How to Prepare Your Clients for an Overcast Beach Session: A Photographer’s Guide
Beach sessions are some of the most stunning photoshoots, with the ocean, the sand, and the soft natural light creating magical backdrops. But if you’ve ever photographed on a beach, you know one truth: the weather can be wildly unpredictable! While inland locations usually align with what the weather app predicts, beach weather can be an entirely different story. One moment it’s sunny, and the next it’s overcast or foggy, completely altering the look and feel of the session.
That’s why communication with your clients is key when planning a beach session, especially if overcast skies are in the forecast. Let’s dive into how you can prepare your clients for these moody, magical sessions!
1. Set Expectations Early
Whenever a client books a beach session, it’s important to manage expectations upfront. One of the first things I tell my clients is that the weather app isn’t always reliable when it comes to the coast. Even if the forecast predicts clear skies, it can still end up being foggy or overcast—especially in certain locations. I make sure to convey that in advance, so clients know what to expect. A sunny prediction doesn’t guarantee sun, and it’s important they know we might be working with soft, diffused light instead of bright rays.
2. Monitor the Weather Closely
While the weather forecast may not always be accurate, it still provides valuable clues. I always keep a close eye on it in the days leading up to the session. If it looks like we’ll be dealing with heavy overcast skies or fog, I reach out to my clients to keep them informed. Clear communication here is essential—whether it’s going to be a bright, sunny day or a moody, foggy one.
If the forecast predicts something like “partly cloudy” or “overcast,” I make sure to explain to my clients what that means for their photos. Overcast lighting can actually be quite beautiful, producing soft, even tones and eliminating harsh shadows—perfect for intimate, emotive portraits. However, clients may expect something different, so it’s crucial to guide them on what the conditions will bring.
3. Adjust Timing for Optimal Light
For overcast beach sessions, I always schedule the shoot to begin at least two hours before sunset. The sun is lower in the sky, giving us the best chance to work with that beautiful, soft lighting. On a sunny day, the golden hour right before sunset is ideal, but when the sky is cloudy, the light tends to fade faster. By starting earlier, we ensure we have enough natural light to capture all the magic, even if the weather takes a moody turn.
4. Explain the Beauty of Overcast Conditions
Many clients might be a bit worried when they hear the session may be overcast, but I always reassure them that cloudy conditions can create some of the most breathtaking images. The soft, diffused light is flattering on skin tones and helps create a calm, serene mood that often enhances the natural beauty of beach sessions. The fog or clouds can give a dreamy, ethereal feel to the photos, especially near the ocean, creating images that feel more intimate and timeless.
It’s also helpful to share previous overcast beach sessions with clients, so they can see firsthand how stunning the results can be. Visual examples go a long way in easing any concerns.
5. Have a Backup Plan in Mind
Even though we’re aiming for flexibility, sometimes the weather conditions just aren’t ideal—especially if there’s heavy rain or extreme fog that might obscure the view completely. That’s why it’s always a good idea to have a backup plan. This could be as simple as agreeing to reschedule the session or choosing a nearby inland location as a backup spot.
Communicating this in advance ensures that if the weather doesn’t cooperate, your client knows they still have options, and it avoids any last-minute panic.
6. Wardrobe Considerations for Overcast Sessions
Another key aspect of preparing your clients for an overcast beach session is helping them choose the right wardrobe. When the sky is cloudy or the environment is foggy, lighter colors like whites, creams, and pastels often work best. These colors complement the soft, muted tones of the overcast environment and ensure the photos feel cohesive and timeless.
Encourage your clients to bring layers if the weather is cooler, and remind them that windy conditions are common near the beach, even if it’s not particularly cold.
7. Stay Positive and Go with the Flow
As photographers, we know that nature doesn’t always play along with our plans, but that’s part of the beauty of shooting outdoors! When working with overcast or unpredictable weather, stay positive and remind your clients that these conditions can lead to some of the most beautiful, unique shots. Confidence in your ability to adapt to whatever comes your way will put your clients at ease.
Preparing your clients for an overcast beach session is all about communication, flexibility, and knowing how to make the most of the light and weather. By setting clear expectations early, monitoring the forecast closely, adjusting the session time, and explaining the beauty of moody skies, you’ll ensure that your clients feel confident and excited, no matter the conditions.
With the right approach, those foggy or cloudy skies can help you create some of the most magical and memorable beach photos your clients will treasure forever.
