Best Photography Weather: Tips for planning your portrait photoshoot
Being based in England has its pros and cons, a feature most are familiar with is the unpredictable weather. I deal with a lot of rescheduled or cancelled shoots due to the weather. Most would like their outdoor photoshoot to fall on a lovely summers day. While it’s great time to take photos in general – bright and dry (especially in England) – it’s not the most flattering setting for portrait photography. Today we are going to talk about what makes the best photography weather and why.
Best weather forecast for portrait photography
A bright sunny day
From my experience sunny days are the best weather for phone photography – the more light the better when you take photos with your iPhone. However in portrait photography bright sunlight can be extremely harsh, and harsh light will accentuate any blemishes, wrinkles, or skin imperfections, let alone dark shadows on your face and body.
It’s not about how much light there is, but the quality of the light. If you or your photographer understands how to modify (diffuse, bounce and reflect) or work around harsh sunlight to create flattering images – there’s no reason for you not to go ahead with your photoshoot when sun’s out.
An overcast or cloudy day
Some might find an overcast day weather a little grey or flat for a photography session outdoors. Though from my experience it’s the most versatile lighting condition for having images taken. Firstly the light will be a lot softer and more flattering on yours, or your subject’s face (less skin imperfections will be noticeable in comparison to harsh daylight). Secondly, if you feel that you would like to add more drama to your images (or more directional light) there’s an easy solution – adding an artificial light source. It can be a speed light, LED light, torch: you can get creative with literarily any additional light.
A winters day
An outdoor photoshoot in winter can result in absolutely beautiful and creative images, while it can be quite unpleasant experience – red face/nose, running nose, eyes watering… You will also be running a chance to get ill. My top tip for a winters day photoshoot is to keep it super short.
A rainy / windy day
Similarly to a winters day photoshoot, shooting in extreme conditions like rain or wind might end up in producing creative photography masterpiece. Check out photographer Mark Ruddick’s dance photoshoot in the rain for inspiration. However, a photoshoot like this needs to be carefully planned: protecting photography equipment, backup gear and clothes, and assistance would be a great idea.
In conclusion, in my personal opinion the best photography weather is a dry overcast day as it can be versatile and it gives room for experimentation. The weather is so unreliable; the best advice will be simply embracing whatever the weather brings and be open to experiments. Even if it rains or snows, you can get some stunning images even in the seemingly worst weather condition.
Are you planning a photoshoot? You might also enjoy a selection of blog posts on everything you need to know Before a Photoshoot.
Which weather is the best for photography in your opinion and why? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below.
