If you have followed my work for any period of time, or even just glanced through my portfolio, you may notice that I LOVE the sunshine. The magic of that backlight makes my heart sing.
However, I live in Washington State, where it rains, a lot. As a photographer in the evergreen state (evergreen because it’s always raining, right?!), I have to be flexible. While most people from the Pacific Northwest aren’t bothered by a little sprinkling here and there, they may not hope for rain on for their maternity photos.
I want to assure you that you can have beautiful maternity photos in the rain. Of course, I always offer the option of rescheduling should the forecast call for rain. I get it, my hair gets big in the rain (imagine Monica in the Bahamas episode of FRIENDS)!
Rescheduling your photo session may not be what is best for your family.
Maybe the weekend you picked was the only available weekend without kids’ activities, or that your husband could set aside. I get it, we are all busy. Another reason you may not want to reschedule is if we are getting too close to your due date or if you’re feeling pretty pregnant already. The last thing we want is for you to have baby before your maternity photos! We also want you to be comfortable still (or as comfortable as possible when 6-8 months pregnant) during your session. (For more on when the best time is for maternity photos, go read the blog post When Should I have Maternity Photos Done.)
You will have beautiful maternity photos in the rain.
With a little preparation and trust in your photographer, you will have beautiful maternity photos in the rain. In fact, they could be amazing if you embrace the rain and just have fun!
The right location can help keep you dry during your photo session.
Of course you want to ensure everyone is warm enough, especially if you have kids. (Warm kids are happy kids). But should it be raining I have a few favorite spots that offer a bit of cover, while still allowing us to be outside.
This family embraced the rain because it was the only time that worked for their schedule and mom did not want to go into labor before she had photos done. We ventured to the Cedar River Watershed in North Bend. Not only did the covered walkways offer protection from the rain, but the water drums provided entertainment for their son as he warmed up to me and having his photo taken. As they listened to the water hit the drums I captured this family of three just before they became a family of four.
Rain meant we had the park to ourselves.
Because the weather was less than ideal, we had the entire park to ourselves. As we got a break in the rain, we ventured down the trail without worry of getting in anyone’s way, or anyone getting in the back of their photos.
It also meant this family could explore together without other distractions. Dad tossed his boy in the air, played, and ran, with mom watching nearby as she felt her baby kicking.
Break out the umbrella for a truly Pacific Northwest inspired maternity photo session.
When your ideal time for maternity photos falls in winter or early spring, rain is inevitable. Come prepared with an umbrella and go play in the rain. You will be able to look back at your gallery and feel the truly reflect your life here in the great Pacific Northwest.
Bonus tip: a neutral or clear umbrella are ideal as they do not create color casts (i.e. a green umbrella means a green color to your skin). They also blend in instead of being the focal point of your photos. While you may want the umbrella to add to your session while keeping you dry, you do not want all eyes going straight for the umbrella instead of your family.
Don’t let the rain stop you from having your baby bump documented! In just a few months baby will be here, and you may be surprised to find yourself missing every little kick and that bump that showed off you were expecting. If you embrace the weather and trust in your photographer, you, too, can have beautiful maternity photos in the rain.
What are you waiting for? I’d love to chat about your maternity photo session. Contact me below, tell me your due date and let’s get your session on the calendar.
See a few more favorites from this family’s maternity photo session in the rain below!
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