So it's raining on your session day - now what? Being an outdoor photographer can be tough when it comes to the weather and sometimes it's not always an option to reschedule. We're sharing our tips to help stop the rain from dampening your day (see what I did there?)
The first thing is to always have a back up plan. It's always lovely to expect the best, but you need to be able to handle the situation should your plans fall through. I always try to have a few locations in mind for a session.
A few ideas for rainy day locations include:
City Buildings
Hiding between buildings or finding buildings with large overhangs can provide great coverage from the rain if you are able to go for an urban feel. I know it's not raining in this photo, but spaces like this are perfect. 
Hotel Lobbys
If you can get permission hotel lobbys can actually be fantastic shooting locations. They often let in plenty of natural light with large windows to stand near. This is one of my favourite hotels in Vancouver B.C, the Pan Pacific - it has plenty of light and foliage to play with. Keep your eyes peeled for spaces like these. 
Parking Garages
Yup, you read the right. Parking garages don't usually scream photographic, but if you can find the right one they can provide a lot of coverage and even let in a lot of light. 
Country Barns
If you want to drift away from the urban feel old barns can also be great spaces and so much fun to shoot in. Be sure to make some connections with local people that you can borrow some time in a barn with. You never know when you're going to need it! 
Thick Forests
You would be surprised how much coverage dense woods can provide. The trees can block plenty of rain, but keep in mind that they will also be shutting out the light and causing a green cast so remember to adjust your settings and white balance accordingly.
In Home Session
Indoor sessions can be intimidating at first, but if you enjoy a lifestyle feel and don't mind grain in your images they can be a lot of fun. Sometimes you just have to go with the flow! 
Umbrellas
It seems simple but umbrellas work! They can make great props, and really help work an image. I prefer the see through umbrellas as they tend to block less light and faces. 
Embrace it
If your clients are up to it why not just embrace it! Playing in the rain can make for great images as long as your careful not to get your equipment too wet. 
Protecting Your Equipment
When it is raining it is important that you protect your equipment and prevent your gear from getting too wet. We love our camera rain jackets for this. They fit right over your camera so you can go about your day without worry!
If you are able, you can even hire an assistant to help cover you with a large umbrella while shooting. Also ensure your camera bags are covered in water proof material, or even just a plastic bag to stop them from absorbing the water.
What to bring:
Some suggestions of things to bring along to keep you comfortable on your rainy day shoot
1. Change of clothes (remind your clients too!)
2. Change of shoes or wellies
3. Plastic Bags (to cover gear or even to sit on)
4. Towels (to dry things off)
5. Umbrellas
6. Hot drinks - why not surprise your clients with a thermos of hot chocolate after a rainy session? They'll definitely appreciate it! Bring some disposable cups and let them warm up.
There you have it, our tips on rainy day shoots and keeping you comfortable. Do you have anything to add? We would love to hear from you on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest !
Happy Shooting! x