What if It’s Rainy or Cloudy on My Session Day?

What if it’s rainy or cloudy on my session day? This is one of the most common questions I get, and I totally get why. Weather can feel like the one thing we can’t control, especially here in the DC area where it seems to change its mind every five minutes. So let’s walk through exactly what happens if your session day ends up being rainy or cloudy, and what you can expect from me in each scenario.

Outdoor Sessions: Rainy Days

If it’s raining and you have an outdoor session planned, we will always reschedule. No question about it.

I keep a close eye on the forecast leading up to your session and will typically make the call the day before. That said, if your session is scheduled for the evening and there’s a chance the forecast might shift, I may wait until the morning of to make the final decision. I want to give us the best possible shot at keeping your original date if we can.

Outdoor Sessions: Cloudy Days

Cloudy days are a bit different. Most of the time, outdoor sessions will still happen as planned.

In fact, cloudy skies can actually be really beautiful for photos. The light is soft and even, which gives us a lot of flexibility in where we can shoot within a location. We’re not chasing harsh sunlight or working around strong shadows, which can make things feel a little more relaxed.

There are a few specific locations that I strongly prefer on sunny days because of how the light interacts with the space. In those cases, we may choose to reschedule if the forecast is fully overcast. But because DC weather can bring stretches of constant clouds or rain, it’s not always realistic to wait for a perfectly sunny day, and we can still create beautiful images in those softer conditions.

Indoor Sessions: Rainy Days

Rainy days for indoor sessions can go either way.

Some homes and indoor spaces still have plenty of natural window light, even on a rainy day. Others can feel a bit too dark. Because of this, I’ll usually have you send me a quick video or a few photos of your space so I can see exactly what we’re working with.

From there, I’ll make the call on whether we can move forward or if it would be better to reschedule.

Indoor Sessions: Cloudy Days

Most of the time, indoor sessions are completely fine on cloudy days.

That soft, diffused light coming through the windows is actually really beautiful and works so well for the romantic, natural feel we’re going for. Occasionally, I’ll come across a home that is still a bit too dark even with cloud cover, and in those cases, we would reschedule. But that’s definitely the exception, not the norm.

My Approach to Weather (So You Don’t Have to Stress)

At the end of the day, just know that I am constantly watching the forecast leading up to your session. I take this part of your experience very seriously and will always do my best to make the right call for your photos.

If that means rescheduling, we will. If that means moving forward and embracing soft, beautiful light, we will do that too.

You don’t need to worry about trying to interpret weather apps or make the call yourself. I’ve got you, and together we’ll make sure your session happens in the best possible conditions 🤍

DC Family Photographer | Marie Elizabeth Photography

Marie is a DC Family Photographer and specializes in a luxurious, full-service portrait experience. From planning your session to delivering custom fine artwork to your home, Marie takes care of all of the details. All Marie Elizabeth Photography clients are pampered with included professional hair and make-up and an array of whimsical dresses from the client wardrobe. Marie then will create exquisite works of art, such as heirloom albums and fine art matted prints to grace your home and lay your legacy.

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