Should you be out there taking wildlife photographs when it is raining? My answer is absolutely YES, providing there is not lightning! When I take students on workshops, I typically do not pack up the gear at the first sign of rain. Well, you kind of need to have weather sealed pro lenses and you might want to put a garbage bag on your expensive 600mm (just poke a whole in one of the corners, then slide the lens through it).

Wood Stork in flight under the rain. This photograph was created at Dit Dot Dash, Florida.
ISO 1250 | f/5.6 | 1/2000 | Manual Mode | AI servo rear focusing
This photograph was created with the Canon 600mm f/4 L IS II USM lens (Canon 600mm f/4 L IS II USM review), the Canon EOS 5D mark III handheld.
I really like the added effect of the water drops to this Wood Stork in flight. It looks almost surreal to me. As often as I can, I adventure out there during rainy days. And think about it, you can achieve a creation that is quite different from the usual stuff. 🙂

Young American White Ibis portrait along the mangrove trees. This photograph was created at Long Bar Pointe, Sarasota Bay, Florida.
ISO 1250 | f/5.6 | 1/1250 | Manual Mode | AI servo rear focusing
This photograph was created with the Canon 600mm f/4 L IS II USM lens (Canon 600mm f/4 L IS II USM review) coupled with the 1.4x Extender III, the Canon EOS 5D mark III handheld.
This immature American White Ibis is striking a nice pose looking to its right. Remember that for head shot portraits, it is better to frame so that the head is in one of the upper corners.
Would you like to have a chance to be in the African savannah while learning priceless in-the-field wildlife photography tips? Join me to the BOTSWANA & VICTORIA FALLS PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR next September 2014! I will teach you step by step how to create the best African safari photos. From beginners to professionals. THE FIRST THREE REGISTRANTS WILL BENEFIT FROM A $500 DISCOUNT!
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Steven