Rainy Day Solutions

 “What do we do if it rains?” is a question I frequently get asked when a client books an outdoor family photo session. Every photographer has their own policy about how they handle this situation. Here is how I usually deal with this. 

Keeping a close eye on the weather forecast is a great point to start. Within a week the weather forecast can easily change. While a day may be forecasted to be rainy a week ahead of time, it might turn out to be gorgeous – all sunny and dry. I recommend we don’t make any decisions until the evening before your session.

I ask my families to be flexible when it comes to the timing on the day of their session. I try to avoid switching the date of the shoot completely as it often is difficult to reschedule a session. Sometimes the weather is calling for a rainy morning and a less rainy afternoon and we can move the shoot a few hours. Also keep in mind that bright sunshine is not necessarily the best weather for a photo shoot. Cloudy weather is actually great for pictures. Clouds are nature’s diffuser and create a beautiful soft light.

If we are looking at the weather the night before and there is no doubt it will rain the next day, then let’s evaluate how much and when it will rain. If it is just for just a little bit how about we start your session indoors. My first suggestion usually is to consider somewhere inside for at least part of your session if it is rainy. There are quiet a few backup indoor location options that can be SO much fun.

Here are a couple of my favorite indoor photo ideas and locations:

1.  Your own home!
   I love in-home sessions especially if you have kids. At home everybody is at ease. We can play with toys and read books, hang out on the couch or the bed for a pillow fight. Or how about spending some time in the kitchen baking your favorite treat?
2. Greenhouse
   Protected from the rain but awesome lighting for photos. Think of some locations that have greenhouses or glass-covered areas such as Felmley Collections Greenhouse or local nurseries. These locations both have great indoor natural light, as well as outdoor options for photos.
3. Barns, Brick building or wrap-around porch
   Here in Illinois we have plenty of old barns that would make for an awesome rustic background. An old farmhouse with a wrap around porch or downtowns brick buildings.
4. Museums
   Think McLean County Museum with its arched entrance and the gorgeous rotunda or Ewing Manor with its old world charm. Only downside to these locations is the entrance or photo session fee you will have to pay. But sometimes it’s worth it! 
5. Nerd Out
   And while we are at it tap into your geeky aka awesome side. The library, bookstore, arcade, comic or record store also make for awesome pictures. 
6. Covered Bridges, Tunnels and Walkways
   Any of the above will keep us out of the rain. And they make for awesome rustic backgrounds. We could try Camelback Bridge on the Constitution Trail, the little Covered Bridge at Funks Cove or the Stone Bridge at Forest Park. 
7. Means of Transportation
   Here is a fun way to think outside the box. Lets take a ride! Consider places that offer great window light, or add a fun atmosphere to your session. A bus, trolley or train ride could be fun.

These are only a few options that we have together, should the weather take a turn on us. And you might have ideas for additional ones we can work with. But before I end this blog entry here is one more to consider. How about …

Shooting IN the rain!

The most obvious solution of all I guess is shooting IN the rain. If you do not mind the rain then lets embrace it. Put on those rain boots and a jacket and get ready to jump in some puddles. Or I will bring a clear umbrella and you and the hubby can cuddle up underneath. Or we will go downtown where the awnings of shops will shield us from the rain and the brick façades and street lanterns will make for an awesome background. Don’t like the downtown feel? Then lets hit the trails where trees will do the same for us. 

Whatever happens we will work together and make sure that the solution is something you feel happy with. 

 Let me know in the comments below if you enjoyed this read and if you have any other ideas that come to mind for rainy day photo shoot locations.