The Mains Family - Dodging the Rain for Beautiful Corolla Family Portraits

One of the nice things about photographing families on the Outer Banks is that everyone comes ready for an adventure. Sometimes that adventure includes watching the weather almost as closely as I do.

The Mains family originally planned their session for Sunday evening in Corolla, but Mother Nature had other plans. With rain moving through the area, we decided to shift everything to Monday afternoon and hope for the best.

Thankfully, it paid off.

Even though dark clouds surrounded us throughout the session, the rain stayed just far enough away for us to photograph every combination on the family's list. We worked efficiently, kept an eye on the sky, and before long we had completed the entire session just before the weather changed again.

With sixteen family members together, there were plenty of portraits to capture. We photographed the entire family, each individual family, grandparents with the grandchildren, siblings, cousins, and lots of combinations in between. One of my favorite moments came when the grandchildren gathered around Grandma and Grandpa for a giant group hug. Those genuine smiles are exactly what family vacations are all about.

Of course, no session is complete without a little fun. The guys decided they needed their own "action shot," complete with everyone pointing dramatically in different directions. It's always fun when families are willing to relax for a few minutes after we've finished the traditional portraits.

What I love most about this gallery is that it reminds people not to fear cloudy weather. The overcast skies created soft, flattering light that would have been difficult to achieve under bright afternoon sunshine. While everyone hopes for a perfect sunset, some of my favorite Outer Banks family photography sessions happen under skies just like these.

Flexibility made all the difference for the Mains family. By moving the session one day, we were able to avoid the rain while still creating beautiful memories of their vacation together on the beach.

If you're planning your own Outer Banks family photography session in Corolla, Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, or Nags Head, don't let a forecast full of clouds worry you. Sometimes all it takes is a little flexibility and a small break in the weather to create photographs your family will treasure for years.