Grizzly bear fishing during thunderstorm - dramatic weather in wildlife photography
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Grizzly bear fishing in Alaskan river during a dramatic thunderstorm, lightning striking mountains in background, rain streaking through the frame, bear completely focused on salmon, power of nature on display, Brooks Falls Katmai, wildlife documentary masterpiece, shot on 400mm at f/4
Nature Photography Masterclass

Weather and Atmosphere

in Wildlife and Nature Photography

Master the art of prompting dramatic weather conditions that transform ordinary wildlife shots into extraordinary moments. From approaching storms to gentle mist, learn to harness atmosphere as your most powerful storytelling tool.

InteractiveNature PhotographyWeather

When Weather Becomes the Story

The most memorable wildlife and nature photographs share a common element: weather that transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. A lion in sunshine is beautiful. A lion emerging from fog is unforgettable. Understanding how to prompt atmospheric conditions opens a new dimension in AI image generation—one where environment becomes as important as subject.

Nano Banana Pro excels at rendering weather conditions because of its understanding of light physics, particle systems, and atmospheric perspective. The model responds particularly well to specific weather vocabulary—not just "rain" but "torrential rain with visible streaks," not just "fog" but "morning mist creating depth layers." This guide will teach you the precise language that makes weather come alive.

Tension

Storm Drama

Nothing creates tension like an approaching storm. Learn to harness dramatic weather for emotional impact.

Approaching Storm
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
African elephant herd crossing golden savanna as massive thunderstorm approaches from the horizon, ominous dark purple-gray storm clouds building dramatically against golden afternoon light, wind beginning to bend the grass, dust rising, matriarch leading family toward distant acacias, the contrast between warm sunlit foreground and threatening sky, Botswana Okavango Delta, shot on 200mm at f/8, Frans Lanting documentary style

Approaching Storm

Building tension

Lightning Strike
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Grizzly bear standing in Alaskan river catching salmon as lightning bolt strikes distant mountain peak, dramatic storm illumination, rain beginning to fall, bear completely focused on the fish ignoring the weather, the raw power of nature on display, Brooks Falls Katmai, forked lightning frozen in time, shot on 400mm at f/4 1/8000s, wildlife documentary masterpiece

Lightning Strike

Electric drama

Wind Effects
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Wild horses running across Montana prairie in fierce wind, manes and tails streaming horizontally, grass bent flat in waves, dark storm clouds racing overhead, sense of freedom and wild energy, Pryor Mountains, dust and debris catching the light, shot on 300mm at f/5.6 at 1/2000s freezing the motion, Tim Flach aesthetic

Wind Effects

Movement and energy

Dramatic Cloudscape
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Lone acacia tree silhouetted against spectacular mammatus clouds at dusk, the bizarre bubble-like cloud formations glowing orange and purple from setting sun below the storm, Serengeti Tanzania, tree as small dark anchor against massive sky drama, wide composition emphasizing cloud texture, shot on 24mm at f/11, landscape photography at its most dramatic

Dramatic Cloudscape

Sky as subject

Storm imagery works through contrast—the calm subject against the chaotic sky, warm foreground light against cold storm clouds, the ordinary moment before extraordinary weather. The key is describing the storm's approach or presence while keeping the subject as the anchor of the composition.

Key insight: Lightning works best when described as distant and background. "Lightning striking distant mountains" is more effective than "lightning bolt near the animal." Also describe the light it creates—the brief illumination, the dramatic contrast.

Generate dramatic weather scenes today

No complex setup. No API keys. Just drop an img tag into your HTML and start generating stunning atmospheric wildlife imagery with Nano Banana Pro and 40+ leading models.

Texture

Rain and Wet Conditions

Rain reveals new textures and creates reflections. Master the vocabulary of precipitation.

Tiger in monsoon rain - dramatic wet weather wildlife
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Tiger walking through monsoon rain in Indian jungle, torrential downpour creating visible rain streaks against dark forest background, water streaming off the magnificent striped coat, pools forming on jungle floor, the determined predator continuing its patrol despite the storm, Bandhavgarh India, shot on 400mm at f/4 1/500s capturing the rain lines, dramatic wildlife documentary moment
Rain Streaks
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Mountain gorilla sitting contemplatively in heavy tropical rain, rain streaks visible against the dark forest background, water streaming off the silverback's fur, leaves around him dripping and glistening, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest Uganda, the gentle patience of waiting out the storm, shot on 400mm at f/4 1/500s capturing the rain lines, intimate wildlife documentary moment

Rain Streaks

Visible precipitation

Wet Fur Texture
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Red fox in the rain, fur completely soaked and matted showing the lean body beneath, water droplets hanging from whiskers, ears flattened, yet alert and hunting, English countryside, grass glistening with moisture, overcast soft light revealing every texture, shot on 500mm at f/5.6, the reality of wild life in all weather

Wet Fur Texture

Soaked detail

Puddle Reflections
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Leopard walking along a wet trail after rain, perfect reflection in a shallow puddle creating symmetry, the spotted coat doubled in the mirror image, South Luangwa Zambia, soft post-rain light, steam rising gently from warm ground, shot on 600mm at f/4, the magic of reflections in wildlife photography

Puddle Reflections

Mirror world

Misty Rain
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
White-tailed deer family grazing in gentle misty rain, a soft veil of drizzle creating ethereal atmosphere, forest edge blurred by precipitation, grass beaded with moisture, Great Smoky Mountains Tennessee, peaceful and meditative mood, muted earth tones, shot on 300mm at f/4, painterly quality

Misty Rain

Soft atmosphere

Tip: Rain needs contrast to be visible. Specify "rain streaks visible against dark background" or "backlit rain catching light." Also describe the effect on textures—wet fur appears darker and matted, feathers lose their fluffiness, surfaces become reflective.

Mystery

Mist and Fog

Nothing creates ethereal atmosphere like mist. Learn to use fog as a compositional tool.

Valley Mist
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Elk herd emerging from morning mist in mountain valley, fog creating distinct depth layers with closer animals sharp and distant ones ghostly, antlers of the bull catching first sunlight above the mist line, Rocky Mountains Colorado, the magic of dawn in wild places, shot on 200mm at f/5.6, ethereal wildlife moment

Valley Mist

"Elk herd emerging from morning mist in mountain valley, fog ..."

Forest Fog
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Gray wolf moving through dense fog in old-growth forest, silhouette barely visible against the white, trees fading into infinity, Pacific Northwest, sense of mystery and the wild unknown, wet ferns in foreground providing depth, shot on 400mm at f/4, moody atmospheric wildlife photography

Forest Fog

"Gray wolf moving through dense fog in old-growth forest, sil..."

Emerging from Mist
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
African lion emerging from thick morning mist, only the head and shoulders visible as the body disappears into white fog behind, eyes piercing through the atmosphere, Masai Mara Kenya, dramatic natural framing by the weather, rim light catching the mane edges, shot on 600mm at f/4, iconic wildlife portrait

Emerging from Mist

"African lion emerging from thick morning mist, only the head..."

Mist on Water
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Great blue heron standing motionless in lake with mist rising from water surface, still reflection despite the swirling fog, soft pink sunrise light filtering through, the bird as a dark elegant silhouette, Minnesota lake country, zen-like calm and patience, shot on 500mm at f/5.6, meditation in nature

Mist on Water

"Great blue heron standing motionless in lake with mist risin..."

Mist and fog create depth through selective obscuration. The magic lies in layers—sharp foreground, softening middle ground, ghostly background. This natural atmospheric perspective draws the eye to your subject while creating mystery in the surroundings.

Mist Vocabulary

Morning Mist

Low-lying, often in valleys, burns off with sun

Dense Fog

Heavy obscuration, visibility meters, ghostly shapes

Rising Mist

Steam from water or ground, swirling upward motion

Ethereal Haze

Light atmospheric diffusion, soft edges, dreamy quality

Winter

Snow and Ice

From gentle flurries to blizzard conditions, master the spectrum of winter weather.

Light Snowfall
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Red fox hunting mice in light snowfall, ears perked and focused, individual snowflakes visible against dark fur, white dusting on back and ears, Yellowstone winter, the classic pounce pose preparing to leap, soft gray overcast light, shot on 500mm at f/4 1/1000s freezing falling snow, wildlife documentary moment

Light Snowfall

Gentle flurries

Heavy Snow
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Bison bull walking through heavy blizzard in Yellowstone, snow caking on the massive head and hump, ice forming on beard, visibility reduced to meters, the animal's determination against the elements, warm breath creating steam clouds, shot on 300mm at f/4 high ISO, the harsh reality of winter survival

Heavy Snow

Blizzard conditions

Snow on Animals
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Japanese macaque in hot spring with snow falling and accumulating on head and shoulders, steam rising from water contrasting with cold snowflakes, pink face visible through white powder, other monkeys huddled together, Jigokudani Japan, shot on 400mm at f/5.6, the famous snow monkeys in their element

Snow on Animals

Realistic accumulation

Ice Crystals
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Close-up of moose exhaling in extreme cold, breath instantly crystallizing into visible ice crystals in the air, frost forming on eyelashes and fur around muzzle, -30 degree Alaskan winter morning, blue-white cold color palette, macro detail of the frozen breath, shot on 600mm at f/4, the extreme of winter wildlife

Ice Crystals

Frozen detail

Note: Snow accumulation on animals needs to match conditions. In light snow, specify "dusting of snow on shoulders and head." In blizzards, describe "snow caking on fur" and "ice forming on whiskers." The amount of snow on the subject tells the story of how long they've been in the storm.

Heat

Dust and Heat

Warm climate atmospherics—dust clouds, heat shimmer, and the drama of dry seasons.

Dust Clouds
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Wildebeest stampede kicking up massive dust cloud during Great Migration, animals emerging and disappearing in the golden haze, chaotic energy and survival instinct, Masai Mara Kenya, late afternoon light turning dust into glowing amber fog, shot on 200mm at f/5.6 1/2000s, the drama of mass movement
Dust Clouds

"Wildebeest stampede kicking up massive dust cloud during Great Migration, animals emerging and disap..."

Heat Shimmer
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Lion walking across sun-baked salt pan, heat shimmer distorting the air around and behind the animal, mirage effect making the lion appear to float, Etosha Namibia, midday harsh light, the brutal reality of African heat, telephoto compression emphasizing the shimmer, shot on 600mm at f/8
Heat Shimmer

"Lion walking across sun-baked salt pan, heat shimmer distorting the air around and behind the animal..."

Backlit Particles
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Elephant herd at golden hour with dust particles catching backlight like floating gold, trunks spraying dust in greeting ritual, each particle illuminated against the shadowed landscape behind, Amboseli Kenya with Kilimanjaro silhouette, shot on 300mm at f/4 wide open for maximum particle glow, Frans Lanting signature style
Backlit Particles

"Elephant herd at golden hour with dust particles catching backlight like floating gold, trunks spray..."

Dry Season Drama
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Cheetah surveying the cracked dry earth of an empty waterhole, dramatic contrast between the elegant predator and the harsh drought conditions, dust devils spinning in the distance, bleached bones visible, Botswana dry season, survival against the odds, shot on 400mm at f/5.6, environmental wildlife portrait
Dry Season Drama

"Cheetah surveying the cracked dry earth of an empty waterhole, dramatic contrast between the elegant..."

Dust and heat create atmosphere through light interaction. Dust particles glow when backlit by golden hour sun. Heat shimmer distorts distant objects with mirage effects. The key is describing how these conditions affect the visual quality of the image—reduced visibility, particle illumination, wavy distortion.

Reference

The Weather Forecast

Quick reference prompts for common weather conditions. Copy and adapt these patterns.

Light Rain

gentle rain, droplets on fur, wet grass, overcast soft light

"Brown bear fishing in river during gentle rain, droplets visible on wet fur, soft overcast light creating even illumination, Katmai Alaska"

Heavy Rain

torrential rain, water streaming, rain streaks visible, dark storm light

"Tiger walking through torrential rain in Indian monsoon, water streaming off coat, rain streaks visible against dark forest, Bandhavgarh"

Morning Mist

morning mist, ethereal atmosphere, soft diffused light, emerging from fog

"Deer family emerging from morning mist at dawn, ethereal atmosphere with soft diffused light, ghostly silhouettes in background"

Dense Fog

thick fog, visibility limited, ghostly silhouettes, mysterious atmosphere

"Wolf pack silhouetted in dense fog, visibility limited to meters, ghostly shapes, mysterious wild atmosphere"

Light Snow

light snowfall, flakes visible, dusting of snow on subject, winter gray light

"Owl perched on branch in light snowfall, individual flakes visible, dusting of snow on feathers, winter gray sky"

Blizzard

heavy blizzard, whiteout conditions, snow caking on fur, reduced visibility, harsh winter

"Musk ox in heavy blizzard, snow caking on long coat, near whiteout conditions, arctic survival"

Storm Approaching

dramatic storm clouds, dark threatening sky, contrast with lit foreground, building tension

"Zebra herd grazing as dramatic storm approaches, dark threatening sky contrasting with sunlit stripes, Serengeti tension"

Dust Storm

dust clouds, particles catching light, reduced visibility, golden haze

"Oryx moving through dust storm in Namib Desert, particles catching harsh light, dramatic reduced visibility"

Mastery

Putting It All Together

A masterwork combines multiple weather elements into a single powerful image.

Grizzly bear fishing during thunderstorm - masterwork weather photography
Model: gemini-3-pro-image-preview
Grizzly bear fishing in Alaskan river during a dramatic thunderstorm, lightning striking distant snow-capped mountains, rain streaking through the frame creating diagonal lines of precipitation, the bear completely focused on catching salmon oblivious to the weather chaos around him, water spray frozen mid-splash as a fish leaps, dark purple storm clouds contrasting with silver river surface, the raw power of both animal and nature on display, Brooks Falls Katmai, shot on 400mm at f/4 at 1/2000s freezing both lightning and rain, National Geographic documentary masterpiece, the convergence of patience and power
The Complete Storm Moment

"Grizzly bear fishing in Alaskan river during a dramatic thunderstorm, lightning striking distant snow-capped mountains, rain streaking through the frame creating diagonal lines of precipitation, the b..."

What makes this work

  • Multiple weather elements: storm, lightning, rain
  • Subject behavior contrasts with weather chaos
  • Visible rain streaks proving precipitation
  • Lightning distant for realism
  • Color contrast: purple storm vs silver water

Prompt structure

  • 1.Subject + behavior + location
  • 2.Primary weather condition (storm)
  • 3.Secondary element (lightning)
  • 4.Visible particles (rain streaks)
  • 5.Technical specs + documentary reference
Practice

Create Your Weather Moment

Apply what you've learned using Nano Banana Pro. Experiment with storms, rain, mist, snow, and atmospheric effects.

Generated visual
https://demo.imagegpt.host/image?prompt=Lone+wolf+howling+on+rocky+outcrop+during+snowstorm%2C+snow+swirling+around+the+silhouette%2C+flakes+visible+against+dark+fur%2C+distant+mountains+obscured+by+the+blizzard%2C+the+sound+of+the+wild+carrying+through+the+storm%2C+Yellowstone+winter%2C+shot+on+500mm+at+f%2F4+high+ISO%2C+atmospheric+wildlife+documentary&model=google%40gemini-3-pro-image-preview&aspect_ratio=4%3A3

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Takeaways

  • 1.

    Weather affects light Every weather condition changes how light behaves. Describe both the weather and its effect on illumination—overcast diffusion, storm contrast, mist glow.

  • 2.

    Be specific about intensity Light rain, heavy rain, torrential downpour—intensity dramatically changes the image. Use precise modifiers rather than generic terms.

  • 3.

    Include particle details Visible rain streaks, falling snowflakes, dust particles catching light—these details prove the weather exists rather than just affecting mood.

  • 4.

    Describe animal response How does the subject react to weather? Wet fur, snow accumulation, seeking shelter, ignoring the storm—behavior sells the atmosphere.

  • 5.

    Layer the atmosphere Great atmospheric shots have depth—clear foreground, misty middle, obscured background. Describe how weather creates visual layers.

Command the elements.
Create the weather.