses or clips that attach a small umbrella to your backpack or a belt). It looks a bit goofy, but it can allow you to shoot with two hands on the camera while the umbrella keeps most rain off. Just be mindful of wind – umbrellas can catch a gust and become a sail. Also, be considerate in crowded streets if you have an umbrella and a camera; you don’t want to poke someone while framing a shot.
Use the GoPro for B-Roll and Timelapses: Cities are great for timelapse or hyperlapse footage in the rain – clouds racing, lights reflecting on wet pavement, traffic trails, etc. You can set the GoPro on a mini tripod on a windowsill or under an eve to record a timelapse of a city square while you simultaneously roam around with the DSLR shooting stills. The GoPro’s wide angle can capture the whole scene (say, lightning flashing over the skyline) whereas your DSLR can focus on details (like a close-up of raindrops hitting a cafe table). Later, combining these gives a full story of the city in the storm.
Protecting Gear from City Grime: Rain in cities can be dirtier than in nature – puddle splashes may contain oil, rainwater can be acidic, and so on. After shooting, definitely wipe down your gear. If you got splashed by a passing car (it happens!), clean that as soon as possible. Also, mind your footing; city surfaces get slick. Wear shoes with good grip so you don’t fall and drop your camera. Keep a rain cover on your camera even when under shelter if cars are spraying water nearby. Your bag’s rain cover should be on whenever you’re walking in rain between locations (most bags include one hidden in a bottom pocket – use it).
Capture the Mood: Don’t shy away from using the weather to your artistic advantage. Some of the best travel photography in storms comes from cities – think of neon signs glowing on wet streets or silhouette of a person against rain-blurred windows. Use the DSLR for creative control: long exposures to make rain turn into misty streaks, or shallow depth of field to capture droplets bokeh in front of a subject. Use the GoPro for more playful content: maybe a running montage dashing between buildings, or a unique ultrawide selfie video in the rain. The contrast between polished DSLR shots and raw GoPro footage can actually give your blog viewers a well-rounded feel of the experience.
Shooting in urban rain is as much about protecting your gear as it is about quick thinking. Luckily, cities provide quick escapes – you can always dive into a café to dry off (and to let your cameras dry). Wipe your gear, recharge batteries if needed, and head back out for more once the next rain band hits!
Scenario: Stormy Coastal Conditions – Travel Photography in Storms
Few things are as exhilarating – or as gear-punishing – as photographing a stormy coastline. Giant waves, high winds, and salt spray create a dynamic environment for travel bloggers looking to capture dramatic shots. Here’s how to tackle travel photography in storms by the coast using your DSLR and GoPro:
Prioritize Safety (Yours and the Gear’s): First, never turn your back on the ocean when waves are rough. Secure yourself and your equipment. Use a tether for your DSLR if you’re on a cliff or slippery rocks (attach a secure camera strap around your body). The GoPro should either be mounted or attached to you with a floaty handle or wrist strap, especially if you’re near crashing waves – you don’t want it knocked out of your hand and washed away.
Defend Against Salt Water: Salt water is the mortal enemy of electronics. Even if your DSLR is weather-sealed, salt can corrode it. Out by the ocean, a thick rain cover or storm cover is essential – something like the LensCoat RainCoat or Aquatech shield can protect your camera and lens from salt spray as well as rain. Keep your lens hood on to reduce salt spray hitting the front. Also, bring a fresh water spray bottle in your car/hotel – after shooting, gently mist your tripod, GoPro, and any external parts of the DSLR with fresh water to rinse off salt, then dry thoroughly. (Do not spray water directly into the camera or lens openings – just the exterior surfaces).
Using the GoPro in Big Surf: This is where the GoPro truly shines. You can get it right into the action. Want a clip from inside the barrel of a wave? Go ahead – mount the GoPro on a pole and safely dip it into the wave (while you stand at a secure distance). Filming yourself getting doused by sea spray? The GoPro’s waterproof build has your back. You can even mount the GoPro on a rock or pier (using a clamp or suction cup) very close to the breaking waves to capture an extreme wide-angle shot, which would be way too dangerous for a standalone camera. If a wave knocks it, the GoPro will survive (and you can retrieve it if tethered). This kind of footage adds serious wow-factor to your travel vlog.
DSLR for Dramatic Telephoto Shots: With your DSLR, you might want to stay farther back and use a telephoto lens to capture the drama at a distance. For instance, zoom in on the moment a wave explodes against a lighthouse or the expression of a surfer battling the storm. Compose those epic shots while under shelter or from a higher vantage point to avoid direct spray. If shooting from a beach during a storm, crouch low and use any natural windbreak (like a large rock) to shield yourself and the camera. You can also shoot from inside a vehicle: if you have a car, shooting through an open window (with a rain cover draped over the door frame) can work, using the car as a shield against wind.
Wind Problems: Coastal storms mean wind. Wind can rock your camera during exposure – consider using faster shutter speeds on the DSLR to avoid blur from camera shake. A tripod could help, but in strong winds, a tripod might actually catch more wind and cause vibration or even topple. If you do use one, spread the legs low and weigh it down. When using the GoPro, wind can cause loud noise; you might later replace the audio with music or narrate over it. Also, watch out for microphonics – if the GoPro is in a housing, wind can make it rattle. Secure all mounts tightly (a little electrical tape on a GoPro mount can eliminate wobble).
Expect the Gear to Get Wet: In a true coastal storm, despite all precautions, assume everything will get at least a little wet. This mindset helps – you’ll be less nervous and more focused on shooting if you’ve accepted some risk (that you’ve mitigated as much as possible). Your DSLR in its rain cover can handle some spray and drizzle, just don’t let it get drenched outright. Your GoPro can handle full drenching. Bring extra dry cloths in a waterproof bag – you’ll need one to continually wipe your DSLR lens and LCD, and one later to dry off gear. Once done, get your equipment into a dry, warm place and follow a thorough cleaning/drying regimen.
Photographing stormy coasts is challenging but yields spectacular imagery – raging waves, dark storm clouds, and maybe even a burst of sun through the gloom. By swapping between your weather-protected DSLR for stills and your fearless GoPro for up-close action, you can cover the scene from all angles. Some of your most dramatic travel stories and photos will come from these wild days when most tourists stay indoors. Just remember to respect the power of nature while you document it.
Conclusion: Embrace the Storm
Rain and rough weather don’t have to ruin your travel photography – in fact, they can elevate it. With preparation, the right gear, and smart technique, you can confidently shoot in conditions that send others running for cover. Don’t be timid; your camera may be tougher than you think when it’s properly protected. As a travel blogger, showing the full range of experiences – sunny skies and stormy adventures – makes your content richer and more authentic. So the next time you see dark clouds on the horizon, pack your rainproof gear, grab your DSLR and GoPro, and head out anyway. You’ll capture unique images and footage that few others dare to get. After all, rugged weather camera tips like these exist so you can keep creating, rain or shine. Travel photography in storms will test your skills, but it will also reward you with memorable stories and shots. Stay safe, stay dry (mostly), and happy shooting in whatever weather the world throws at you!
