What to Do When Your Outdoor Photo Shoot Gets Rained Out (Or…Does It?)
📸 Picture this: You’ve planned the perfect outdoor shoot. The location? Stunning. The lighting? Dreamy. The outfits? Coordinated to Pinterest-level perfection. And then—cue the dramatic music—dark clouds roll in, the wind picks up, and suddenly, you’re in an impromptu audition for The Notebook remake.
So, what now? Cancel? Cry? Sacrifice your camera to the weather gods? Not so fast! Here’s how to handle a rainout like a pro—whether you decide to roll with the storm or run for cover.
1. Just Dance (In the Rain!) 🌧
Who says rain has to ruin the fun? If your clients are up for it, lean into the chaos! Rainy-day photos can be breathtaking, with glistening droplets, reflections in puddles, and that gorgeous, misty atmosphere. Plus, if your couple or family is adventurous, they’ll love the chance to twirl, splash, and maybe even reenact a dramatic rom-com moment. (Cue “I’m singing in the rain!”)
💡 Pro tip: ☔️Bring clear umbrellas for a whimsical touch, and don’t forget a waterproof cover for your camera. No one wants a drowned DSLR.
2. Find Cover (Literally!)
If the rain is more soak-you-to-the-bone than gentle-drizzle, it’s time to pivot. Look for covered locations like:
✔️ Gazebos
✔️ Tree-lined paths
✔️ Bridges
✔️ Overhangs outside cute cafés
This keeps everyone (mostly) dry while still capturing those moody, romantic rain vibes. Bonus points if there’s a coffee shop nearby—you can turn this into a cozy, lifestyle-style shoot instead.
3. When to Call It Quits and Reschedule
Let’s be real: Sometimes, the rain isn’t fun. It’s sideways. It’s freezing. It’s turning your location into a swamp. If everyone is shivering, makeup is running, and your camera lens is fogging up like a bad horror movie, it’s time to wave the white flag.
If you need to reschedule:
✔️ Be flexible and find the next available date.
✔️ If possible, check the weather ahead of time (though we all know it lies).
✔️ Offer an indoor alternative if they can’t reshoot later.
Most clients will appreciate your honesty—nobody wants to look like a drowned rat in their photos (unless that’s the aesthetic they were going for, in which case…art?).
4. Have a Backup Indoor Location
If you know rain is a possibility, have a Plan B! A studio, a beautiful indoor venue, a greenhouse, or even a parking garage with good lighting can save the day. Clients might actually love the change of scenery, and you’ll get bonus points for thinking ahead.
5. Embrace the Drama
Let’s be honest—some of the best photos come from unpredictable moments. Wind-blown hair, raindrops catching the light, and genuine laughter from trying to dodge puddles? That’s gold. If you can make the experience fun, your clients will remember it forever (and probably tell their friends how cool and creative you are).
So, next time the sky decides to crash your session, don’t panic. Just breathe, adapt, and maybe bring some extra towels. After all, some of the most magical shots happen when you least expect them.
Have you ever had a shoot get rained out? Did you roll with it or run for cover? Tell me your favorite rain photo shoot story in the comments!