Adapting with Michigan's Unpredictable Weather for Unforgettable Portrait, Couples and Family Photos
Michigan's diverse climate and picturesque landscapes make it a popular destination for all sorts of photo sessions including engagements, weddings, portraits, maternity and family sessions. However, the state's ever-changing weather can present challenges for photographers and you when looking to capture your special moments.
Weather Challenges in Michigan
Michigan's climate is known for its dramatic shifts in temperature, cold winters with barren trees, long periods of cloudy skies, and sudden thunderstorms. These conditions can impact the quality and timing of your photo session, so it's crucial to be flexible and open-minded in the eye of the unexpected.
Preparing for Weather Changes
To ensure your photo session goes smoothly, I recommend the following tips:
Keep an eye on the weather forecast leading up to your session and be prepared for sudden changes or communication from your photographer.
Dress appropriately for the weather including layers, hats and gloves - and an outfit to change into for the drive home.
Consider bringing props like umbrellas or blankets to make the most of the conditions.
In cases of extreme weather, discuss contingency plans and backup locations with your photographer (i.e. locations with overhead coverage, studio/in-home session, etc).
Adapting to Unexpected Weather
As a photographer, my number one goal is to capture your narrative as authentically and truthfully as possible. I choose to stay away from fabricating too many moments that would detract from who you are. I’m a photographer, but more importantly, I am a preservationist of your moments. Receiving the opportunity to come into your life and create authentic, artful images for you and your loved ones is such a great honor, which is why I embrace the flow; I embrace the weather.
I've faced my share of weather-related challenges. However, by adapting to the situation and staying positive, l've managed to capture some incredible moments for my clients. For example, a sudden downpour turned into a stunning backdrop for a romantic engagement session, while a snowstorm transformed a family portrait into a winter wonderland.
I will always encourage couples or families to complete a session with me in the rain or snow because I believe it will be an experience like no other. No one is too old to play in the rain! In the event that an extreme weather advisory is placed on the area of our photo session, I would not continue with a shoot. Safety is always top priority. We can reschedule when it is safe for us to get back to preserving history.
Portrait Session at Crosswinds Marsh, New Boston, Michigan
The cold winter season in Michigan gave us this beautiful landscape with a frozen, slushie-like marsh that stood out so nicely against the barren trees. Boots were a must at this session!
Embracing Michigan's Unpredictable Weather
Not only does flowing with the weather paint a more accurate picture of the day of our session, but it also creates more visually interesting and dynamic images. Adventurers willing to embrace the weather are bound to have a wonderful experience and magical images to commemorate the day. A rain-soaked embrace under a streetlight. A snowy family session in the pines. A foggy portrait session at dawn. All of these weather conditions offer such grand opportunities to create images that feel like a movie - and you are the star.
Additional Tips
For outdoor sessions, the best times of day to schedule a photo session are around sunrise or sunset. This is when the sunlight is softest and most flattering for photos.
It’s best to avoid scheduling a photo session mid-day when the sun is directly overhead which creates harsh shadows on the face and harsh highlights throughout the entire image.
The blue hour before sunrise and the blue hour after sunset are also beautiful times to shoot, as they create a darker, moodier feel to a photo.
Shooting under heavy cloud coverage actually results in consistent lighting conditions. Cloud coverage will also soften the light on your face.
At the end of the day, being open-minded about what your photos can look like due to weather is the positive mindset to carry into any photo session. Flowing with mother nature & Michigan's unpredictable weather is essential for a beautiful experience and the preservation of unforgettable photos that will be cherished for years to come.
Let’s capture this season of your life!
Pres-er-va-tion-ist (noun)
A supporter or advocate of the preservation of something, especially of [history] and artifacts.
A photographer.
You.
