follow us:

Where To Take Family Photos When Weather Is Bad

If you have ever had your family portraits taken, you most likely wondered where to take family photos when weather is bad. Sure you can usually reschedule to another date, but what if that is not an option for you? What if you are on vacation, traveled for your session or your schedules just don’t allow you to postpone your family portraits? What do you do then? Well, luckily for you, it is my job to come up with alternatives and options for situations just like that.

photo of mother holding her baby girl in a hotel room in Frontenac

Indoor locations for family photos.

Obviously, the first thing you will want to do is think of indoor options that will shield you from the elements. Most will opt for their home as this is a familiar setting and will be meaningful. But, what if you are traveling and nowhere near home? What if you cannot come to my studio here at Yvonne Niemann Photography? Well, don’t worry. There are other options. This is not always an easy task as many places require permits, have fees or don’t allow professional photographers. I do a lot of research to find out where I can go for a back up indoor locations, which helps me give solid suggestions to my clients. I take care of gaining permission for access to places ahead of time to ensure we don’t run into any problems when we arrive.

The images shown here were all taken in a hotel room. It was a cold, rainy and windy day, which did not lend to being outside for family portraits. We chose to hold their session in the comfort of my hotel room in St. Louis since it was already booked as my home away from home while I was in town for commissioned portrait sessions. It also had beautiful light and neutral colors. No permits or extra fees were required since I was staying in the room and were not venturing out elsewhere on the property. Easy peasy and resulted in beautiful family photos. I actually take a lot of family portraits on beds with white linens anyways, so this is very similar to what I do at a family’s home.

Example of where to take family photos when weather is bad while on vacation

Some other ideas for indoor locations when weather is bad.

Libraries, conservatories, greenhouses, hotel and museum lobbies are all good ideas to check out. Perhaps you have a favorite place that has meaning to your family like an ice-cream shop, diner, bowling alley or an indoor display at the zoo. Think outside the box and have fun with it! Of course, a lot of logistics goes into obtaining the correct indoor location, but when everything falls into place, it really pays off.

Three month old baby giggling on bed with white linens at a hotel in St. Louis

Take cover outside for portraits on rainy days.

Sometimes you don’t want to be inside and the weather isn’t so bad that you absolutely cannot be outdoors. For example, let’s say the weather is calling for a strong chance of rain, but it isn’t supposed to be windy or super cold. Just wet. You really have your heart set on being outside or at least having some outdoor elements in your background. What do you do? I like to find places that have pretty overhangs like pavilions, buildings with large coverings or covered walkways. Even certain garages can be lend to pretty portraits. Again, some of these places will require permission, permits and perhaps fees, just like the indoor locations mentioned, but it is my job to take care of all of that!

Embrace the elements!

Another great option when the weather isn’t TERRIBLE is to just embrace the elements! I have items to protect my gear from light rain and snow. I also don’t mind getting wet or being cold, so if you are up for being outdoors in those conditions, I am perfectly fine with it. Now, if it is raining sideways or it is really raining hard, this won’t be an option, but many times it is perfectly fine to be outside when it isn’t the most ideal day. Do you have kiddos that love to play in the rain? Does your family like jumping in puddles with umbrellas and fun rain boots? Do you enjoy snuggling and playing in the snow? Are you OK bundling up in layers and have some fun in coats, scarves, hats and winter gear? Well, maybe a session out in the elements is perfect for your family!

Most of the time, people would rather opt to move their session to another date that is more appealing and will work with the outdoor backdrop their have their heart set on, but sometimes that just isn’t an option. Don’t worry. If you are open for a change of scenery and can be a tad flexible there is always some sort of option to make sure your family portrait session takes place regardless of the weather. It is my job to come up with solutions and to help make sure things go as smoothly as possible.

We are in Winter mode here in Georgia, which is still a great time for family portraits. Book your session today! info@yvonneniemannphotography.com  |  706.713.0676

 

Athens, Georgia | info@yvonneniemannphotography.com

706.713.0676

At extended family portrait sessions, we do a lot of break outs to get images of individual families and relationships that you want documented. This includes couples! For younger families, this is the perfect time to get your portraits taken with your spouse when others are around to entertain your littles. For those who don't have tiny children, this is a great time to relax and bask in the love with your significant other. A time to sneak away from the chaos for just a bit. 
*
*
*
*
*
#yvonneniemannphotography #athensgaphotographer #lakeoconeephotographer #atlantaphotographer #oconeecountygaphotographer #athensgafamilyphotographer #oconeecountygafamilyphotographer #lakeoconeefamilyphotographer #atlantafamilyphotographer #outdoorfamilyphotography #extendedfamilyphotography #my_magical_moments #beinstainspired #unposed #lookslikefilmfamily #lifewellcaptured #mymagicalmoments 
extended family photographer 
Lake Oconee extended family photographer 
couple photoshoot
When it is hot out, head to the shoals to cool off for your portraits! That is exactly what we did for this mama's maternity photography session. 

This is a location that I scout out often to ensure it is safe before sessions. If the water is too high and flowing too fast it is a no go. Luckily, it was pure perfection last night. Enough dry areas and plenty of water flow to make it dream worthy and a safe place for mom and her family. 

A few tips for sessions at this location:
1. Spray on some bug spray. 
2. Bring shoes easy to take off for when you get to the water.
3. Have a towel handy for drying off your feet after the session.
4. If you are heading somewhere after your portraits, bring a change of clothes as you will most likely get a tad wet. 
5. I will make sure to pick areas that aren't too slippery, but go slow and shuffle your feet as you walk in the water.

If would like a session on the shoals, just let me know. We have a few places in the Oconee County and Athens areas to choose from. I will pick the location that is most perfect for your portraits. 
*
*
*
*
*
#yvonneniemannphotography #athensgaphotographer #oconeecountygaphotographer #oconeecountygamaternityphotographer #athensgamaternityphotographer #athensgafamilyphotographer #oconeecountygafamilyphotographer #theartofbeingamother #motherhoodsimplified #motherhoodphotography #theartofmotherhood #motherhoodrising #documentyourdays #livemoremagic 
Athens, GA maternity photography
photographer for maternity photos in Athens, GA
outdoor family maternity photos in Oconee County, GA
Outdoor maternity photos
Happy Independence Day! Hope you are having a relaxing and fun day with loved ones. 
*
*
*
*
*
#yvonneniemannphotography #photographer #photography #photog #photographycommunity #photolovers #photographerlife #photographybusiness #photographyart #photographerforhire #photographylover #photographyisart #photographeroftheday #photographygear #photographyworld #photographeveryday #photographyaddict #photographersofinstagram #photographerdreams #savannah #fourthofJuly
Independence Day
4th of July 
Savannah historic district
One of the many pleasures that I get to do as a photographer is documenting childhood and relationships of all ages. 

Big milestones are such a privilege to photograph for families and especially ones where I know the artwork will be displayed for generations to come. 

I think that is one of the reasons why I adore heirloom sessions so much. They are classic pieces that will never go out of style. 

Looking at this image, it reminds me of a sibling image of my mom with her brother and sisters back in the 50s. Love that families continue the tradition of heirloom portraiture. 

My favorite way to display images like this is on a canvas and framed in an ornate frame on the wall alongside past generations portraits. 

You can book heirloom portrait sessions any time with Yvonne Niemann Photography, but if you want a shorter session, you may want to consider booking one of the heirloom portrait event spots. They are offered each season of the year. The Summer event takes place on July 14. There are still spots available, so if you would like to be added to the calendar, don't hesitate to contact me. Simply send me a message or book online using the link in the bio.
*
*
*
*
*
#yvonneniemannphotography #HeirloomPortraits #southernheirloomportraits #heirloomportrait #heirloomphotography #southernstyle #classic #smockedclothing #childrenportraits #atlantaheirloomphotographer #athensgaheirloomphotographer #oconeecountygaheirloomportraitphotographer #oconeecountyheirloomphotographer #westcott #classicportrait #studiophotoshoot #photostudio 
Atlanta heirloom photography
Heirloom photographer
�Heirloom Athens
Heirloom portraits
Summer flowers to end the session and to take home to place in a vase. Simple pleasures mean so much!
*
*
*
*
*
#yvonneniemannphotography #athensgaphotographer #oconeecountygaphotographer #athensgachildphotographer #oconeecountygachildphotographer #athensgafamilyphotographer #oconeecountygafamilyphotographer #childphotography #atlantaphotographer #atlantachildphotographer #childhood #runwildmychild #childportrait #stlouisphotographer #stlouischildphotographer #kidphotographer #lifestyleportraits
Ringing the UGA bell for one last time to celebrate graduating is a great feeling! Can you feel it?! I sure can. When thinking of locations for your graduation portraits, think of those places that meant a lot to you while you were in school. Could be on or off campus. Make a list and we will make sure to document you in those sentimental areas for you! 
 *
*
*
*
*
#portrait #yvonneniemannphotography #athensgaphotographer #UGA #UGAgradportraits #UGAseniorphotos #UGAnorthcampus #seniorportraits #seniorportraitsession #athensgaseniorphotographer #UGAbell
#seniorportraitsphotographer #athensgaseniorportraitsphotographer #seniorportraits2025 #classof2025 
uga graduation photographers
georgia senior photographer
uga grad pics
Jekyll Island was divine this year during my time there for portrait sessions. Weather was perfect. No worries about scheduling around rain this time and the ocean's tides were even cooperative for those beach sessions. Wind was only super strong on one evening, but a quick change of location and we were just fine. Yes. These are all things I worry about as a photographer at beaches. So many elements to think about and to pull together. Happy dances all around when things all come together and work in our favor!!!

LOVE the light coming through the Live Oak Trees and Spanish Moss in this image. 
*
*
*
*
*
#yvonneniemannphotography #athensgaphotographer #oconeecountygaphotographer #jekyllislandphotographer #jekyllislandchildphotographer #athensgachildphotographer #oconeecountygachildphotographer #athensgafamilyphotographer #oconeecountygafamilyphotographer #jekyllislandfamilyphotographer #childphotography #atlantaphotographer #atlantachildphotographer #lookslikefilmkids #theoutdoorchild #candidchildhood #candidchildhoodunplugged #childhoodunplugged 
professional childrens portraits
Jekyll Island photography
Jekyll Island Historic District