What Happens If It Rains on Your Photoshoot Day?

As the photoshoot date approaches, the app couples check most is the weather forecast. And when a cloud icon appears, the first question that comes to mind is always the same: “What if it rains?”

The short answer: there’s nothing to worry about. We always have a plan for the chance of rain.

We talk with you the day before the shoot

We’re already in touch with you the day before the shoot. While we go over the time, the location and the final details, we look at the weather together too. If there’s a chance of rain, we don’t leave it to surprise; we make the decision together, in advance.

That way, you’re never left wondering “what now?” after getting ready and setting off on the morning of the shoot.

Option 1: Postponing the date

If the weather really isn’t suitable, with a downpour or strong wind expected, we move the shoot to another day. We set a new date that suits you based on the calendar.

This option is the most comfortable especially for shoots where the wedding dress is long and full, and you’ve imagined wide frames in open spaces.

Option 2: Changing the location

Sometimes the problem is less the rain than the location itself. A forest path, a shoreline or a large garden becomes difficult in the rain, while a very beautiful shoot can be done at a more sheltered place on the same day. In such cases, we keep the date and change the location.

Option 3: Moving indoors on the same day

If you don’t want the date to change, for example if it’s your wedding day or your hair and make-up appointment is fixed, we move the shoot straight to an indoor location on the same day.

• Zarif Studio: Our studio in Nişantaşı; with its large windows and natural light, the most practical choice for rainy days.
• Adile Sultan Pavilion: Classic, romantic frames with its historic halls and grand interior architecture.
• Camlı Köşk: A bright interior with glass walls in the middle of nature; light-filled frames inside while it rains outside.
• Bosphorus Palace: A grand interior with its spiral staircase and palace halls.

Rain isn’t always bad news

Light rain sometimes brings out the most beautiful frames of a shoot. Cloudy weather leaves no harsh shadows on faces; the light falls soft and even. Wet stones shine, and a clear umbrella adds a story to the frame all by itself.

The frame on the cover of this article comes from just such a day: Evroj & Ramazan’s Adile Sultan Pavilion shoot took place on a rainy day, and the umbrella became part of the shoot.

A few tips in case of rain

• Clear umbrella: It doesn’t hide faces in the photo and shows the raindrops beautifully.
• Spare shoes: Wear comfortable shoes on the way to the location and change for the shoot.
• Hair and make-up: Talk with your hairdresser in advance about a hairstyle that holds up in humid weather and a setting spray.
• Wedding dress: Have someone with you to carry the train that sweeps the ground.

Zarif Film’s advice

Don’t worry about the forecast until the day of the shoot; we make the final decision together the day before. When choosing a location, keep an indoor alternative for a rainy day in mind from the start. For location options, see our photoshoot venues, and if you’re wondering how long the shoot takes, see our article how long does a photoshoot take.