There have been plenty of times that I have cancelled a shoot due to bad weather. But…more often than not, if I choose to press through (and my subjects opt to give it a go) I’ve gotten some of my most favorite images in less than ideal weather conditions.
Check out some of the following scenarios:
Usually, people cancel because they’re scared. Either the fear of getting any good images is present, or just the plain fear of shooting or being photographed is prominent enough that weather can be used as the ultimate excuse to put it off just a little longer.
Why should you consider still shooting in challenging weather?
1. Some of the most amazing lighting conditions happen in relationship to storms.
There is no way I would have gotten a rainbow in this session if we didn’t go ahead as scheduled, despite the rain.
2. It’s a great opportunity to use unique props.
Umbrellas, hats, or even things like kites or billowing dresses all work magically with a little help from the weather.
3. It allows you to get creative with your alternative options.
I choose to shoot outdoors the majority of the time, but if I’m forced to consider other options due to weather, it’s been a fun creative challenge to shoot in new indoor locations that I wouldn’t have considered otherwise.
This recent session with photographer Sarah Grace and her family had wind and rain up until the very minute we were supposed to shoot. We said we’d shoot for 15 minutes and if it got worse we would re-schedule. Turns out 15 minutes was all the time we needed to get the family shots, and we squeezed in another 15 minutes for some couple shots.
You never know unless you try 🙂
Brooke Snow is a Lifestyle photographer in Cache Valley, Utah. She loves Anne of Green Gables, the month of September, and fresh raspberries with whole milk and sugar.
Brooke teaches inspiring online photography classes that bring you confidence in your skills and creativity.
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One Response
Brooke! Aww our session was posted here again:) I want to take your beginners class SO BAD haha…I just don’t know if I have the time during the week with little Alex, and I hate committing and then not being able to deliver. I absolutely LOVED your post with the girl and the wind session, it made me want to learn even more. One day haha waiting for Alex to give a bit more time during the day. Thanks!