To make the most out of rainy engagement photos- embrace the weather.

Especially on the lower mainland in British Columbia, the weather forecast can be pretty unreliable. The forecast may call for sun– but we’ll likely see clouds, sun, or rain within the span of a few hours. Which means that your upcoming session which was scheduled months ago may turn into a rainy engagement session.

Your photographer will be able to capture an organic, cinematic experience if you choose to flow with the moment instead of stressing about components beyond your control.

These raw moments create real, genuine, passion-filled moments that highlight the deep connections you share.

Sometimes the most unseemly weather can make for the most romantic photos.

Whether it’s briskly cold, wild winds, a downpour, or even slowing down to soak in warm sunlight- allow yourself to enjoy the moment and take it all in for what it is. If you let it; weather like this can ADD to your photos.

Think of one of the most iconic movie scenes of all time from The Notebook. Nick and Allie are in the pouring rain, emotions are raging as they confess their love for each other, almost unaware that they are soaked to the bone. Obviously it’s scripted- yet the actors do an amazing job portraying their passion despite the pouring rain.

If you’re freezing cold because of rain or snow- snuggle up together, get your blood flowing, wear layers and wrap yourselves together in a cute blanket.

Here are some practical tips to consider if you’re looking at having a rainy engagement session:

1. Consider what your hair looks like wet and plan for the best hair style to accommodate this
2. If you wear makeup, make sure to use makeup that won’t run
3. Bring towels and a dry change of clothes for afterwards
4. Wear shoes that you can get muddy or that are easy to clean off
5. If your photographer doesn’t provide one, bring a clear umbrella (or two)
6. Make sure to check with your photographer to see if they’re comfortable shooting in the rain. Each camera + lens combo they use is likely $4000+(each), and may not be water resistant. Please be considerate if your photographer would rather reschedule for better weather.
7. Make sure the forecast doesn’t call for lightning, if this is the case, reschedule as getting “the shot” is never more important than everyone’s safety

Take a look at these Pitt Meadows rainy engagement photos from a session that couldn’t be rescheduled. We all were freezing, but despite the cold and the rain, we all had an amazing time.

I bring along clear umbrellas to all my shoots where there’s a chance of rain. We used these clear umbrellas during 80% of their session (I just edited them out of many of the photos where it seemed natural). For the last 15 minutes we ditched the umbrellas and braved the freezing cold rain, this allowed us to capture dreamy, passionate and cinematic photos.

A few more practical tips- I recommend bringing along a towel as well for your couple so that they can dry off, especially in-between an outfit change! And if you’re a photographer, make sure to bring a rain sleeve for your camera or plan on bringing an assistant to hold an umbrella over your camera to keep it dry. Most professional cameras have some sort of weather-sealing, but sometimes it’s better to be safe than sorry!

For some more rainy-day engagement photo inspiration, check out my Rainy Session Pinterest board here; rainy engagement session inspiration on Pinterest.

In British Columbia and in search of a photographer?

My name is Kimberly, I’m Abbotsford based, but available worldwide and specialise in Wedding & Lifestyle photography. My heart beats for capturing real, genuine, passionate moments that highlight the deep connections you share. If you’re interested, reach out now to grab a spot on my calendar!

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