What happens if it rains?

Overcome Unpredictable Weather by Choosing a Backup Plan

Not only does the Pacific Northwest have a high count of rainy days, the Fall and Spring season are notoriously difficult to predict what time of day rain drops will fall, and if that rain will be a little sprinkle or a soaking downpour.

Snowfall is also hard to predict.

I’ll never forget when my high school tennis match was relocated from a home match in Snoqualmie to be an away match in Seattle. The tennis court in Snoqualmie was covered in a thin blanket of snow, while the court in Seattle was bare and dry with a beautiful partly cloudy sky —only 25 miles apart!

Here are a couple backup plans I recommend if rain is forecasted on photo day. Choosing a plan b ahead of time makes it easy to put a new plan into action.

Switch to an In-Studio Session

This is an option I recommend when those little rain drops in your weather app appear endlessly day after day — or even fluctuate hour by hour. That can make rescheduling a nightmare.

Beautiful portraits can be created outside and inside, so pivoting to an in-studio session can eliminate the stress of rescheduling as well as making sure everyone stays dry and comfortable. You won’t have to compromise on the quality of your portraits either as in-studio is also very beautiful.

Dress for the Occasion

If you’re ready for an adventure, let’s take photos in the rain or snow! To be prepared to have your photo taken in the elements, be sure to have the right gear to keep you comfortable while also looking fabulous.

Your coat or jacket will be the center piece of your outfit so make sure it is both comfortable and something you feel confident in. If it’s wet and cold your coat is not going to come off so you won’t have to worry about your base layer.

For shoes, be sure they are waterproof - not just water resistant. For children in particular rain boots come in all sorts of beautiful bright colors which may be a perfect detail for a rainy day photo session.

Once you have your coat and shoes selected, make sure your pants or skirt pairs well. Try on your entire outfit to make sure you love the way you look. I have made the mistake trying on pieces of an outfit, only to realize they don’t really look as nice all together.

I have several clear umbrellas with white handles that can also keep the wet out of your hair and face. Let me know ahead of time if you’d like me to bring it to your photo session.

Aim for the Dry Season

Having photos done outside on a clear day is a different experience to an in-studio session, and waterproof outfits is entirely a different aesthetic to wearing absolutely anything your heart desires. So if you’ve read these back-up plan options and your not feeling satisfied, my recommendation to you is to aim for the dry season. Typically July and August in this region is much easier to miss a rainy day.

Ready to Create Some Memories?

I am a portrait photographer serving clients in Bellingham, Washington and throughout Whatcom County. If you would like to celebrate a milestone or simply get some updated photos reach out at hello@evelynmaephoto.com.