How to Rock Your Senior Photoshoot on a Rainy Day
Rain? A vibe. A photoshoot in the rain? A whole moment.
When the weather pulls a plot twist, we don’t panic—we turn it into magic. Rain isn’t just “okay to shoot in”… it’s epic. We’re talking soft lighting, shiny sidewalks, glowy skies, and photos that feel like they belong in a movie.
Think reflections in puddles, neon lights bouncing off wet streets, and raindrops that sparkle like confetti. You can’t schedule this kind of drama, but when it happens? We’re so here for it. So toss on your favorite twirl-worthy dress, grab a cute umbrella, and let’s make those moody, magical memories.
Because here’s the thing: your senior pics should feel like you—not some checklist item you just have to “get done.” They should be full of laughs, real moments, and photos that make you say, “OMG that’s so me.” And if that means dancing in the rain? Yep, we’re absolutely doing that.
Ellie’s Dreamy, Rain-Kissed Senior Session
Let’s talk about that post-rain golden hour for a sec—it hits different. The sun peeking through those stormy clouds? It’s like the sky’s showing off. You get that perfect mix of drama and glow, and suddenly everything feels like a scene from your favorite YA movie.
Ellie’s session? Epic! The clouds gave us their full mood board—deep blues, stormy grays, and then bam—golden light right when we needed it. And Ellie? She owned it.
Now let’s talk outfits, because OMG. First, she wore this soft yellow floral dress that legit looked like it was made to be twirled in the rain. The pastel tones, the way the fabric floated in the breeze—it was giving whimsical fairy princess, but make it editorial.
First up: a flowy yellow floral dress with pink and orange accents. Light, breezy, and made for twirling. It had that free-spirited, rom-com energy—like she was about to run through wildflowers in slow motion.


Moral of the story? Don’t run from the storm—work it. Those moody skies? Gorgeous. The light? Dreamy. Ellie didn’t just pose—she embraced every move and twirl!
Her royal blue umbrella + sapphire beaded gown (from my Exclusive Style Closet!) + the moody drizzle = one of the most cinematic looks I’ve ever photographed. The way that dress caught the rain? Chef’s kiss.


That’s the magic of rolling with the moment—no two sessions look the same, and the unexpected always brings out something extra special.
Rain or Shine, Star Stole the Spotlight
Star came in ready to own the night, and from the second we hit the stairs, she was serving alllll the confidence. The moody lighting, the slick steps, and her perfectly put-together ruffled dress? Total editorial moment! She leaned into the urban vibe, taking charge with that fierce pose and just the right amount of “Star” attitude. The wet steps glistened under the lights, adding even more drama to the shot. And those hoop earrings were the perfect accessory. The denim jacket slung over her shoulder? Casual yet iconic. This was one of those senior session pictures that instantly stands out—bold, stylish, and full of personality.


Switching it up, we hit the city streets (just a parking lot, did you know?), where Star brought all the glam vibes. With the golden glow of streetlights reflecting off the wet pavement, the whole scene felt straight out of a high-fashion night shoot. The way she owned the moment—poised, confident, and completely unbothered by the rain—proved that sometimes, the unexpected makes for the best senior graduation pictures. The city was alive, and so was she!


And then, the magic really happened. When the rain started falling for real, Star didn’t hesitate—she threw on a sparkly jumpsuit and turned the streets into her personal runway. Every single raindrop caught the light, bouncing off her outfit like tiny disco balls. The blurred city lights behind her? Straight-up cinematic. She gave us that over-the-shoulder glance with the kind of energy that makes you stop scrolling—because wow. Rainy day senior photos hit different when you go all in, and Star proved exactly that!


Most people dodge the rain—Star ran straight into it. And honestly? Best. Decision. Ever. She threw her arms out, laughed like she was in a rom-com, and made the night completely her own. The wet streets shimmered, the neon lights blurred into pure magic, and she looked like she was floating in the middle of it all. Senior pictures with dramatic clouds bring the wow factor, but sometimes, the real magic is in the rain. Thinking about your own session? Let’s make some unforgettable moments! Check out my blog for more unique senior picture session ideas.
Madyson’s Grunge-Core Senior Session: Edgy, Bold & Unstoppable
Madyson came into her senior session knowing she was about to create something unforgettable, and let’s be real—she totally delivered. The rain might’ve tried to throw a curveball, but thanks to an abandoned building with the perfect covered space, we turned it into a full-on grunge editorial shoot. From head to toe, her look was pure alternative magic—layered necklaces, sheer black lace, and those oversized cargo pants with chain details? Next level. And let’s talk about those platform boots—absolute statement-makers!


Her vibe? Confident and cool with a hint of “don’t mess with me.” One minute she’s leaning against a wall like she owns it, the next she’s flashing a soft smile like she’s letting you in on a secret. Grunge never looked so effortless.
The mix of textures, tones, and that soft drizzle made everything look cinematic. It wasn’t just a photoshoot—it was a vibe shift. Can’t wait to share the full set soon, because this one is next level!
What Happens If It Rains on Your Senior Photo Day?
Spoiler alert: Nothing bad! I always check the forecast, and we’ve got options.
If it’s a major downpour, we’ll chat and likely reschedule. But if it’s just a drizzle? That might be your ticket to the most unforgettable photos ever.
Here’s what to pack if we decide to roll with it:
☂️ Umbrella that’s cute and camera-ready
☂️ Comfy shoes for walking between spots (your cute ones can stay dry till it’s go-time)
☂️ Warm jacket to keep you cozy between shots
☂️ Small towel to dab off any stray raindrops
Rain doesn’t have to mean chaos—it just means a little extra adventure!
Ready to Make Rainy Day Magic? Let’s Do This!
If you’re the kind of person who’s down for a little adventure (and a whole lot of fun), let’s plan something unforgettable. Rain boots, flowy dresses, city lights, or grunge vibes—we’ll make it yours from start to finish.
Click through the blog for more inspo and ideas for your senior pictures, and let’s chat about making your dream senior session happen—rain or shine!
Senior Portraits That Truly Reflect You
Why settle for ordinary when you can have photos that are as unforgettable as your senior year?Ready to make your senior session truly one-of-a-kind? My Senior Client Welcome Guide is packed with exclusive tips, creative ideas, and plenty of inspiration to make your photos stand out from the crowd. Think you know exactly what you want? Think again! This guide will spark new ideas and get you excited about what’s possible!
Keep the Ideas Coming…
Want even more inspo for senior pictures? Follow along on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook—I’m always posting the latest looks, posing ideas, favorite location, and real client sessions to help you plan the senior pictures of your dreams!
Got a few more tabs open? Same! So if you’re on a roll, check these out next:
→ 5 Tips for Great Senior Photos
→ Best Places to Take Senior Pictures
→ When Should I Book Senior Pictures?
24 Responses
I love this so much! Everyone wants a sunny day, but there’s something so beautiful about the rain. Embrace it!
Yes!!! We have plenty of sun here, and often very harsh. Rain is lots of fun if my clients are up for it!
I love that you have the creativity and the vision to make any kind of weather work for you and your client. This is so cool!
Thanks for your kind words, Claudia! Made me smile!
These are some very creative ideas! I think your rainy day theme is a fun idea that I’m sure seniors will really enjoy.
Thank you Catherine! It’s definitely fun, but in Arizona it is not something we can plan for.
Beautiful work! Yes I would say everyone wants a sunny day for Senior pictures but if you’re a great photographer you can capture your subject in any element! This is cool!
Hey Lisa! Thanks for taking the time to comment!
The suggestion to use umbrellas as props is fantastic; they not only keep you dry but also add a fun and colorful element to the shots!
Thanks so much, it really was the perfect color!!
A great umbrella makes for a great rainy day photoshoot prop! I especially love a clear bubble umbrella!
I haven’t had a chance to play with a clear umbrella yet, but that would be so fun!
So many great photos, you really captured these students beautifully! The girl in gray especially stands out; her personality truly shines through, and these are such important memories to hold onto.
Hi Barbie! Thanks so much for reading about my ideas for rainy day photoshoots!
Loving the positive spin on a rainy day and I have to say you are totally spot on. A rainy day doesn’t have to be a wash out. You can use it to your advantage when taking senior or even other pictures. I love how each embraced the rain and you were able to get some amazing pictures. The streets as a runway was a great idea!!!
Absolutely!!! I’ve seen gorgeous engagements and family sessions in the rain too! Thanks so much for commenting Melanie!
Naturally, everyone wants to have a sunny day photoshoot, but today’s work proved that there is beauty behind the rainy photo session.
Thanks so much Catherine!
Senior photos are so much different in my days, haha! These are beautiful, don’t get me wrong. And I encourage my kids to have such shots, as well, for their portfolios because they’re performers, they need to appeal to a certain demographic — the paying demographic, haha!
But these make me miss the candid photographs we had in the 90’s. Plus, when we were young, a studio photo with a photographer named Chat Peypoch was the senior thing.
Haha, the paying demographic! LOL! I love it!!!
Ahh, I love this so much! Rainy day photos always have such a cozy, romantic vibe — totally underrated for senior pics. The clear umbrellas and reflections idea is just brilliant. Honestly, sometimes those unexpected weather moments make for the most magical memories (no pun intended!).
Hey Sonia! I agree, I kinda wish I could plan more cozy, rainy day sessions! But every time it rains, we weren’t expecting it!
You made my day with this comment – don’t run from the storm – work it! I’m thinking this philosophy would work well for wedding pics too. Next time it rains, I’m rushing out for a photo shoot!
Honestly I wish it were that easy, Karletta! I have often thought about keeping an “on call” list of people who are interested, because rain pictures can be sooooo much fun! I’ve seen some stunning wedding shots in the rain, it’s what inspired me to try it! Definitely go play if you have the chance!