What Happens if it Rains?
One of the questions we are asked after booking a session is "What happens if it rains?" or "What happens if the weather does not cooperate?" If you have booked an outdoor session with us, we take this concern very seriously! Here in Bozeman, we do not get much rain, but we do get a lot of snow and freezing temps. One day, the temperature could be in the 60's, and the next it can plummet to 25. Especially in the early months of the year.
So, how do we handle that situation?
We are always mindful of watching the forecast as we know it can change from day to day. Your session day might be the only day and/or time you can actually have your session, so we always want it to work out! Also, a more challenging situation involves family coming in from out of town, and/or friends visiting and the only day available is the one that was booked. Because of these situations, we do our best to make sure you have a great session.
For any session, we usually check the weather a few days before and the day before the session to see the forecast. If rain, snow or freezing temps are in the forecast, we will call our clients the day before the session to decide how to proceed. We usually prefer to make a decision the day before the session date as waiting until the morning of the session does not usually work out as well.
What are the options?
What options are there if the weather is uncooperative? As mentioned, we do our best to make sure the session can still be held on the booked date and time, especially if family or friends are in from out of town. The first thing we do is always leave Sundays open as an alternative if the original session date gets rained or snowed out. That is our first option for families. If a Sunday will not not work, we see if there are other times on the session date that will. For example, if the session is scheduled for 4pm and rain or snow is expected, we see how the morning weather will be. If it is all clear and the family can make it, then morning it will be.
If the session is scheduled for the morning, though, and rain or snow is expected at that time, we can reschedule the session for the afternoon provided there is no chance of rain or snow. The only downside is the ground might be a little muddy or snowy!
Other options-Have the Session Indoors
Another great option is to have your session indoors. We do not have a studio space anymore (but that is a future hope!), so we suggest the convenience of your own home. Some of you might say, " But there is no room". " My house is a mess". "The light is horrible." We can address all these concerns!
You might have a small house. But, if it is YOUR house and you live in it, then we can find a way to photograph your family there. We can move furniture, move tvs and anything else that will help us gain more space. Usually, sitting on the couch or on a bed makes for great photos!
You might have not picked up the toys and/or other things in your house. No worries. We can work with that, too. We will help you pick up, clean up, and straighten anything before the session.
You might have no good window light. That is where off camera lights and a high ISO come in handy! We prefer to have a good lighting situation as having that produces the best quality photos, but if we do not have it, we can adjust our camera settings and bring external lighting to address the issue!
Alternative Indoor Locations
If your home does not suffice, we can scout out alternative indoor locations. In all our years of being in business, we have never had to do this, but it is an option. A hotel conference room, greenhouse, barn, or other options might work! Some might require an additional fee to use their facility, some might not. Or, if you know of an indoor location that you prefer, we can check that out as well.
Have you ever Taken Photos in the Snow and Rain?
Yes! There have been a few times when it began to rain during our session, but thankfully, the rain was not too aggressive and we ended up with many beautiful photos. We went with the flow and even captured a few puddle jumping fun shots!
Another time, we were on schedule to photograph a wedding at a beautiful farm venue. The morning started off relatively good with sunny skies and no rain, but as the day went on, the clouds came and the rain began to come down in sheets. Thankfully, because the wedding and reception were held at a farm, we had some indoor photographing options. (at least for the bridal party and family!) We ended up getting pretty wet, but everyone else stayed relatively dry. The bride and groom wanted outside rain photos though, so they grabbed their umbrellas and we grabbed our hats. In this case, since it was a wedding and could not be rescheduled, we had to go with the flow!
For other sessions, we prefer to reschedule for a couple of reasons. First, camera equipment does not like to get wet. Second, unless the session has been planned as a rain or snow session, most families do not like to see photos of themselves drenched from rain!
A Planned Snow or Rain Photo Session
If you want to have a more stylized session with rain or snow, then ask about this type of session. We will plan accordingly so our equipment is protected, and we will just go out and have fun in the weather! Splashing in puddles, or having a snowball fight might be on the agenda, as is just photographing your family in the beauty of Montana's snow and sometimes rain, will produce a unique session with great memories.
Whatever the weather, we are here to help you have the best session for your family. If you have another photographer you are working with, suggest these options so your session can go on as planned. If you choose Songs of Life, just know we will do whatever we can so you can tell your family's beautiful love story with our Family Storytelling Session.
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