When it comes to any professional portraits, you want to look your best. And I want that, too. If it’s your wedding day, we have no choice but to make the best of it. But family photography and senior portraits are different.
Why the Weather Matters
Rain is obvious. Hair, make-up, lighting, camera equipment.. You get it.
Wind is another story. When I have to turn subjects so their hair is blowing back, this changes what’s behind you– whether that’s an obnoxious blue porta-potty, a heaping dumpster, a line of cars, etc. This also changes the angle the sun hits you and can create shadows, bright spots, or other lighting conditions that are not ideal.
Temperature extremes can wreak havoc on your appearance, too. Cold weather makes our noses and cheeks red and our noses runny, while hot weather makes us sweaty and flushed. And those kids aren’t as cooperative in yucky weather.
The Guidelines
- Wind should be under 5mph sustained winds. We can work around intermittent gusting.
- Real feel/ heat index should be under 85° F. For those that are quickly flushed or sweaty, this is more like 80° F.
- Cold temperatures should be no lower than 45° – 50° F. (This is obviously not the case if we’re doing snow pictures.)
- Precipitation is more flexible. If sprinkles are coming through, that’s something we can easily wait out. Thunderstorms and steady rain showers indicate a reschedule.
The Fine Print
I want you to love your portraits. If we push through and meet for our session in non-ideal conditions, this still counts as your session. We both end up not loving your images, you’re out your session fee, and I’ve spent unnecessary time away from my family. Ultimately, no one is happy.
So, if I suggest we reschedule, it’s for a darn good reason. Trust the process and know that I have these guidelines in place to make your portraits look as amazing as possible.
About Sarah DeMaranville Photography
SDP is a child, family, and senior portrait photographer in the Iowa/ Illinois Quad Cities. To book your session, visit the homepage or shoot us an email.
