Session Planning

What Happens if It Rains on the Day of Your Outdoor Photo Session in Michigan?

Portrait by Alissa Saylor Photography of a mother holding her baby in the quiet tree line at Roselle Park in Ada, MI, surrounded by greenery and soft light.
Portrait by Alissa Saylor Photography of a mother holding her baby in the quiet tree line at Roselle Park in Ada, MI, surrounded by greenery and soft light.

If you’ve booked an outdoor photo session in Michigan, you already know that our weather can be unpredictable…especially during spring and fall. While sunshine is lovely, clouds and even a bit of rain don’t have to ruin your session. Here’s what you need to know if the weather doesn’t cooperate on session day.

Let’s Watch the Forecast

Weather can shift quickly in Michigan, so I like to keep an eye on the forecast as your session approaches. If there’s a chance of rain, we’ll talk about what’s best for your situation… whether that’s waiting it out, moving the session, or adjusting our plan.

Backup Plan: My Studio is Always an Option

If rain makes outdoor shooting impractical, we can absolutely move your session to my studio. Many clients find they love the controlled environment especially for larger families with littles.

Rescheduling Details… Especially for Traveling Families

If we need to reschedule due to weather, I’ll work with you to find the next best time that fits all of our calendars. I often work with families who are traveling from different parts of the country, so I completely understand how tricky coordinating everyone can be. If a reschedule isn’t possible during your original travel window, we can look into using my studio as a back-up option… or, the non-refundable portion of your session fee can be applied toward a future session.

Bonus: Cloudy Skies Often Equal Soft, Gorgeous Light

Here’s a little photographer’s secret… clouds are actually great for photos. They create soft, diffused light that’s flattering on skin and reduces harsh shadows. So if your session is just a bit gray… not stormy… don’t stress! Your images may look even more dreamy than they would on a bright, sunny day.

Michigan weather might be unpredictable, but your photo session doesn’t have to be. Whether we move indoors, reschedule, or embrace the clouds, we’ll make sure your session is still everything you hoped for.

Reply...

BEHIND THE LENS

ABOUT Alissa

At home in a small Michigan town near the lake — raising four beautiful, wild-hearted kids and holding close to the fleeting moments that matter most.

Life around here is a little loud, a little messy, and with a lot of love...  and that’s exactly what draws me to photography. I’ve spent over 16 years capturing connection, chaos, calm, and everything in between… Because it’s not the big milestones we ache for... it’s the quiet, constant things woven into them.

FROM THE BLOG

THE LATEST

What's Your
Memory-Keeping

Are you the “78,838 photos on your phone, 3 bins of artwork under the bed” type? The mom with a full shelf of color-coded yearly photo books? (Go you!!) Or maybe you’re just out here saving baby socks and popsicle stick superheroes like it’s your job. Turns out, memory-keeping is a personality.

no judgement — just fun!

Personality?

MORE RESOURCES

The portrait
Style guide

Displaying photos at home

TIPS FOR THE BEST GOLDEN HOUR PHOTOS

© Alissa Saylor Photography

Design by Tonic

|