Can we have a horse photoshoot in the rain?

by | Apr 20, 2021 | Horse Photography | 0 comments

So, what happens if it rains on your horse photography session day? Do we shoot it anyway? Do we reschedule? No worries! This is a common question among clients.
 
Living in the east Tennessee / north Georgia area, rain storms are common in spring and summer. Even winter has a fair amount of rain.
No beautiful snowy white snow images here. Just rain and gray skies.
 
 

Can We Have a Horse Portrait Session in the rain?

 

As with any photography outdoors, the weather definitely holds us hostage at times.

 
When scheduling sessions, I make sure to keep some dates available to move them if needed.
 
 
If I am being honest, I would much prefer to snuggle on a couch with Nitro watching a bad movie on rainy days. I’m a sunny or cloudy and cool day kind of girl. Fall and winter are definitely my jam in the south.
 
 
But, photographing horses in the rain can produce some interesting images.  
And, sometimes it can be fun to shoot in the rain.
 
Now I’m not talking about tornados heading your way or straight-line thunderstorms. After all, safety is first.
 
But, shooting in a gentle soft sprinkle or light rain can produce fun images. Or shooting when a storm is rolling in and you have some dramatic skies to work with. 
 
It does depend on several factors though. Not the least of which is your horse’s temperament and happiness when it comes to standing in the rain.
 
 
 
 
 

Important Things to Know about Horse Portrait Sessions in the Rain

 

Here are a few things to consider about shooting in the rain. First, health and safety always come first. This applies to the horses we photograph, ourselves, and any gear involved.
 
With that in mind, thunder and lightning are hard passes.
 
It’s never a good idea to be out in lightning with metal stands, tripods, and other metal equipment. That is asking for trouble.
 
But, a gentle rainstorm is a different story.
 
Horses have different reactions to rain. So, that’s the first question. How is your horse’s temperament? Does he or she enjoy the rain? Or are they annoyed that you are asking them to be getting wet when they could be snug in a stall?
 
Secondly, we need to be safe and healthy.
 
We don’t want anyone catching a cold at the end of this. Raincoats and boots that keep your feet dry at least. I know from experience how annoying it can be to be standing around with wet feet – especially when it’s cold out.
 
And third, gear protection!
 
Professional camera gear is expensive so it’s important to take care of it.
 
As I am sometimes in situations that require me to shoot rain or shine, I do have protective gear for my cameras. But it’s definitely a consideration.

 

What Types of Images Can We Get in the Rain? 

 
 
There are several different types of images that look great in the rain.
 
Macro and detail photography can be fun in the rain. If you don’t know what macro photography is, here is a great article that explains it. You can get fun shots like raindrops on whiskers and curly wet hair.
 
Reflections are always an option as well if there is standing water on the ground.
 
Of course, you always need to put the safety of yourself and your horse first. Never walk into the water if you don’t know how deep it is.
 
Splashing in the water is always a fun thing to shoot when it rains too.
 
Don’t you remember how fun it was to splash in mud puddles as a kid? Imagine the fun you can have with your horse splashing alongside you.
 
Bright colors show up against darkened skies. And rain can bring some dramatic skies along with it. Consider bright-colored raincoats or boots.
 
And, if it’s raining in spring, keep an eye out for spring flowers which can look cool against angry skies.
 
With rain, there is always the chance of mist and fog. If you tend towards a moodier feel to your images, then rainy days might actually be a great fit for you.
 
And, last but not least, rainbows!
 
And who needs a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow when you have your horse?
 
 

Got More Questions about Horse Portraits?

 

You can find answers to more common questions in this post: Common Questions about equestrian portrait sessions.

 
Interested in learning more about horse photoshoots? Make sure to check out this post: The Ultimate Guide to Horse Photography in Chattanooga, TN
 

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​Betsy Bird of Ride the Sky Equine Photography spends her days doing insane things to make horses look at her. Clearly, she’s desperate for attention. When she’s not acting like a total goofball, she’s mentoring photographers, wrangling teenagers, or hanging with Derby, hanging out with Derby, the new puppy who is currently training to be office assistant (jury’s still out on whether “chewing cords” counts as professional development).

Betsy is an award-winning equine and pet photographer based in Chattanooga, TN, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Professional Photographers of East Tennessee (PPETN) and is the current President-Elect of the Tennessee Professional Photographers Association (TNPPA). Her work has been published nationally and is found in barns and homes across the U.S. Ride the Sky is creates heirloom artwork for horses and their humans.

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