“What happens to our family photoshoot if the weather is bad?” Mother nature is beautiful but girlfriend is fickle. She’s hard to predict and changes often! It’s no wonder this question holds the first place spot in Frequently Asked Questions. Let’s break down ALL the details about weather impacting a family photo session. But first a confession…

There are certain aspects of my life that are very Type-A. I’m the queen of lists, calendars, and disc notebooks (anyone who worked alongside me during my teacher or Assistant Principal days can vouch for this title). All that to say, it irks my soul when the weather takes a perfectly good plan and flips it upside down. I could be a studio photographer and avoid this altogether, BUT I just adore natural backdrops and the glow of natural light. When the weather does cooperate, being a natural light photographer is always WORTH IT (receipt here in my portfolio)!!

Here’s the gist!

#1 – Weather Stalking

I basically turn into a mini meteorologist. Ok fine, I don’t have the credentials to be called a meteorologist. BUT when it looks like weather might interfere with a session, I do stalk the hourly forecast about 872 times per day. I use multiple weather sources (including the local Delaware Weather Guy) to evaluate what might be happening before and during our specific photoshoot window. 

#2 – Communication

If the weather is looking questionable, you will hear from me in advance. I don’t like to wait to the very last minute to discuss a plan B. If they’re calling for something big, you’ll probably hear from me early on just to put the questionable weather forecast on your radar. No matter what, if I think there is a good chance we may need to make alternative plans, you’ll hear from me at least 1-2 days prior to your session.

#3 -Collaboration 

Sometimes the weather is clearcut. We don’t want to be outside with a 90% chance of torrential downpours. Unfortunately clearcut is not always the case.

When things are NOT clear cut, I seek clients’ input on how we decide to move forward. If a family wants to take a chance on the forecast and is fine if a little drizzle crashes the party… let’s do it! If you have a baby you know will bawl at the first clap of thunder… let’s reschedule! Every family is different and I want to serve each family the best I can. 

Here are a couple of my favorites from a session this spring. The weather was looking iffy but this flexible family was wanted to give it a go. It drizzled on us a bit but this family’s joy brought all the sunshine, and it was totally worth a little water!

#4 – Rescheduling

Me and my clients are both bummed when things don’t go according to plan. We were looking forward to that family photoshoot, and that’s why I work hard to find a reschedule date! 

With mini sessions I always have a “rain date” saved on my calendar! When weather requires a reschedule, I send out the new date(s) and times. Families sign up for their new time slot. If none of the suggested time slots work, families reach out to me so we can figure out an alternative.

With individualized sessions, I work with each family’s personal schedule to find a new time that mutually works for both of us. 

#5 – Worst Case Scenario 

I have yet to be in a scenario where me and a client were unable to find a good reschedule time. However, in the event this scenario ever does occur, my policy is to offer a full refund (including the 50% retainer fee). Normally the retainer fee is not refundable (as outlined in your client portrait contract), but this is the one scenario where it is returned (rather than applied to a future session)

What other questions come to mind when your planning your family photoshoot?