Why Cloudy Days Make for Great Photos
You check the forecast the morning of your session. Cloudy. Maybe you text me in a panic. Maybe you start mentally rescheduling. But before you do either of those things, hear me out: an overcast day might actually be the best thing that could happen to your photos.
I know it doesn't feel that way. I mean I love taking photos in golden sunshine and perfect blue skies. But after photographing families all over the Chicago western suburbs, cloudy days have become some of my favorites. Here's why.
The light is doing all the work for us.
Clouds act like one giant softbox in the sky. Instead of harsh, direct sunlight creating unflattering shadows under eyes and making everyone squint, you get soft, even, diffused light that wraps around your family beautifully. It's honestly the kind of light photographers spend a lot of money trying to recreate indoors. Outside, on a cloudy day, you get it for free.
Your kids can actually look at the camera.
Bright sun and little ones do not mix well. They squint, they look away, they get grumpy. On a cloudy day, they can look wherever they want, including right into the lens, without any of that. More natural expressions, more real moments, less "okay everyone look HERE." The kiddos at this family session in Lilacia Park had no problem looking (and running) where they pleased.
The colors are richer.
This is especially true in fall, but it holds year-round. Overcast light brings out the depth in colors in a way that harsh sunlight can actually wash out. Your outfits, the scenery, the foliage. All of it pops in a way that feels warm and saturated without any extra editing tricks.
The mood is everything.
There's a certain softness to photos taken on cloudy days. They feel a little quieter, a little more intimate. Like you're really in the moment, not performing for the sun. Some of my favorite family sessions, including this recent one at Lilacia Park in Lombard, happened under a completely overcast sky. The images came out warm, connected, and full of feeling.
So the next time you see clouds in the forecast, take a breath. Come anyway. Wear your outfits. Bring your kids and your energy. The light is going to take care of the rest.
Considering a Session of your own?
If you’re hoping to document a season like this for your own family, I would be honored to guide you through an experience designed to feel relaxed, natural, and well cared for from beginning to end.
Osiris Photography serves families and couples through out Chicago’s western suburbs, including Oak Brook, Elmhurst, and LaGrange.
Because I photograph a limited number of sessions each moth, early inquiry is recommended to ensure availability.
Start the conversation here or reach out directly at o@osirisphotography.com.
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