How to Get Great Family Pictures When The Weather Sucks

The Cherry Blossoms in Washington D.C. have all fallen off and it’s spring, and we all know what spring brings…unpredictable weather.  It can be cold and rainy one day and dry and warm the next day.  It can be difficult to schedule and plan family pictures with unpredictable weather?  These are some tips that will help you plan a unique indoor session you’ll love.  

Living in Northern Virginia we can experience unpredictable weather at a moments notice; what if you can’t take family pictures outside?  Or what if it’s pouring down rain?  What is the next recourse?  It’s time for an alternative strategy that will be fun, practicable, and allows you to create family portraits you will love and adore to have on the walls of your family home.

Loudoun County - Model Home

Alternative Plan
When the weather of NOVA is unpredictable having an alternative plan is essential.  Selecting a few indoor locations can be the key to saving your family portrait session from being canceled or rescheduled.  Selecting a location that wouldn’t be weather dependent.  There are several ideas for an indoor plan that may have been overlooked.

Loudoun County - Model Home

Location...Location
When selecting a location for your family session, you want a location that’s unique to your family and provides a variety of different setups and backdrops.  If you’re family likes gaming, consider a location that allows your family to enjoy their favorite pastime, yet have family portraits taken to remember this special time in your family’s history.

Woodbridge, VA - Portrait taken in Model Home

Prioritize Locations with Variety
This will probably be the most difficult part.  Determining the best location for your family.  When you’re considering locations for your portraits, here are a few things to consider:​

• Space to move around – even if there are other people present
• Nearby outdoor options – in case there is a break in the rain
• Place that hold meanings for your family: restaurants, shopping centers, museums, places of worship, etc.
• Various scenes and backdrops

Location Ideas
When considering places to have your family photographed, think about things your family enjoy doing.  What brings you together closer as a family?  With all the different challenges (Target, Michaels, etc.), many stores encourage retail photography as it is a free marketing tool, however, getting permission is still suggested.  When considering a retail location, ponder the time of day.  Many stores are more apt to allowing photography as soon as they open or close to the doors closing.  Here are some possible locations that may be considered.

• Model Home
• IKEA
• Dave & Buster
• Shopping Mall – Potomac Mills, Springfield Towncenter, or Dulles Towncenter
• Hotel Lobby (several lobbies in the Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia are great options)
• Home Depot or Lowe’s
• Apartment Clubhouse

Potomac Shores, Virginia - Family Portrait taken at The Shores Club

Focus on What Matters The Most
Bad and unpredictable weather can be frustrating especially when you were looking forward to creating lovely family memories and documenting your legacy.  You want to stay focus on what matters most and that’s your family.  Regardless of which location you select, your spouse and children will have a great time taking family pictures because they’re with you.