Rain: the call and the backup date
Weather reschedules are free, per the price list, and that is the rule I follow. When the forecast looks bad, message me and we pick a new date. A backup date saves a second round of messages. Pick one when you book.
As a rule of thumb, light rain can make soft, even light, and a covered spot can still work. Heavy rain does not. The rescheduling and weather rules sit next to the other policies on the price list.
Heat: shade, time of day and water
Summer is hard on small children and on makeup. Every Cary spot in the guide rates 2 of 5 in summer. The fix is timing and shade: an evening or a sunrise start.
Pick a place with shade for the posed frames. The guide lists several shaded places, named in the questions below. The photo spot finder filters by shade. Bring water for everyone, and a change of clothes for a child who gets sweaty. Breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen help in July and August, and a hat for the walk in keeps faces from flushing before the first frame. Plan the closest parking spot, too, so nobody arrives hot.
Pollen: general advice
Pollen season in North Carolina is real. This is general advice, not medical advice. Allergy sufferers may want to take their usual medicine before the session and bring tissues. Eyes can look red in a photo, so rest and water help. If pollen is a problem for you, ask about an indoor option or a different season.
What counts as a weather reschedule
The rule on the price list is plain: you never pay to move for weather. The list does not spell out a weather procedure, so tell me when the forecast worries you and we choose a new date together. A normal reschedule is also free with 48 or more hours of notice, and one is included. Cancellation is different: the retainer is not refunded, and a no-show forfeits it.
The session prep checklists include a weather check and a backup date in the week-out list.
Spots with plenty of shade
If heat is the worry, start with the shaded places in the guide. The list includes woodland preserves, an old cemetery, a state park, a nature center and a historic district. Ratings are from the city guides, not a forecast. The photo spots by season page ranks them for each season.
Your next step
Pick the session type, a date and a backup date, and send them with your town. I reply within one business day.
A weather-ready packing list
Pack for the weather you may get, not the weather you hope for. General tips:
- An umbrella and a towel, for rain.
- A second pair of shoes for wet grass.
- Layers, since mornings and evenings can be cool.
- Sunscreen, put on before you arrive.
- Bug spray, also before you arrive.
- Tissues and water.
Put the list in your phone the night before, and check the forecast once more in the morning.