Clouds, rain, mistral: what happens if the weather doesn't cooperate?
A gray sky isn't a disaster: it's often beautiful light. Here's how we decide, together, whether to go ahead, adapt or reschedule.
Getting ready- A cloudy sky gives soft light that's very flattering for portraits.
- We decide together the day before or that morning: go ahead, change the location or reschedule.
- For a wedding, rain is planned for in advance with a plan B.
In Marseille, we're lucky to get a lot of sunshine. But as a session gets closer, everyone checks the forecast ten times a day. Here's how I work, so you can stop refreshing your weather app.
A cloudy sky isn't a problem
Quite the opposite, often. An overcast sky acts like a huge diffuser: the light is soft, there are no harsh shadows, nobody squints. For a portrait, a maternity session or a family session, it's ideal light. We simply lose the golden glow of sunset.
Rain and strong wind: we talk it through together
When the forecast shows steady rain or a fierce mistral (the strong local wind), I get in touch. Together, we choose between three options:
- Go ahead if the forecast leaves a big enough window.
- Adapt the location: a more sheltered spot, a session at home, a covered venue.
- Reschedule to another date if the session would lose too much of its meaning.
The mistral is blowing hard on the day of your seaside session, and you're worried about your hair and your dress.
We look for a protected spot: a sheltered cove, the leeward side of a hill, a stone village. And we play with whatever wind is left: a dress floating gently in the breeze is often beautiful.
And on your wedding day?
A wedding doesn't get rescheduled: we plan ahead. During our preparation, I always ask what the reception venue's plan B is. I scout sheltered spots for group and couple photos. And I keep a few ideas up my sleeve: a big clear umbrella, a session under an archway, couple portraits as the rain ends and the sky breaks open.
Picture a couple session planned on a beach in October, with a shower forecast around 6 pm. We push the meeting back an hour, wait out the shower in a café, then head out. The sky is still heavy, but the sun slips beneath the clouds as it sets. The images have a dramatic light a perfectly blue sky would never have given.
Trust me to keep an eye on the weather, and save your energy for your session. If anything needs to change, I'll be the one to get in touch.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if it rains on the day of my photo session?
We decide together whether to go ahead, change the location (somewhere sheltered, or at home) or reschedule the session.
Is a cloudy sky bad for photos?
No. It gives soft, flattering light, ideal for portraits and family sessions.
What if it rains on the wedding day?
A wedding can't be rescheduled: we prepare a plan B in advance, with sheltered spots scouted for the photos.
Want to talk about your session?
Tell me about your plans: I reply personally, with advice tailored to your date and location.
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