What Happens If It Rains at My Family Photoshoot? | DFW Family Photographer
What To Do If It Rains On Your Photoshoot? Will it ruin everything I've planned?
Updated January 2023
Most of us would prefer to do our photoshoots without any disturbance from the rain. But you can't control rain, and photoshoots don't happen every day.
Fortunately, rain wouldn't necessarily ruin your photoshoot. If you (or your photographer) is creative enough, rain can make your photoshoot better than anything you'd have expected.
Let's explore more about what can happen and what you can do if it rains at your family photo session.
The Importance of Family Photos
Family photos can be a wonderful way to look back on happy memories and the love you have for one another. They are a reminder of the unique bond you share, and a way to keep those memories alive. Whether a formal family portrait or a candid shot, a family photo is a treasure to be treasured.
Will rain ruin your family photoshoots?
When you're excited about the family photoshoot, the last thing you want is rain. But rain doesn't have to ruin a photoshoot! On the contrary, rain can make your family photo sessions all the more memorable.
Don't let a little rain dampen your spirits or your photoshoot! Let us help you make the most of the rain in your family photo sessions.
If It Rains During Your Photoshoot, Don’t Panic
It's natural to feel disappointed when unexpected rain ruins a carefully planned photoshoot. But it's important to remember that rain is just water and not the end of the world. There are still plenty of ways to make the most of your family photo session and capture beautiful, unique memories despite the rainy weather.
Rain = opportunities for creative photos
Rainy weather can actually be a great opportunity for creativity in family photoshoots. It all depends on how creative your photographer is and how excited the family members are. If everyone is down for it, doing your family photo session in the rain could be an amazing thing.
Plan Ahead
If you (or your family) aren't open to taking photos in the rain, avoiding it is the only option. One way to avoid rain in your photoshoots is to check the weather forecast and choose a day with good weather for your photoshoot. Most weather forecasts include a detailed prediction of the expected weather conditions for the next several days, including the chance of precipitation.
While weather forecasts aren't 100% accurate, they are generally around 80% to 90% accurate. Choose a day with low chances of precipitation and enjoy your photoshoot without rain.
Another option is to shift the photo session indoors. Indoor photos can be just as good as outdoor photos, if not better. No matter what time of the day or what weather outside, indoor family photos can always turn out stunning.
If it looks like it's going to rain during your photoshoot, it's a good idea to pack some backup clothing and accessories. Depending on the forecast, you may want to bring along rain jackets, umbrellas, and/or rain boots. What's great is that you can use them as accessories and props for your photoshoots for even better pictures!
Embrace the Rain
Rain can be a bad thing, and rain can be a good thing. If you're ready to make the rain a good thing for your family photoshoot, there are plenty of ideas to explore:
Rainy weather can create puddles that you can use to create unique compositions and add depth to your images. Have your family stand or walk in the puddles and use a wide-angle lens to capture the reflections.
Rain jackets and umbrellas are interesting props and add pops of color to your photos. Encourage your family to play around with different poses and compositions using their rain gear. It'll create memorable and unique frames for the photographer to capture.
Slow shutter speeds can capture the movement of the raindrops, and a fast shutter speed can freeze the rain in midair for a dramatic effect. Rain allows photographers to experiment with different settings and create visual masterpieces.
A simple idea is for the entire family to huddle under an umbrella for a cute, fun, and intimate frame.
Rainy weather creates a moody and atmospheric vibe that adds drama and depth to images. Embrace the weather and see what creative images you get.
Reschedule the Shoot
If worse comes to worst, you will have to reschedule the photoshoot. Maybe the rain is too heavy for a photo session, or maybe your family members can't do photoshoots in the rain for any reason. No matter the reason, simply request a new date from your photographer.
When choosing a new date for the family photo, make sure you check the weather forecast and pick a day with low chances of precipitation. Select a date that works for both your family and your photographer.
Conclusion
So what do you think about rain at family photo sessions? Do they ruin the experience or make it even more fun? Are you going to use any of the rain photo tricks discussed in this blog post?
Rain is great for photoshoots, including family photo sessions. But it's understandable that not everyone would be down for a photo session under torrential rain. For such cases, the best (and only) thing to do is anticipate rain and consult the weather forecast.
Rain or no rain, we hope you have a great family photoshoot!