You’ve chosen the perfect storytelling location and wardrobe, and are ready to have fun with your family capturing some emotion filled moments, and then…dun-dun-DUN! The weather forecast predicts rain on the day of your portrait session. Now what?! Don’t worry, I have a plan for that!
Rain Happens
Rain, drizzle, and mist are a part of living in the beautiful Portland area, and overcast skies can be beautiful and dramatic in portraits. However, I understand that rain is the last thing most people want on the day of their photo session. With a little extra planning and flexibility, we can still capture authentic and storytelling images of your family.
For starters, if at all possible, I block off 2 possible (usually consecutive) days for your session through the months when rain is most likely. In the days leading up to your session, I watch the forecast closely and if one day looks obviously better, I will let you know a couple days in advance to plan on that day for your session.
Change of Time
If both days are predicting a high probability of rain, I will keep a close watch on changing conditions using the Dark Sky app. As you know, forecasts are always changing and Portland weather can be especially fickle, with the sun shining one moment and pouring rain the next. Or my favorite: rain and sun at the same time! Therefore, I try to wait until as late as possible to decide on a plan as weather reports are always changing!
If you have planned on a morning session, I’ll check in with you the night before, but make a final decision by 7 am. For late afternoon or evening sessions, I will decide by 2pm. We also have the option of choosing a different time or location (including possibly going to the Oregon coast), so please leave the day of your session as free as possible for this reason. I find most “rainy days” turn out to be mostly clear with small segments of rain. It is very possible that we can just move you to a better hour. The images you see here were taken on a very overcast morning in the family’s garden, just before the rains came down.
We Have Options!
If it is raining hard all day long, we have a several options as well! We can try for the next reserved day or I’m also totally open to shooting in the rain if your family is up for an adventure! A walk in the forest can provide some shelter from rain, or we can include some clear umbrellas for a whimsical feel. Dancing in the rain and stomping in puddles? What could be more authentically Portland than that?
Moving your session indoors is another option. We can capture some beautiful moments of connection with you all cozied up on the couch or bed, or plan an activity such as baking or making music together.
Rescheduling
Finally, rescheduling options will become available after both of your possible session dates have been rained out, and I will do my very best to accommodate you as soon as possible.
For better or worse, rain is a big part of our story living where we do. I thank you for your understanding in working with and around unpredictable weather! Your flexibility is greatly appreciated.
Click here to learn more about my approach to planning family sessions!
