Your client’s special day is fast approaching, you turn the tv on or check your phone for the weather and here comes the weather forecast, Cloudy, cloudy, light drizzles, thunderstorms! Why must it be this way?? You are worried but do not fret! This is an opportunity to flex those creative muscles!
Believe it or not, excitement is not a feeling that’s exclusive to couples when their wedding day approaches. The vendors feel the same! We look forward to it every day, so why let the rain stop us from doing what we’re meant to do?? There is no such storm that we can’t weather (pun intended) when we put our mind to it! Hence why we need to gear up for this battle! In today’s entry, I’ll be sharing some tips on how to get through a rainy wedding day while ensuring a positive client experience!
Protect Your Gears
It’s true that you can’t let the rain bring this special occasion down, but on a more realistic note, your expensive gears are essentially hydrophobic. Protect them from the rain! To do that, here are some tools that I recommend you to get!
- Rain Cover or Storm Jacket
Think of them as raincoats for your beloved camera. Your camera is precious to you and if you’re too occupied with worries about getting your camera wet, it might ruin your performance as a photographer. Big yikes! Save yourself from that negativity and get your camera a rain cover or storm jacket!
- Pelican Case
Pelican cases are a gift from the heavens! They are waterproof and will protect your gears even if it’s submerged in water! The only reason I wouldn’t say this is a “must-have” is that it’s on the pricier side. However, if you have the resources to invest in one, please do so! If you do not have one bring a long a new clear shower curtain to cover your entire wagon. I usually have a wagon with everything I need for the day on rainy wedding days, I’ve discovered how helpful it is to also have a clear shower curtain
What to Bring
It can be a challenge to execute the story that you and your client have envisioned, but you can get through it. Trust me! Trust your creativity and prepare some materials that will help elevate this rainy experience! Here are some materials that I personally use when it showers!
- Clear Umbrellas
When it comes to rainy days, the clouds tend to cover the sun, giving us very little light to work with. You wouldn’t want to use a regular umbrella for the picture-taking portion of the wedding! They will create shadows and honestly, it’s not very pleasing to look at! With clear umbrellas, you won’t have that experience! You can also prepare a bigger umbrella for the couple and individual umbrellas for the bride and groom parties.
- Lighting Tools
As I said, it gets darker when it rains! We need as much light as we can get so bring your lighting tools over! If you’re leaning more into natural light photography, I suggest bringing your own video light!
- Clear Shower Curtains
At an outdoor wedding, you are most likely going to have some muddy encounters when it rains. Best be prepared and lay them on the ground to ensure your subjects’ outfits remain squeaky clean! You can also use the shower curtain to cover your wagon of equipment!
- Microfiber Cloth
Remember, you are a photographer and your role on this special day is to immortalize moments in the best quality possible. During the rain, your lens might get drizzles and droplets that could ruin your shots. Make sure they’re always dry and clean by bringing a microfiber cloth with you at all times!
How to Shoot
- Find a Covered Area
If the rain is still pouring, you can make use of the porch or indoors for the time being. Just don’t forget to use your lights!
- The Umbrellas are Props
It could be a waste not to seize the opportunity to use the beautiful outdoors as backdrop. I’m sure your client feels the same. Now’s the time you bring out those clear umbrellas I told you about and be creative with the poses. I advise you to plan these poses ahead or look for inspiration before the wedding day!
General Preparations
- Orient Your Couple
It is important for your couple to know what to expect on a rainy day. Create a checklist or set some guidelines on ways of dealing with the rain. That way, they can also do their own preparations.
- Protect Yourself Too
Don’t forget to bring your own jacket and umbrella! You matter too!
- Stay Updated on the Forecast
A little disclaimer: weather forecasts aren’t always 100% accurate. The forecast for Monday could change tomorrow. However, it is still important to keep yourself updated. That way, you can at least have an idea of how bad or good the weather could get. Always be prepared for the worst!
Now that you know how to prepare for a rainy wedding day, you’re set to elevate client experience rain or shine! But before anything, don’t forget to keep a positive energy because your attitude while dealing with the rain can be contagious to your clients. Keep smiling and don’t let the rain stop you!
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