Tips for Portrait Photography with Natural Light in Any Weather

Discover this quick guide to capturing stunning portrait photography using natural light, regardless of the weather, with expert tips tailored for the often rainy Portland OR and Vancouver WA regions.

Embrace the Overcast: Using Cloudy Skies to Your Advantage

Overcast days are a blessing in disguise for portrait photographers. The clouds act as a giant softbox, diffusing the sunlight evenly and eliminating harsh shadows. This creates a flattering, soft light that is perfect for headshots and personal branding portraits.  Unlike in the summer months, when the harsh mid-day sun creates very harsh shadows, overcast days allow you to utilize more daylight hours for shooting outdoors.

Instead of waiting for a sunny day, embrace the cloudy skies. Position your subject so that the light falls evenly across their face. You'll find that the natural diffused light enhances skin tones and brings out the best in your subject's features.  

For an additional pop of your subject, adding a light with a 2' or 3' Octa can create a nice separation of the background and the subject.

Finding Natural Reflectors: Making the Most of Your Environment

Natural reflectors can be a game-changer when shooting outdoors. Surfaces like light-colored walls, sandy ground, or even a white car can bounce light back onto your subject, filling in shadows and adding a natural glow.

When scouting locations, look for these natural reflectors. Position your subject near these surfaces to take advantage of the additional light. This technique can help you achieve a balanced exposure and a more professional-looking portrait.

Rainy Day Portraits: Capturing the Beauty in the Wet Weather

Don't let a little rain deter you from capturing stunning portraits. Rainy days offer unique opportunities to add mood and texture to your images. Wet surfaces reflect light beautifully, creating a dynamic and atmospheric backdrop for your subjects.

Invest in a good-quality umbrella or rain cover for your camera gear, and encourage your clients to embrace the rain with stylish umbrellas or raincoats. The result can be a set of memorable, evocative portraits that stand out from the typical sunny-day shots.

On wet days, also consider finding cover for your images, like the covered area of this office building I found a block from my studio.  It protected us from the rain, and also added some interesting lines and an architectural feel to the image.

Dressing for the Weather: Ensuring Comfort and Style

Comfort is key when shooting outdoors, especially in unpredictable weather. Advise your clients to dress in layers, so they can adjust to changing temperatures. Waterproof and windproof clothing can keep them comfortable and focused on the shoot.

In terms of style, suggest outfits that complement the natural surroundings and weather conditions. Earth tones and muted colors can look great against a cloudy sky or a lush, green backdrop. Encourage clients to bring a change of clothes in case they get wet, ensuring they feel their best throughout the session.

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