What to Do When It Rains on Your Family Photography Shoot: A Complete Guide!
Rain on your scheduled family photo session doesn’t have to be a disaster! In fact, with the right approach, rainy-day photography can create amazing photos, and I am always prepared for all weather conditions!
Why Rainy-Day Family Photos Can Be Amazing:
Rainy conditions create distinctive lighting & reflections. The soft, diffused light eliminates harsh shadows and creates even skin tones. Plus, rain often brings families closer together – literally and emotionally – resulting in cosy photos.
Post-Rain Photography:
The most opportunity is immediately after a rain shower, I had just started this big family group photoshoot and the heavens opened! We very quickly popped up some umbrellas and found some cover under the trees. 5 mins late wer had some beautiful sunshine!
This golden window offers some great advantages:
- Golden hour: When the sun breaks through after rain, it creates an intensified golden glow as light reflects off wet surfaces.
- Rainbow opportunities: The combination of moisture in the air and breaking sunlight creates perfect conditions for rainbows as natural backdrops.
- Air clarity: Rain washes particulates from the air, creating exceptional clarity and vibrant colours.
- Puddle reflections: Fresh puddles offer perfect natural mirrors for creative composition.
Tips for a rainy photoshoot:
- Colourful rain boots: These make fab props and keep feet dry!
- Transparent umbrellas: These look better in photos than coloured ones
- Extra clothing: Suggest bringing a change of clothes for after the shoot
- Waterproof makeup: For adult subjects to prevent running mascara
Best Locations for Rainy Day Family Photography:
- Park pavilions with open sides for natural light
- Historic building porticos with architectural interest
- Covered bridges that offer natural framing
As an alternative if the weather is awful then an At-Home lifestyle capturing your family naturally is a good option!
Photos that we can create for Rainy Sessions:
- Your family huddled under a single large umbrella
- Children jumping in puddles
- Reflections in wet surfaces for creative doubles
- Silhouettes against bright rainy backgrounds
- Close-ups of hands holding umbrellas or raindrops on eyelashes
- From-below shots through clear umbrellas
Before every photo shoot I will be in touch, so we have a final plan for your shoot and if the weather is really challenging, we can decide on the following 3 options:
- Proceed with the session (great for light rain with our rainy-day preparation)
- Shift to an indoor location alternative
- Reschedule to a new date within 30 days at no additional fee
Also, if we begin a session and encounter unexpected heavy rain, we’ll capture what we can and offer a mini makeup session at a 50% discount.
Ready to book your Adventure Photo Shoot?
Book here for upcoming sessions:
https://debbieharephotography.pixieset.com/booking/
Or email me to secure a preferred date: Debbie at Hello@debbieharephotography.co.uk
Please see my family photography page with all the booking details and prices: https://www.debbieharephotography.co.uk/family-photography/
Bluebell sessions: Bookings open in March for April-May slots – Early booking recommended as these get very busy.
Summer Meadow Sessions open in May for June-August
Autumn & Winter: Bookings open in July for September, October and November