Do photogs have plan B regarding weather conditions?

Hi Potn'ers

Perhaps this question is more geared for photogs in areas where rainfall is not uncommon.

I have a ceremony to shoot in a beautiful park. There is a small building/pavillion specifically dedicated for wedding ceremonies. My concern is the park is completely gorgeous when the weather is overcast or sunny. If rain occurs theres "0" coverage from the environment.

Do photogs simply get crafty with umbrellas? I'm all for creativity but having such photos primarily with umbrellas is not ideal IMO. The zinger is the timeframe allocated for post ceremony photos is extremely short. There's very little time to venture to downtown or areas where buildings may cover the B/G and bridal party from the wet.

I'm just curious if others will share there workflow when weather is not kind.

TIA,
Alan

Thinking on your feet is one of the most important aspects of wedding photography.

cdifoto wrote in post #12503528
Thinking on your feet is one of the most important aspects of wedding photography.

Yes!!! I'm already going to be purchasing an array of umbrella's and have many photos in mind. Time frame is unkind and B/G is adamant about having photos taken in the park. I didn't think its a good idea to do a pseudo "trash the dress" shoot because in this particular park it will actually trash it......before the reception.

Lately in my local area the weather has been the worst in a decade. This spring weather is more like autumn.

In situations like that, I always make it a point to ask my bride what her plans are if it rains when we first get together. As soon as she tells me about an outside event, I'm asking for a backup plan for rain.If she has planned an outdoor ceremony or even an entire outside wedding, she must have allowed for the possibility. Then I act on her response. I've done numerous weddings from under an umbrella. I just make sure to bring an assistant with me.
As far as creativity, rain makes for a ton of possible images that are unique and beautiful.

These are from a wedding I shot a couple weeks ago. It rained like crazy during the late afternoon ceremony, washing out the outdoor setting. After the rain stopped, I took these shots at the venue where the wedding was supposed to have taken place.

The wedding obviously hasnt taken place yet. Let the B&G know your concerns, and help build a backup plan. See if they are interested in shooting in the rain and possibly getting the dress dirty. If not and want to travel downtown, make time in the timeline to allow for this. Help them create a plan and build expectations on what may happen.

Red Tie Photography wrote in post #12504406
The wedding obviously hasnt taken place yet. Let the B&G know your concerns, and help build a backup plan. See if they are interested in shooting in the rain and possibly getting the dress dirty. If not and want to travel downtown, make time in the timeline to allow for this. Help them create a plan and build expectations on what may happen.

Thank you!! So very logical and I've already addressed my concerns and they asked "whats my plan B". I will speak to them agian and see if they are fully aware of making a white dress "not so white" after a rainfall.

It's the couples responsibilities to make sure they have suitable locations in case of rain, but I point this out to them well in advance. I always have a backup plan for photography locations in case it's wet or windy.

tim wrote in post #12505244
It's the couples responsibilities to make sure they have suitable locations in case of rain, but I point this out to them well in advance. I always have a backup plan for photography locations in case it's wet or windy.

Thank you Tim!


Its wishful thinking for ideal weather. Worst case scenario we'll need a shuttle to downtown and go to areas where I know there's coverage.

Yeah, I always have backup locations planned, but having shot in Vancouver, it's not exactly easy to go from one place to another in a reasonable amount of time. Are you talking about Queen E park? Yeah, there isn't really anywhere to go in case of rain, except under the trees, which only works in pretty light rain.

Definitely have umbrellas and say lots of prayers. But really, if it's raining bad then I'd look for ANYTHING that has shelter and a reasonable amount of space, even parkades. Are there any parkades that have sections that are relatively empty? Who am I kidding, this is Vancouver. Everything is probably crowded. Sorry dude, that's a tough one.

picturecrazy wrote in post #12505708
Yeah, I always have backup locations planned, but having shot in Vancouver, it's not exactly easy to go from one place to another in a reasonable amount of time. Are you talking about Queen E park? Yeah, there isn't really anywhere to go in case of rain, except under the trees, which only works in pretty light rain.

Definitely have umbrellas and say lots of prayers. But really, if it's raining bad then I'd look for ANYTHING that has shelter and a reasonable amount of space, even parkades. Are there any parkades that have sections that are relatively empty? Who am I kidding, this is Vancouver. Everything is probably crowded. Sorry dude, that's a tough one.

Hey Lloyd,

just think I was gonna pester you with an email

Yes its Queen E park and there really isn't much for coverage at the park.

The B/G is aware of the potential wet weather so I'll let them sweat it for plan B. I will scout to see whats close...fun fun

I appreciate all the info...thank you all!

jcolman wrote in post #12503931
These are from a wedding I shot a couple weeks ago. It rained like crazy during the late afternoon ceremony, washing out the outdoor setting. After the rain stopped, I took these shots at the venue where the wedding was supposed to have taken place.

http://i182.photobucke​t.com …nd%20jason/rach​el-208.jpg

http://i182.photobucke​t.com …nd%20jason/rach​el-153.jpg

http://i182.photobucke​t.com …nd%20jason/rach​el-152.jpg

http://i182.photobucke​t.com …nd%20jason/rach​el-162.jpg

This is what it looked like right before the ceremony

http://i182.photobucke​t.com …nd%20jason/rach​el-122.jpg

I <3 old man Colman! You're awesome with your help and examples. I'm a very visual person so these examples are beautiful.

Also, they're a little too well lit for my taste, I prefer natural lighting...hahah...(OT reference)

A wedding last week with a lot of rain!(Holland)
I always have plastic bags with me to cover my flash.

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I ALWAYS discuss a "plan B" location for shooting, should the weather turn ugly. even if the wedding and reception are indoors, the couple usually wants to have some outside shots done so we always make a plan so that things can keep moving if it rains.

you can't prepare for everything but you do have to be ready for anything.