5 Tips for Cloudy Day Family Photos

If you live in the Pacific Northwest, you already know, sunshine is never guaranteed. And that’s okay. That’s why I create this blog with 5 tips for cloudy day family photos.

When I tell clients, “Don’t worry about the clouds,” I usually get a hesitant laugh toward the forecast. But as a Portland family photographer who’s spent years photographing families in every kind of weather, I can confidently say this: Cloudy days are actually some of the best days for family photos.

Let’s talk about why, and how to make them even better.

Five Simple Tips for Gorgeous Cloudy Day Family Photos

If clouds or cool temps are in the forecast, here’s how to make your session not just beautiful, but comfortable and fun:

1. Wear bolder colors. Earthy or jewel tones stand out perfectly against the soft, muted sky. Think deep greens, rust, mustard, navy, or plum.

2. Bring layers. PNW weather can shift quickly. Sweaters, jackets, scarves, and blankets add texture and warmth — plus, they photograph beautifully.

3. Add movement. Flowing dresses, textured knits, or a light sweater to toss over your shoulder give your photos energy and natural movement.

4. Embrace movement and play. Let your kids run, jump, or spin and join them! Cloudy days are perfect for playful, real moments that show your family’s personality.

5. Trust the process. I’ll guide you through everything…where to stand, when to move, how to interact. You don’t need to force smiles or worry about the clouds. They’re doing their part, creating that gorgeous, soft light I love so much.

Clouds Create the Dreamiest Light

Here’s the thing about overcast skies…they act like nature’s softbox. The clouds diffuse the sunlight, spreading it evenly and creating that soft, glowy light photographers dream of.

That means no harsh shadows, no squinting, no uneven lighting. Just calm, gentle light that flatters every skin tone and makes your photos feel timeless.

So while sunshine feels nice on your skin, clouds are actually dreamy for your photos.

Cloudy Day Family Photos: Gray Skies Bring Out Color and Depth

When the sky turns gray, the colors around you come alive. The greens of grasses and the landscape, even the earthy tones of sweaters and scarves, they all pop beautifully against a soft sky.

This is why overcast sessions often feel more emotional and natural. There’s depth, mood, and warmth that just doesn’t happen on a bright, sunny day.

Tip: Bold colors shine on cloudy days — think rust, forest green, teal, mustard, deep blues, or plum. These tones add contrast and help your family stand out in the landscape.

If you’re not sure what works best, grab my free Wardrobe Guide — it’s full of outfit ideas that look amazing in every kind of light.

Cloudy Weather Brings Out Connection

There’s something about cool air and cozy sweaters that makes families naturally lean in a little closer.

On cloudy days, you’ll find yourself snuggling, laughing, and moving more, not stiff or posed, just you. The weather sets the tone for connection, and honestly, some of my favorite images come from families who just embrace it all: the wind in their hair, the chill in the air, the laughter in between.

You Don’t Need a Blue Sky for Beautiful Photos

One of the biggest myths is that you need a clear sky for great photos. Truth? Bright sun can actually make shooting harder — harsh light, squinting eyes, uneven tones.

Clouds give me freedom. We can shoot anywhere: open fields, the coast, along the river — without worrying about shadows or where the sun is. Your photos will have even, beautiful light no matter what the forecast says.

And I promise, when you see your gallery, you won’t even remember the weather, just the feeling.

I’ve Got the Weather Covered

If you’re worried about rain or cold, take a deep breath. I’ve got it handled.

After years of photographing families in Pacific Northwest’s unpredictable weather, I know what works and when to reschedule if we truly need to. I always check conditions and communicate before your session so there are no surprises.

But most of the time? We shoot right through those clouds, and it turns out absolutely beautiful.

Real Life Doesn’t Wait for Perfect Weather

Family photos aren’t about chasing the perfect day, they’re about documenting your story, as it is.

If it’s cloudy, windy, or a little chilly, that’s life in the Pacific Northwest. And that’s real. Your kids won’t remember the forecast — they’ll remember running through fields, snuggling under blankets, and laughing in the mist.

When you embrace the weather instead of fighting it, your photos feel more genuine, more alive, and more you.

The Truth About Cloudy Day Family Photos

Some of my most breathtaking sessions have happened under gray skies. The light is soft, the mood is calm, and the emotion shines through effortlessly.

So if you see clouds in the forecast before your family photos, don’t panic. You might just be getting some of the most magical light and skies in your photos?