Shh! The Library is Calling: Getting Great Pictures, Even in the Rain

Mother nature is a fickle friend. At times, she comes out in her majesty to allow me to capture images of great beauty, other times she just makes it cold and wet. 

Last weekend, the weather was fierce with cold, stormy, cloudy, foggy, and otherwise unphotogenic weather being the main theme. There were bits of unimaginable beauty too when the sun would come out to play with the clouds and the mountains and the green of the earth shone bright and deep. 

Alas, for my little family photo shoot, the weather just did not want to cooperate. Luckily, there are other great ways to get pictures. Here are some ideas on how to get great pictures, even in the rain. 

1. Umbrellas. Plenty of photographers have been able to capture moments that can't be captured any other way- use a couple umbrellas and get out in that weather! Be aware of lighting and if possible use umbrellas that help with your photos rather than hinder them. Unpatterned white, clear, or black umbrellas work best as props and for even, uncolored lighting. I prefer to use white or clear umbrellas that let light in. 

2. Take it inside. This is what I opted to do for this particular shoot. With wet ground and freezing temperatures I did not want this adorable little wee one to have to put up with the cold. When taking pictures inside venue needs to be considered. To get true lifestyle portraits you can either use a studio with custom props or find the right location for your clients (like a library for my bookworm friend and her family). LIGHTING, LIGHTING, LIGHTING. Find big windows, skylights, or other sources of natural light or bring lighting equipment. Bad weather days mean lighting is going to be at a prime indoors. 

3. Check the white balance! Weather changes the white balance, as does taking pictures inside! I was constantly changing my white balance during this shoot which was fun (and a bit hectic). 

4. Reschedule. Bad weather days happen, and if you really have your heart set on that gorgeous outdoor location it may just be best to reschedule. 

Enjoy the rest of the highlights from this fun, bad-weather library shoot!

Hugs,