Embracing (and preparing) for photographs in the Rain

As photographers, Chad and I have always enjoyed natural light photography in the great outdoors. Admittedly, we try to avoid those rainy days fearing it would not result in great photographs. This weekend we were photographing an outdoor wedding and had our first ever challenge with the rain. A wedding day is not going to change, so you have to roll with the punches.  Rather than fearing the worst, I am here to debunk the theory that you cannot have a beautiful photographs in the rain. I encourage everyone to embrace what Mother Nature is gives you and say yes to the rain!

Here are some tips to photographing clients in the rain:
1. Understand what your clients want first and foremost. When we first met our clients, Jason & Denise, one of their inspiration photographs was a wedding couple with an umbrella in the rain. They understood that by planning a back yard outdoor wedding that there was a 50-50 chance that they could get rain. They were open to having their photographs in the rain and they planned accordingly. They ensured they had a tent for their ceremony and purchased a number of white umbrellas just in case. We allowed them to make the call if they wanted their photographs indoors or outdoors once it started to drizzle outside.

2. Have a back-up plan. We agreed ahead of time that if it was raining cats and dogs, we would book an indoor space as a back-up for their formal wedding portraits. Chad and I booked The Photographer Studio for our clients. We ensured we booked a long enough time in studio (just in case there were any other unforeseen delays). There are also areas that will still give you a mix between the outdoors and indoors, do not discount magical shots under a gazebo, on a porch, in a parking garage or the overhang of buildings.

Use a tent for coverage from the rain!

3. Be prepared. I cannot stress this enough to all our clients. You can never be too prepared. Jason and Denise were already prepared with umbrellas, but Chad and I carry a full size tool box on wheels full of emergency supplies. I brought along blankets, grass mats and a fur stole to keep the bride warm. We always bring a variety of wipes in case anything gets dirty. We also packed extra clothes and shoes in case anything got too wet. While it is easy to focus solely on your clients, don’t forget to protect your camera equipment! Bring plastic bags and towels for your precious gear. 

Stay warm with props like a fur stole!

4. Don’t let it stifle your creativity or throw your game off. When it started to rain, my initial reaction was to rush in order to protect the clients from getting cold and wet. As Jason and Denise began to assure us that they were OK with being in the rain, we stood back, took a deep breath and re-grouped ourselves. We used the rain to our advantage. When it was drizzling out, we shot images with the umbrellas. When the wind picked up a bit, the fur stole warmed up the bride and made for some gorgeous images. When we had planned our props in different locations, we adjusted and kept them close to the vehicle. Jason and Denise wanted to use their vintage-style bike in a few shots and I brought an old barn wood bench. Instead of taking the time to carry them into a far location where it would be difficult to rush back if it started to pour, we set them in a scene close to our vehicle. In hindsight, these shots would have never happened on a sunny day. We used the grey skies to our advantage! 

 

Let prop help your creativity!

5. Change your timing. We encouraged Jason and Denise to carry on with their plan and we would adjust shooting accordingly. The rain could throw off your clients’ schedule slightly, as photographers, we understand and adjust our schedule accordingly. We always like to take on the calming role with our clients and we roll with the punches. We want those beautiful shots just as badly as the clients do. We had planned on shooting all of the formal portraits before dinner. When things got a little delayed, we agreed to change our timing of photographs. Again, Chad and I came prepared. We ensured we brought our flashes so that as the sun went down, we could finish the shots as planned.

Flash photography with bubbles!

In all honesty, the rain inspired Chad and I and it was a reminder of why we love what we do. The rain tested our skills, but we rose to the challenge and could not be happier with the results of the day. The rain brought a new sense of beauty that we never saw before.

We always send our clients a little sneak peek of their wedding day the evening after and here is what Jason & Denise said about our photographs....it really does make it all worth it!  Trust us!

"We just looked at the photos and video (through some very teary eyes) 
OH MY GOD!!!!!
They are SOOOOOOOO AMAZING!!!!!!!
We love them so much. We can't wait to see the rest!!!!!
Thank you thank you thank you!!!!
From the bottom of our hearts and with the greatest sincerity thank you...
You have captured our day and our love for one another...we are truly overcome with joy."

Jason and Denise.  :D