Weathering the Weather

Photographers are always at odds with the weather. Whether it is a wedding day, anniversary session, or head shots, sometimes mother nature is not always on the same page. But here’s what I’ve come to learn over the past few years: the weather is going to do what the weather is going to do. I have a choice each time I go out to shoot; I can stress about it or make the best of it. So here are some tips for weathering the weather!

Have a Rain Plan

If you’re getting married outside, talk to your venue about what you will do if it rains. Best case scenario you have the plan and never have to use it. But in the case of rain, better to have it than not. If your venue has no kind of covered space, look into tent rentals! Many rental companies also over tent extension options if you need to expand an already planned for tent in case of a downpour. Then again, you always have those guests who don’t mind dancing in the rain!

Pack Clear Umbrellas

These things may seriously be some of the best things ever invented. If your session or wedding is taking place outside, look into having some clear umbrellas on hand! Check with your photographer first, a lot of us will keep some of these as part of our go-to supplies, but otherwise you can find them on Amazon! While these can’t help all your wedding guests, they can help out your bridal party a ton. Some of my favorite wedding images I’ve see have involved lots of wet faces, clear umbrellas, and lots of smiles.

Embrace It

Sometimes the fact of the matter is there’s nothing we can do about the weather. I’ve been in many circumstances where it felt like the thunder and lightning was at my heals and I was feeling all the stress. But the thing is, sometimes it rains. Not only that, sometimes it’s really fun to dance in the rain. We can’t control the weather, so if you’ve got photos to take and the weather is doing its thing, just embrace it. Get a little wet, splash in the puddles, enjoy the moments of marriage, engagement, or whatever the celebration is for you.

Fun Fact: all of these photos were taken when it was about to storm, when it was storming, or it had just stormed. They are some of my favorite moments I’ve captured, not because it was perfect lighting or an expensive venue, but because all these sweet people were truly focused on what mattered in the moment. So as we approach the season of crazy weather, I encourage everyone to embrace it! Trust your photographers and let them help with rain plans, plan Bs, and know you’re in good hands. Whatever may come, we’ll weather the storm.