My friend Alanah and I were given a sample Penelope dress from Simply Bridal, http://www.simplybridal.com/, for a photoshoot. I decided to shoot at Ft Pickens, Pensacola Beach. I chose this area for the varied scenery and the beaches along the Gulf Coast are destination wedding areas so it was good practice for me. This summer season in Gulf Shores and Pensacola has been particularly rainy. Sometimes you can reschedule a photoshoot, sometimes you can't. Unless a hurricane comes through or it is a continuous lighting storm, you can take advantage of the situation.

Portrait at Fort Pickens This photo was taken just before a deluge. Because there are dark skies in the background and you have the white sand, this picture has an almost black and white feel to it, and it makes Alanah pop against the background. The wind makes the dress flow and disturbs the seagulls in the background which gives a kind of mystical feel to the picture. 

Tip: When shooting with oncoming rain, make sure you are very close to shelter or your vehicle, and watch the weather radar on your smartphone.

Fort Pickens Portrait

Gulf Coast Bridal Photographer At Ft. Pickens, there are many pavilions and buildings to shoot against. During one downpour we decided to hangout under one of the pavilions. Next to it was a red bricked building with huge doors. During a brief letup in the rain, we made some quick shots. 

Tip: Look around for interesting backgrounds,settings, and colors

Bridal Beach Portrait

There was a slight drizzle while this picture was taken. However, we were under a pavilion. I setup my portable lights under the shelter, composed in a way that made it look like we were outside and snapped away.

Tip: Take advantage of what you have at the moment and be creative. 

Pensacola Wedding Photographer

Storm clouds can create some very dramatic backgrounds. I used portable strobes camera left to light Alanah, and underexposed the background a bit to give some drama to the picture. We were also close to my truck which was good since it started to rain just after the picture was taken.

Tip: Use lights to make your subject pop and underexpose the background.

Portrait Photographer in Pensacola

Alanah and I had enough photographs to call it a day, but we decided to wait out the storm and see if there would be a good sunset. Our wait paid off. It stopped raining and the clouds started to thin out.

Tip: When shooting along the Gulf Coast, the weather can change from minute to minute. Be patient and watch your weather radar.

Brodal Portrait at Pensacola Beach Sunset Bridal Portrait

Model Engagement Session - Gulf Shores Photographer Gulf Shores Photographer The above picture is one I have composed in mind for a few years and the conditions were spot on to make it a reality. There were some rocks on the back that added a little bit of flair to the standard beach shot. The shoreline mimics the skyline and creates curved convergent lines highlighting Alanah and the dress. Add a flash off camera for a spotlight and you have a picture that has a painted quality to it. Standing in the water gives a slightly different perspective than standing on the beach to take the picture.

Tip: After sunset or a cloudy sunset can produce some great colors and backgrounds. Move around for different camera angles.

Shooting during a storm can produce some great images provided you take safety precautions. When presented with a rainy day for a bridal shoot or an outdoor wedding, look for opportunities to take advantage of the situation. Thanks to Alanah for being patient, and Simply Bridal for providing the dress.