Rainy Day Photography Tips for Your PNW Photoshoots

Rainy days are quite common here in the PNW so a photoshoot or a wedding in the rain happens more often than you might think. And while you can look at this as a negative, I’m here to tell you that some of my favorite photoshoots I have captured have been in the rain. It may seem like a challenge, but it’s also a unique opportunity to capture your photos in a different way. The misty landscapes, vibrant foliage, and reflective surfaces can add a magical touch to your photos. In this blog, we'll explore some rainy-day photography tips to help you make the most of your session if it happens to rain!

1. Embrace the Rain

I know it may be easy to think that your photoshoot or wedding day is going to be ruined because of the rain, but I’m here to tell you that is not the case. Instead of avoiding the rain, we can use it to our advantage. Rainy days create a moody and atmospheric backdrop that can add drama to your photos. We can capture the raindrops falling, puddles forming, and the mist hanging in the air.

If you’re down to get wet, running around in the rain with the love of your life will be the dreamiest photos. You become more carefree and my past couples have been able to let loose a lot more. Or if you are with your family, imagine a memory of you and your kids playing in the rain, stomping in puddles, and laughing uncontrollably.

If you choose to embrace the rain, it can truly make your photoshoot or wedding day so magical.

2. Dress Appropriately

If you’re not dressed appropriately for a rainy day photoshoot, you probably won’t have the best time. It’s important to make sure that you dress warmly and wear shoes that have a good grip. But, if it’s not a cold time of the year, you can really wear whatever you want. I have captured elopements in the rain in the summertime where the bride is obviously wearing a dress and it was so beautiful!

3. Use Props to Your Advantage

You can truly have so much fun with props during your rainy-day photoshoot. Don’t want to get wet? Bring a clear umbrella that we can use. This way you can still get the most beautiful rainy day photos without getting wet. I have also brought lanterns to my rainy day photoshoots and weddings and it just adds the most beautiful element to the photos especially if it is also foggy.

4. Have a Backup Plan

If you are someone who absolutely refuses to take your photos in the rain, that is totally fine. But because we live in the PNW there is basically a chance of rain all year round. So it’s super important to have a backup plan. Maybe opt to take your photos in an area that has protection from the rain. Or if it happens to be raining that day, head to your favorite restaurant or do the photoshoot in your own home. Just make sure to talk with your photographer and have a plan in place just in case it does rain.

5. Plan an Indoor Photoshoot

If you want absolutely no chance of it raining on your photoshoot day, plan for an indoor photoshoot. There are so many fun and unique ways to capture indoor photoshoots. You could rent out a studio, do it at a cute Airbnb, at your favorite restaurant, in an arcade, or at a bar, the options are literally endless. Just make sure that if you want to take your photos in a place like a restaurant or bar you check with the business to make sure they are okay with that.

6. Plan For Rain on Your Wedding or Elopement Day

If you are getting married or eloping in the PNW, planning for rain on your wedding day is super important. If you are having a bigger wedding, I recommend making sure that your venue has options for if it rains. Do they have a tent, or umbrellas to hand out to guests? You also want to make sure that you communicate with your vendors about the possibility of rain.

If you are eloping in the PNW, especially a hiking elopement, make sure you wear appropriate shoes, bring a clear umbrella, and bring some warmer layers. Elopements in the rain are some of my favorites to capture. They are also so moody and dramatic!

Embracing the rainy weather in the PNW can lead to some of the most stunning and memorable photographs. But, remember that it’s not the weather that will make your photos better. It’s about being in the moment with your partner or family and truly cherishing every second of it.