When it Rains in the Pacific Northwest

Rainy days can be a bummer, especially when you have an engagement photo session planned. But don’t let a little rain dampen your spirits! With some creativity and preparation, you can turn a rainy day into a unique and romantic photoshoot that you’ll cherish for years to come. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your engagement photos in the rain.

Working as a Seattle photographer in the evergreen Pacific Northwest, one of the most common questions I am asked is what to do if it rains on the day of your photo session or wedding. Four years ago I actually used to get a little anxious about potential engagement photos in rain. Now I can say I deal with it pretty confidently and regularly!

Embrace the Rain and get Creative

You’re probably wondering how to make great rainy-day engagement photos. It’s simple. We EMBRACE it! One of the things I love about being a Seattle photographer is being a storyteller. Stories need a setting! It’s almost impossible to tell a story without telling the reader where we are and some characteristics of that place. This is why I love taking advantage of the many, many beautiful settings the PNW has to offer. With its mountains, rivers, lakes, and lush forests…it provides numerous background options for your session!

A little drizzle or rain is no reason to cancel your photo session. Don’t worry, I won’t ask you to stand in the rain and get soaked! Depending on where we are shooting, I’ll look for partial coverings from nearby structures or offer my courtesy clear umbrellas. Not only do they keep you covered, but they’re also super cute in rainy engagement photos!

Use Props and Accessories to Add Interest

Rainy days can be the perfect opportunity to get creative with your engagement photoshoot. Use props and accessories like colorful umbrellas, rain boots, and jackets to add interest and personality to your photos. You can also incorporate other elements like blankets, hats, and scarves to create a cozy and intimate atmosphere. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different textures and colors to make your photos stand out. With a little creativity, you can turn a rainy day into a beautiful and memorable photo session.

Don’t let the rain discourage you from taking beautiful and memorable photos. Embrace the rain and get creative with your poses and props. Use colorful umbrellas, rain boots, and jackets to add a pop of color to your photos. Take advantage of the reflections on the wet ground and experiment with different angles and perspectives. Rain can add a romantic and dreamy atmosphere to your photos, so don’t be afraid to get a little wet!

What Seasons Are Less Likely for Rain

 When I’m planning and forecasting what the weather will be like for your session,  I look for chances of moisture ( yeah, I have to minor in meteorology to do this job 🤪). If we’re doing your photo session in the fall or early spring, the chances of rain are much higher. I’ll usually look at the forecast about one week before your scheduled session date to see if there’s a part of the day where it looks more likely to rain so that we can avoid that if possible. Having to keep such a close eye on the weather is one of the reasons I don’t schedule multiple sessions in one day. Not only do I like to make sure that I’m giving my clients my attention and commitment, I also allow room if we need to shift things around a little bit due to weather, traffic or other issues.  

If the weather predicts rain for your photo session, we’ll reach out 48-72 hours before your date to offer the option to reschedule. Disclosure: I’m not an actual paid meteorologist and I can’t guarantee that rain will actually happen just because the forecast predicts it will. If I offer an option to reschedule, please know that it’s totally optional and I’m offering it out of the goodness of my heart🤗. 

Dress Appropriately and Stay Comfortable

When it comes to a rainy engagement photo session, it’s important to dress appropriately and stay comfortable. Opt for clothing that is both stylish and practical, such as rain boots, a rain jacket, and an umbrella. You can also incorporate props like colorful umbrellas or cozy blankets to add some personality to your photos. Additionally, make sure to bring extra clothes and towels in case you need to dry off or change outfits during the shoot. By staying comfortable and prepared, you can focus on enjoying the moment and creating beautiful memories with your partner.

When Do you cancel the session? 

Whenever there’s heavy rain, or as I like to call it, “torrential downpour” – I’ll reschedule our photo session. Don’t worry, I’m not crazy and won’t try to recreate a notebook moment with my clients. I don’t want you to be wet dogs, and I also want to keep my equipment dry!😜

ARE YOU FEELING MORE CONFIDENT ABOUT THE RAIN AND READY TO SCHEDULE YOUR SEATTLE ENGAGEMENT OR PHOTOS OR OTHER PORTRAITS WITH ME?

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