Do you think clear skies and perfect light are the only formulas for an ideal engagement session? Think again. In my experience, obstructions breed creativity, and here are nine examples of rainy engagement photos to prove it.
I can tell you from experience that you never quite know what you’ll get, and I don’t recommend checking on the weather until the night before your engagement session. I understand that bad weather doesn’t necessarily fit in with people’s ideas of engagement pictures. If there isn’t time to reschedule your session, I don’t want you to worry because rain can be a great addition to my engagement photos.
Since my cameras are water-resistant, and after living in New York for eight years, I’ve shot countless engagement photos in the rain. Regardless of the weather, remember that you will be with the person you love, and I promise it will be a fun adventure! But you ask, what do I do if it rains or there’s a blizzard? You’ve got options, and I’d love to share my expertise! Here are some of my favorite spots in New York City!
Here are my top nine ways to beat the rain for your New York City rainy engagement photos:
1. Your home
Often, in photography, there is a lot of emphasis on finding the right location for rainy engagement photos, but sometimes the best location is the place you feel most comfortable. I love having the character and vibes of the couple show up effortlessly in each photograph.
2. Your Workspace
I’ve loved photographing clients engagement photos in NYC coworking and office spaces on a rainy day. There are so many well-designed and curated offices like this engagement session in Etsy.
3. Bethesda Terrace
You will have to walk outside to get here (pending the time of day, a cab may be able to drop you off quite close), but once under the Bethesda Terrace, you’re good to go. The ambiance here is very romantic, and sometimes a serendipitous opera singer or violinist might be the soundtrack to your rainy engagement photo session.
4. The Highline
Close to The Standard Hotel, there is a section that’s protected from the rain. There are also several beautiful buildings in the neighboring meatpacking district where engagement photos can be taken outside but under cover.
5. The New York Public Library
Outside: This is one of my favorite go-to spots for rainy engagement photos. There are two stunning covered archways, and they are open to lovely natural light.
Inside: The inside of the New York Public Library is stunning, but it’s also just a whole lot of white marble and is crowded. The light is better on the outside, and they tend to be very strict about having no professional photos taken indoors, so I don’t recommend this as an option for my clients. Also, if you have a white dress on you most likely will be turned away.
6. Museums
The Museum of Natural History, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The MoMa, and others are all fantastic spaces for rainy engagement photos. Some museums are more chill than others, but either way, it’s important to be lowkey, quick, and speedy. Just like the New York Public Library, they are cautious towards people wearing white dresses or fancy suits
7. Rent Space
Peer Space, Airbnb, and Breather are all fantastic options for renting for an hour or two. Let us know if you want help finding one that is best for lighting.
8. The Subway
This option is a little less popular, but I love rainy engagement photos underground. Surprisingly, it’s a great option if it’s too cold or rainy. It’s even fun to use the subway to get around instead of a taxi!
9. Embrace the Umbrella
Finally, If you don’t have an umbrella you love, I own a sizable clear umbrella I’d be happy to bring. And of course, don’t ever be afraid to rock some cute rain boots.
Planning an NYC Wedding?
Read about my top nine rainy wedding day locations!
