OpenSourcePhoto > Why do dresses "glow" in the rain?

the real Carrie V

July 16 2007, 07:21 AM

I'm not complaining, because I don't get my panties in a wad about things like that, really... but I've noticed that whenever we photograph brides in rain, or even the slightest drizzle, we get this particular glowing effect that is different than just regular blowing out the details... Actually, at 100% crop, you can still see all the beading and bling on the skirt. Also, when I convert the glowing bride to BW, the look is different, less luminescent.

I guess the real question is this:

Would you do some PS work to take down the brightness of the gown? Or does it just translate as a rainy day? Or am I just making no sense because of the whole Monday thing?

Michelle Ross

July 16 2007, 07:25 AM

I wouldn't PS it- it looks like a glow-y effect.
I'm sure it's the humidity fogging your lens- especially if you have come from an inside air-conditioned area/car to a hot rainy park.

reneereedy

July 16 2007, 07:36 AM

I also had this effect from a wedding 7/7. They wanted to play in the rain after the reception.

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July 16 2007, 08:24 AM

I would guess three things contribute...

1. Wet natural surfaces are usually darker, especially wood and stone. This leads to a greater contrast between the environment and the dress.

3. Nice flat even overcast lighting leaves little contrast in the white dress - making it glowey.

2. The moisture in saturated air is causing a slight halo effect on the bright elements, such as the dress. The same effect is seen in oncoming headlights on a rainy, humid night.

s

the real Carrie V

July 16 2007, 10:48 AM

QUOTE(Steve Madden @ July 16 2007, 12:24 PM)

I would guess three things contribute...

1. Wet natural surfaces are usually darker, especially wood and stone. This leads to a greater contrast between the environment and the dress.

3. Nice flat even overcast lighting leaves little contrast in the white dress - making it glowey.

2. The moisture in saturated air is causing a slight halo effect on the bright elements, such as the dress. The same effect is seen in oncoming headlights on a rainy, humid night.
s

I feel so dumb! You answered this so easily, and it, of course, makes perfect sense!! Thanks!!

4HisGlory Photography

July 16 2007, 01:00 PM

Carrie,
I'd like to add some more "technical" reasons to Steve's explanation.

1) Dark objects absorb light, white objects reflect light (hence the contrast Steve talked about. Additionally, the dark wet objects will not reflect light back into the eyes/camera.)
2) Rain/moisture acts as a reflector, a refractor, and a "lens"

The light rays coming from the nice even overcast sky lightsource are refracted onto the white dress. As Steve mentioned the highlights get blown as the light is refracted/focused (like a lens) into the white dress, making it "brighter" than normal (think how diamonds sparkle). Now, add the rain/moisture between your eyes (or camera) and the dress. The raindrops/mist/moisture closer to the dress actually reflect AND refract, adding additional light but also allowing some of that light outwards in all direction, creating the "halo" or glowing affect. (Similar physics apply in rainbow creation but need only "bright" sunlight and rain -- and the right viewpoint) At least that's my theory...

Mike

Tony Yu

July 18 2007, 08:05 AM

QUOTE(Steve Madden @ July 16 2007, 12:24 PM)

I would guess three things contribute...

1. Wet natural surfaces are usually darker, especially wood and stone. This leads to a greater contrast between the environment and the dress.

3. Nice flat even overcast lighting leaves little contrast in the white dress - making it glowey.

2. The moisture in saturated air is causing a slight halo effect on the bright elements, such as the dress. The same effect is seen in oncoming headlights on a rainy, humid night.

s

Thank you for the explanation sir!!!

Kevin King

July 18 2007, 10:03 AM

I wish we had rain.