Smithsonian Photo Contest Galleries

See 15 Photos That Will Remind You to Appreciate the Rain

Take a look at these Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest pictures of this precious precipitation

Photographs selected by Jeff Campagna

OPENER - Lightning from a summer monsoonal thunderstorm strikes in Tucson just as the sun sets.
Lightning from a summer monsoonal thunderstorm strikes in Tucson just as the sun sets.  Greg Robbin, Arizona, 2023

It’s been said that “into each life some rain must fall,” and that’s not always a negative thing. People go on and on about the greatness of sunshine, but rain has its benefits, too. Hydrating the planet, including all living things, is no small task, but it is a necessary one. When droughts occur, humans have been known to dance and pray for rain to return. Songs and sonnets have been written in its honor.

However, rain is not just appreciated for its function. The sound of it can soothe. Its descent can evoke a range of emotions, including awe, sadness and fear. Some cherish the smell, taste and feel of it on their skin. The sight of it can delight and surprise. Sure, people use hats, coats and umbrellas to avoid rain, but that’s not to suggest it’s hated. Even if a pair of suede shoes or a new hairstyle is ruined, most would agree that we’re better off with rain than without it. Take a look.

2 - An American flag is reflected in raindrops dangling from a fuchsia flower.
An American flag is reflected in raindrops dangling from a fuchsia flower.  Debbie Sodl, Washington, 2020
3 - Ominous clouds loom above a road, casting a heavy shadow that darkens the landscape.
Ominous clouds loom above a road, casting a heavy shadow that darkens the landscape. Zheng Ye, New Mexico, 2022
4 - Raindrops pour onto a window during a heavy rainstorm, causing a blurry glow from a high-rise building nearby.
Raindrops pour onto a window during a heavy rainstorm, causing a blurry glow from a high-rise building nearby. Ayrat Yusupov, Russia, 2021

5 - Standing alone in an open field, an old barn seemingly steels itself for an approaching storm.
Standing alone in an open field, an old barn seemingly steels itself for an approaching storm. Lori Kupsch, Canada, 2022
6 - Raindrops help hydrate a bearded iris.
Raindrops help hydrate a bearded iris. Thomas Crompton, Ohio, 2020
7 - Amid continuous rains in Chittagong, a woman shields her child using plastic as an umbrella.
Amid continuous rains in Chittagong, a woman shields her child using plastic as an umbrella. Muhammad Amdad Hossain, Bangladesh, 2023
8 - Like a scene from a sci-fi movie, lightning pierces the darkness in the distance, seemingly foreshadowing something ominous on a planet with reddish terrain.
Like a scene from a sci-fi movie, lightning pierces the darkness in the distance, seemingly foreshadowing something ominous on a planet with reddish terrain. David Swindler, Utah, 2024

9 - A serene moment unfolds as the Buddha is revealed amid a gentle rain shower.
A serene moment unfolds as the Buddha is revealed amid a gentle rain shower. Jason Au, Hong Kong, 2022
10 - Twin bolts of lightning resemble tears streaking down from the eyes of the sky.
Twin bolts of lightning resemble tears streaking down from the eyes of the sky. Antaryami Das, India, 2024
11 - Raindrops on a car windshield blur the outside view of shops of various colors, like paint dripping on a canvas.
Raindrops on a car windshield blur the outside view of shops of various colors, like paint dripping on a canvas. Abdul Hamid Abdullah, Malaysia, 2022

12 - A tarantula clings to the trunk of a tree in the midst of a rain shower.
A tarantula clings to the trunk of a tree in the midst of a rain shower. Debabrata Bagchi, India, 2024
13 - Colorful autumn trees stand in the wake of a locomotive on a rainy day.
Colorful autumn trees stand in the wake of a locomotive on a rainy day. Mikhail Markhinin, Russia, 2022

14 - Fresh rain droplets dot the surface of small leaves.
Fresh rain droplets dot the surface of small leaves. Shaili Patel, Alaska, 2024
15 - Rain clouds hover over tree-covered peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains as the sun breaks through.
Rain clouds hover over tree-covered peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains as the sun breaks through. Vicki Provost, North Carolina, 2024

Tracy Scott Forson is a senior editor at Smithsonian magazine.

Jeff Campagna

Jeff Campagna is a photo editor at Smithsonian magazine. You can follow him on Instagram at @jeffcampagna.

Planning Your Next Trip?

Explore great travel deals

A Note to our Readers Smithsonian magazine participates in affiliate link advertising programs. If you purchase an item through these links, we receive a commission.