Rainbow photography is a challenging subject for photographers, simply because of the relative rarity of rainbows and the requirement for proper lighting, which makes it difficult for photographers to capture rainbows when they come around.  Rainbows are often a sign of hope, and are mentioned in a variety of historical and religious texts, and have had a large impact on culture, mythology, art and literature.  Scientifically, however, rainbows occur when light is refracted when entering a raindrop, reflected off the back of the raindrop, and then refracted again when exiting the drop, resulting in white light being split into its spectrum of colors.

This post showcases 30 inspirational and majestic rainbow photographs that will leave you hopeful and inspired, and remind you that sometimes after the darkest rainstorms, beauty can be seen on the horizon.

Enjoy the photographs!

God’s Canvas by Drew Hopper

Shower by James Puttick

Do You Dream by Garry Schlatter

Rainbow at Elgol by Freddie Ridge

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Double Treat by Gert van Duinen

Cow with Rainbow by David Ovila

Rainbow Wave by David Orias

Spring Thunderstorm by Dave Wadsworth

Rainbow Rain by Penguin Lamp

Lighthouse Meets Rainbow by Carsten Meyerdierks

The End of the Rainbow by Ian Lambert

Look Up In the Sky by Brandon Godfrey

Double Rainbow by Samuel Bitton

Rainbow over the Vale by Algo

Over the Rainbow by Hardi Budi

Over the Rainbow by Anna Ridley

Gulfoss Iceland by Xindaan

Under the Rainbow by Toope

Bring it On by Nicolas Valentin

Rainbow over the Cloud by Rafa Guervos

Rainbow Remake by Patrick Emerson

Elemental Metamorphosis by Jason Theaker

Weaving the Rainbow by Rob Hudson

Rainbow Falls by Carol Cathleen

Maid of the Mist by Philipp Klinger

Sunset Rainbow by David Putnam

Colored Day by Alonzo Diaz

The Spirit by Eric Rolph

Big Big Rainbow by Caleb Sconoscuito

Rainbow Panorama by Brandon Godfrey