Colorado Weather Backup Plans
If you have lived in Colorado for more than a week, you know the saying: if you do not like the weather, wait fifteen minutes. Here is how I handle it.
Colorado Weather Is Part of the Deal
When I moved here from Florida, I thought I understood weather surprises. Afternoon thunderstorms in Orlando? Sure. But Colorado is a different animal. I have started sessions under bluebird skies and finished them in sideways sleet. I have watched hail roll in over the Flatirons in July. I once had a family session at Chautauqua where the temperature dropped 20 degrees in 40 minutes.
Here is the thing: none of those sessions were ruined. Some of them produced my favorite photos of the year. A little weather adds drama, texture, and real emotion to images. The trick is knowing when to roll with it and when to call it.
How I Monitor the Forecast
I start watching the weather about three days before your session. I use multiple sources, not just one app. The National Weather Service forecast for Boulder, local radar, and a mountain weather service that tracks storms moving along the Front Range.
Here is my communication timeline:
- Two days before: I check the extended forecast. If there is a significant weather event building, I will give you a heads-up and we can start discussing backup options.
- The evening before: I send you a weather update with my read on conditions. If we need to reschedule, this is when I usually make that call.
- Morning of: A quick check-in confirming we are good to go, or making a final decision if things have shifted overnight.
I would rather reschedule proactively than have you drive to a trailhead, park, unload your kids, and then have me say, "Actually, we should do this another day."
When I Reschedule
Not every weather event means cancellation. Here is how I think about it:
We reschedule for:
- Sustained rain or snow that will last the entire session window
- Lightning anywhere in the area (this is non-negotiable, especially at elevation or on open trails)
- High wind warnings (40+ mph sustained, which happens along the Front Range more than people expect)
- Dangerously cold wind chills
We usually keep the session for:
- Overcast skies (some of my best work happens under cloud cover, the light is soft and even)
- Brief afternoon showers that are forecast to clear before our start time
- Light wind (it adds movement to hair and clothing, which can look great)
- Chilly temperatures (layers make for better photos anyway)
What Happens When Weather Hits Mid-Session
This is the scenario that worries people most, and it is the one I have the most experience handling. Colorado's afternoon thunderstorms follow a pattern: they build over the mountains, move east, and hit the Front Range in the late afternoon. If we are shooting a golden hour session, we are usually past the storm window. But not always.
If rain or wind picks up during our session, here is what I do:
- Find cover and keep shooting. Covered bridges, building overhangs, parking garages, doorways. Some of the most interesting photos come from these in-between moments, rain on the pavement behind you, wet leaves catching the light.
- Wait it out. If radar shows the cell moving through quickly (15 to 20 minutes), we take a break, have a snack, and resume when it clears. Post-storm light is often the most dramatic, saturated light of the day.
- Shift locations. If we planned for an exposed trail and the weather turns, I have backup spots nearby that offer more protection. Boulder Creek has tree cover. Pearl Street has covered alleyways. Chautauqua has the Ranger Cottage area.
I carry rain covers for my gear, so my equipment is never the reason we stop. If you are comfortable continuing, I am comfortable continuing.
Indoor Alternatives
Sometimes the best plan is to move inside. I do not have a dedicated studio, but I know some great indoor options around Boulder:
- Your home (natural window light in your living room or kitchen creates warm, intimate portraits)
- A favorite coffee shop or restaurant (with permission, these make great casual backdrops)
- Covered outdoor spaces like the Boulder Bandshell or the Dushanbe Teahouse patio
For branding sessions with local businesses, we are often inside already, so weather is less of a concern. For sports coverage, rain delays are part of the game and I stay for as long as the event continues.
Snow Sessions
Snow sessions deserve their own section because they are actually some of the best sessions I shoot all year. Fresh snow transforms Boulder into something out of a postcard. The Flatirons dusted in white, snow-covered pines along Boulder Creek, quiet trails with fresh tracks.
If it snows the night before your session, I might actually reach out and suggest we keep the session specifically because of the snow. The window for fresh, clean snow is short (it melts fast on the Front Range), and the photos are worth bundling up for.
For snow sessions, I ask that everyone dress in warm layers, waterproof boots, and gloves. Bring hand warmers. I keep extra warmers in my bag in case anyone forgets.
The Bottom Line
I have been shooting in Colorado long enough to know that weather is not a problem to solve. It is a condition to work with. Some of the most memorable photos I have delivered came from sessions where the forecast looked iffy. Moody skies, golden breaks in the clouds, the relief and laughter after a sudden downpour.
If the weather changes, I have a plan. You do not need to worry about it. That is my job.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is your rescheduling policy for bad weather?
If I make the call to reschedule, there is no fee or penalty. I monitor the forecast closely starting a few days before your session and will be in touch with you as soon as I see a concern. We will find a new date that works for both of us. If you want to reschedule because of weather that I think is workable, I am happy to discuss it and we can decide together.
Do you shoot in the rain?
Light rain and mist can actually produce beautiful, moody photos. If you are up for it, I am up for it. Heavy sustained rain or lightning is a different story. I will never put you or your family in a dangerous situation. We can wait it out, move to a covered spot, or reschedule if needed.
What are the best months for outdoor sessions in Colorado?
May through October gives you the widest range of good conditions. September and early October are my personal favorites: warm days, cool evenings, golden aspens, and the afternoon storms taper off. But every season has something going for it. Winter sessions with fresh snow are incredible, and spring wildflower season (late June at elevation) is hard to beat.
Photography Services
These services connect to the topics covered in this guide.
Outdoor & Adventure Photography
Colorado's trails, peaks, and golden light. Your story set against the Rockies.
Family Photography
Your family being your family. No forced smiles, no stiff poses.
Youth Sports Photography
The nervous pregame faces. The winning goal celebrations. The real emotions of sport.
Have a question about your session?
I am happy to help. Send me a message and let's figure out the details.