What Happens If It Rains on Our Outdoor Family Photo Session Day?

If you've booked an outdoor family photography session here in Devon, you've probably glanced at the weather forecast more than once (or ten times!). I completely understand that worry. You've coordinated schedules, picked out outfits that photograph beautifully, maybe even bribed the kids with ice cream to cooperate, and now the forecast shows rain clouds.

Take a deep breath. Rain doesn't have to ruin your session, and I'm going to walk you through exactly what happens, what your options are, and why sometimes a little rain can actually create magic.

How I Monitor the Weather Before Your Session

I'm not just casually checking the weather the morning of your session. Days before we're scheduled to meet, I'm already keeping a close eye on multiple weather apps. Yes, multiple! Different apps pull from different sources, and I've learned over the years that cross-referencing gives me the most accurate picture of what's likely to happen.

Here's what my process looks like:

3-5 days before your session: I start checking forecasts to see general trends. Is there a weather system moving through Devon? What's the likelihood of rain?

2-3 days before: I'll reach out if things are looking concerning. At this point, I'll message you to discuss whether we should plan to reschedule or take a "wait and see" approach until the morning of the session.

The morning of: If we've decided to wait it out, I'll check one final time and we'll make our final decision together.

The key thing to know? I'm on top of it. You don't need to worry alone about the weather because I'm already monitoring it and planning ahead.

My Rain Policy: Flexible and Fair

Let me be completely transparent about how I handle rain, because I know uncertainty can be stressful when you're planning something important like family photos.

Rescheduling Options

If heavy rain is forecast or arrives on the day of your session, I'll message you to discuss rescheduling. I'll suggest an alternative date that works with my schedule, and we'll see if it works for you too. Sometimes finding that perfect date when everyone's available can be tricky, but rescheduling is very flexible, and we'll work together to find something that suits your family.

The best part? There are no rescheduling fees for weather. None of us can control whether it rains, so I would never charge you extra for something completely out of our hands.

The "Let's See What Happens" Approach

Sometimes the forecast is uncertain. Maybe there's a 40% chance of showers, or rain is predicted for the afternoon but we're shooting in the morning. In these situations, I often suggest we check the weather on the morning of the session and make the call then. This gives us the most up-to-date information and often works out perfectly.

Shooting in Light Rain: Yes, It's Possible!

Here's something that might surprise you: I'm actually okay with shooting in light rain if you are. More on this in a moment, but the short version is that a little drizzle doesn't have to stop us. However, if at any point during the session you'd like to take shelter or reschedule, we absolutely can. Your comfort matters more than getting the shot.

A Real Story: That Magical August Session in the Rain

Let me tell you about a session from August 2024 that perfectly illustrates why flexibility matters and why rain isn't always the enemy.

I had a family session booked in one of my favourite locations, a beautiful field here in Devon. I'd been watching the weather, and while rain was possible, it didn't look certain. I messaged my client beforehand to let her know we might need to be flexible, but the rain was so sudden and unexpected that by the time it started, she was already on her way to the location.

We both arrived to find light rain falling. Not a downpour, just a gentle drizzle.

She looked at me, looked at the grey sky, and asked, "What happens now?"

I said, "I'm down to shoot if you are!"

She and her son were absolute troopers. We went ahead with the session in the light rain, and honestly? It stopped partway through, the clouds cleared slightly, and we got some of the most beautifully soft, moody images. The rain added atmosphere, the colours were saturated and rich, and her son thought the whole adventure was brilliant.

That session taught me something important: sometimes the "imperfect" weather creates the most memorable, beautiful results.

Why Light Rain Can Actually Be Amazing for Photos

I know it sounds counterintuitive, but here's the truth: light rain and post-rain conditions can create stunning photographs.

After the Rain: The Best Light

Some of my favourite sessions happen within a few hours after rain has stopped. The air is clear, colours are incredibly saturated, and if you're lucky, you get dramatic skies with breaks of golden light. Puddles can create gorgeous reflections, and everything just looks fresh and vibrant.

A word of caution though: Be prepared for muddy conditions. Wellies for the kids aren't a bad idea, and those beautiful outfit choices might need to be slightly more practical. Bring a towel for wiping down shoes or little hands.

During Light Rain: Soft, Moody, and Unique

Light rain creates beautifully diffused light—think of it as nature's softbox. There are no harsh shadows, skin tones look lovely, and there's an ethereal quality to the images that you simply can't replicate on a sunny day.

The challenge? Rain is actually really hard to capture on camera, especially light rain. This is why in movies, they use high-powered rain machines and sometimes even add dye to make the rain visible on screen. So while we might be getting sprinkled on, don't expect to see dramatic rain streaks in your photos unless it's absolutely pouring (in which case, we'd probably reschedule anyway!).

What I Bring to Rain Sessions

If we do decide to shoot in light rain, I come prepared:

• Weather-sealed camera equipment

• Microfiber cloths to keep lenses dry

• A positive attitude and flexibility

• Quick-working approach to get great shots efficiently

What About Indoor Alternatives?

I'll be honest with you: I don't offer traditional studio sessions, and that's by design. The outdoor, natural light experience is what I specialize in and what families come to me for. It's the golden hour light, the open fields of Devon, the connection with nature that makes these sessions special.

However, I do offer home sessions, which can be a wonderful alternative if the weather is truly dreadful. I can come to your home, your farm, your garden, or any land you have access to. There's something beautifully intimate about photographing families in their own space—the place where real life happens.

Home sessions have their own charm. We can use doorways for natural light, incorporate meaningful locations like where the kids play, and create images that feel authentic to your family's daily life. Check out my portfolio gallery to see examples of both outdoor location work and home sessions.

Making the Decision Together

Here's what I want you to know: we're a team in this. When rain threatens our session, we make the decision together based on:

• How heavy the rain is or is forecast to be

• Your comfort level with getting a bit wet

• The kids' moods and adaptability

• The specific location we've chosen (some locations handle rain better than others)

• What you're hoping to get from the session

  
  

I'll give you my professional opinion, but ultimately, you know your family best. If you're excited about the adventure of a drizzly session, I'm all in. If you'd rather wait for sunshine, that's absolutely fine too.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if it starts raining during our session? We can take shelter and wait for it to pass, or we can reschedule the remainder of the session for another day at no extra charge. If it's just light rain and you're comfortable continuing, we can keep shooting.

How far in advance will you let me know if we need to reschedule? I try to give as much notice as possible because I know we all have busy lives. Typically, I'll reach out 2-3 days before if the forecast looks concerning, and we'll make a plan together.

What should I do if I'm worried about the weather? Trust that I'm watching it closely! But if you're feeling anxious, message me anytime. We can discuss the forecast together and decide on our best course of action.

Will my photos look different if it's cloudy? Yes, but different doesn't mean worse! Overcast days create beautiful, even lighting that's actually more flattering than harsh midday sun. Your photos will have a softer, perhaps moodier feel, which many families absolutely love.

What if it's been raining and the ground is muddy? I'll let you know to dress accordingly. Wellies can always come off for the actual photos, and we can work around muddy patches. The what to wear guide has tips for weather-appropriate outfit choices that still photograph beautifully.

The Bottom Line: Rain Doesn't Mean Disaster

After years of photographing families across Devon, I can tell you this with certainty: some of my most treasured images happened on days when the weather wasn't "perfect." The session where the kids jumped in puddles afterward. The one where mist hung over the fields. That August session in the light rain with a brave mum and her adventurous son.

Perfect weather doesn't guarantee perfect photos. Connection, joy, flexibility, and a bit of adventure—those are what create images you'll treasure forever.

So when you check that weather forecast (and I know you will!), remember:

• I'm checking it too, and I've got your back

• We have options, always

• A little rain might just add to the story

• There are no fees for rescheduling due to weather

• We're in this together

  
  

The most important thing isn't cloudless blue skies. It's capturing your family as you are—laughing, connecting, being together. And we can do that rain or shine.

Ready to book your outdoor family session in Devon? Let's create something beautiful together, whatever the weather brings. Book your session here, and check out my FAQ page for more information about what to expect.

Devon family photographer specializing in natural, outdoor sessions that capture authentic connection. Serving families across Devon, UK.