Let’s clear up one thing: you do not need a sunny day to make epic photos, and this DelCo family portrait session proves it.

Ashley and I were practically stalking the weather this day, but between COVID reschedules and two little boys, we were going to make it work one way or the other. I am constantly telling my clients not to panic when rain clouds loom! Rain is a good thing, I really promise! The gray clouds acted like a giant soft box over this family. Less sunshine means less space for shadows, which lets me highlight the little peaks of light that pop out between clouds.

Not only is rain so much easier to handle than sun, but rain strips a photo of all its distractions. Those pretty pops of color, the glare, the haze, a rainy photo has none of that. It’s just honest. It allows more room for connection. Y’all know I love my sunset sessions, but a rainy, yucky backdrop is just so emotive and can contribute so much to a storytelling aspect— something I strive for every session!

I think the reason clients initially are skeptical about rain is that it’s just so different from what we picture when we think family photos. But that’s BP. At least I hope. The most important thing you can do for your portrait session is let it go. Please! Let it all go. Seriously! Just relinquish the control. Let the weather do its thing, let your kids be kids, sit in the grass, share some snuggles, and find some peace. For 45 minutes, there is nothing you need to do but be together. If it rains, enjoy the storm. The moments in between running from here to there, in between Instagram and COVID and toddler tantrums, those are why and how I create.

That’s my pro tip for the night, y’all! Be safe and wear a mask so I stay open, will ya?