McKenzie and Seth and tips for rainy day wedding photography
As I’m leaving for this wedding, it’s so rainy I can barely see through my windshield even though my wipers are on high mode. I think back to my early days as a photographer when I would fret on rainy days. I would be so frazzled driving to a wedding that I’d have unsettling thoughts “How am I going to get my best work on a day like today”. “I will have to stay inside.” “ I will have to use lighting and it will take so much more time” “I’ll have to move things around at the venue to make room.” “It’s not going to be a fun day.” “The bride is going to be sad and it will be harder to take her photo with rainy day emotion” I’m not sure I can get good photos in these conditions. “ I wish I would go back to the younger photographer me and tell myself “ Girl, just go with it. It is what it is, and you can make the most of it. I have learned so much over the years . If you are starting out as a photographer you have to let the things you can’t control go or it will wreck you! You have to replace these negative, rapid firing thoughts with good ones. Our brain is so sensitive to our thoughts that it literally fires all sorts of hormones and chemicals when we think thoughts. Over time it can cause some serious harm. I know this. I have dealt with the enemy of anxiety and depression and I don’t want you to deal with this. MY husband works with many photographers and he says that so many have so much anxiety, especially the women. So here are some tips for photographers:
Think like Peter Pan- happy thoughts. Recognise that you are blessed to be creative, have a job where everyone is usually happy, you were chosen by this couple so they want you to be their photographer.
IF you are really new ( your price should reflect your experience) set a goal for yourself to learn something new . Try some rainy day photos or inside photos on non wedding days and work through it.
Get some video lights/ constant lighting- I remember back in the day when I was so unconfident about using my flash and off camera flash for anything other than reception dancing that when my husband started shooting video and we had those lights and was so great! -
Find all the natural light and use it- window/ porches/etc. . This is pretty much what I do now. I only bring out lights when I must as I am drawn to natural light and the mood it gives off.
You will grow and become better and better with experience but no matter how many years you have been doing this or how good you are we have to conquer our wedding day photography anxieties! Let’s make 2024 the year we are named the chillest photography chics ever! - peace out
McKenzie and Seth- you are a perfect example of how a couple should be on a rainy day. You went with it. Your love was the main event. Thanks for trusting me to be your photographer! xoxoxox
Cookie Cake- Oakmont Bakery
Dress- Davids Bridal
DJ- Dave Rapp
Venue- Quincy Cellars
