Rain on Session Day? What to Expect from Your Frisco, TX Family Photographer

You’ve picked your outfits, planned your family’s looks, and you’re so excited for your session -and then you check the weather forecast and see a chance of rain. Don’t panic! This is one of the most common questions I get from clients here in North Texas, and I want to put your mind at ease. Here’s exactly what happens when the weather doesn’t cooperate for your Christie Gare Photography session.

An example of a cloudy night after some rain and the beautiful sunset we saw!

North Texas Weather is Unpredictable and That’s Okay!

If you’ve lived in the Frisco, McKinney, or DFW area for any length of time, you already know- Texas weather has a mind of its own. A sunny morning can turn stormy by afternoon, and a rainy forecast can clear up beautifully by golden hour. I’ve been photographing families across North Texas for over 10 years and I’ve learned to never give up on a session until we absolutely have to!

That said, your safety and comfort - and the safety of your children - always comes first. I will never ask a family to push through dangerous weather conditions.

At this shoot, winds were 18mph sustained and gusts over 30mph. We used the trees to block wind and just moments before this photo, we paused and waited for the wind to die down. Then, grabbed this shot when the gusts was done.

My Weather Rescheduling Policy

Here’s how I handle weather-related rescheduling:

• How I Make the Call I monitor multiple weather sources and make my decision within 4 hours of your shoot time. If you don't hear from me - we are shooting! No news is good news.
  

• Wind Policy I will not shoot in sustained winds of 20mph or higher - it affects hair, clothing, and honestly makes for stressful photos! However if gusts are the issue rather than sustained winds, we can absolutely work with it by timing our shots between gusts. Some of my favorite sessions have been on breezy days!
  

• Rain Policy My equipment cannot get wet, so shooting in rain is not going to happen. Period! But a little humidity? Totally manageable - and I edit out ALL frizz 100% of the time. Every single time. You don't need to worry about that!
  

• Temperature Considerations If it's too hot or too cold I evaluate based on your specific session length. Kids especially - they can't fake being comfortable the way adults can, and I want genuine happy smiles, not shivering or sweating little ones!
  

• Please Stop Trusting Apple Weather! I have to be honest with you - Apple Weather has been SO wrong lately. It will show 85% chance of rain and when you actually click on the day it's showing rain at midnight while the rest of the day is gorgeous. I can't tell you how many times a client has asked to reschedule based on Apple Weather and we would have had a stunning golden hour sunset.

A recent conversation with a client who trusted Christie to shoot during 17mph sustained winds.

What About Studio Sessions?

What About Studio Sessions?

One of the biggest advantages of booking a studio session with Christie Gare Photography is that weather is rarely a factor! However I want to be transparent - my studio uses natural window light as the main light source, with flash used only as a fill. This means that if it is storming heavily or the sky is extremely dark and overcast, it can affect the quality of light in the studio.

In most cases we can absolutely still shoot - a little rain or clouds is no problem at all! But in the case of a severe storm with very dark skies, we may need to evaluate together whether rescheduling would give your family the most beautiful results.

I will always be upfront with you about this and we will make the decision together. My goal is always to deliver stunning images - and sometimes that means waiting for the right light, even indoors!

How Rescheduling Works

If we do need to reschedule due to weather, here’s what you can expect:

• Your retainer is fully protected - it moves with you to your new date

• We’ll find a new date that works for your family as quickly as possible

• I’ll do everything I can to get you rescheduled within a reasonable timeframe

• No added fees or penalties for weather-related reschedules
  

My goal is always to make this experience as stress-free and enjoyable as possible for your family. Life happens — and Texas weather definitely happens — and I’m here to roll with it right alongside you.

An extended family session where rain was in the forcast according to Apple and the wind was sustained around 19mph. We used the trees to block wind and waited between gusts, and Christie edited the rest out!

I know that planning a photo session can feel stressful - especially when you factor in Texas weather! But I promise that I’ve got you covered every step of the way. My job is to make sure your family has a wonderful experience and comes away with beautiful images you’ll treasure forever — rain or shine.

Ready to book your session? Reach out today and let’s get your family on the calendar! I serve families throughout Frisco, McKinney, Allen, Prosper, Celina, Plano, and all of North Texas.

Send An Inquiry Here

Christie Gare Photography

Family Photographer serving Frisco, McKinney, Allen, Prosper & all of North Texas