From Rain Soaked to Family Portrait

After the Rain - ©Mark Jordan Photography

We got a call from a wonderful couple who would soon be visiting Orange County  from Texas. Their son and his family live here, and they wanted to remember their visit with a family portrait. What they did not count on, however, was that they week they were here was the same week where Southern California had experienced unprecedented rain totals. 

Considering that in the previous 30 years of photographing families we had been rained-out only four times, even with the dire forecast, I still did not give it much thought. However, once they arrived, and one day of rain melded into another, they were getting nervous. I must admit, so was I. 

On the day of their session we were lucky, with the morning rain turning into sunshine. "Besides", I later told them, "even if it does rain, California rain lasts for only a few minutes and then stops long enough for us to capture your family. We'll just wait in our cars until the rain subsides, then dash out and get it done!"

Rain Soaked and Distracting Colors

Kari and I arrived to our location a bit early, as usual, and the weather was holding, if not ideal. However, for whatever reason, our portait family was running behind. Yes, you guessed it - they arrived 20 minutes late, enough time to have photographed them. And just as they stepped out of their cars, the skies opened up. We quickly returned to the warmth and shelter of our autos and sat, waiting for any opportunity. Kari and I were actually praying...

Then it happened. About 15 minutes later, we saw all but a few drops on our just wiped windshield. We motioned for everyone to come out! Quickly, we arranged them, trying to separate them from snuggling close to keep warm. Just as we did our white balance and were ready to go...well, as you can see here from the photo on the right, a sudden downpour. Back to cars we went - the waiting game began once again.

I don't know if you can tell in this small format, but the spots on their shirts are from the large raindrops. And the slight blur you might make-out is diagonal falling rain (right to left).

Not to belabor the story, we only had to wait maybe 10 more minutes before the rain once again subsided. This time we were able to finish, albeit, much wetter, colder, and even in the midst of several nasty spurts. 

What I thought might be of interest, even more than our tenacity, is how I finished the artwork aspect of their family portrait. Regardless of colorful boots, dappled leggings and a lavender tutu with black lace, I was able to extract the best attributes and mitigate the less desirable elements. Did it take a bit of work? Well, I'll let you compare and judge for yourself. 

By the way, the family loved their portraits (we also created one of dad with son and kids), and is soon to arrive at their doorstep in Texas. You just gotta love the internet - how else does an Orange County Photographer commission a family from Texas!

Mark

©Photosical - the photographic, philosophical observations of Orange County Photographer, Mark Jordan

Mark Jordan Photography specializes in crafting stunning contemporary, traditional, classic, and storytelling family portraits (high school seniors, children portraits, babies, maternity, pregnancy), headshots and pets. Mark Jordan, a Photography Hall of Fame photographer in Rancho Santa Margarita and provides portrait photography throughout Orange County. The portrait studio also serves San Diego County and Inland Empire. Studio Photography Services are also provided in Riverside County and Los Angeles County. Local Cites where photography studio services are offered are in Aliso Viejo, Anaheim, Brea, Costa Mesa, Coto de Caza, Cypress, Dana Point, Dove Canyon, Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Ladera Ranch, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Northwood, Orange, Orange Park Acres, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Ana, Tustin, Villa Park, Westminster, Yorba Linda, Corona del Mar, Murrieta, Murrieta Hot Springs, Quail Valley, Riverside, Temecula, Winchester, Chino Hills, Fontana, Grand Terrace, Loma Linda, Montclair, Rancho Bernardo, Carlsbad, Coronado, Del Mar, Escondido, La Mesa, Oceanside, San Diego, San Marcos, Solana Beach, Vista, Carmel Mountain Ranch, Rancho San Diego, Rancho Santa Fe, and San Diego Country Estates, Turtle Rock, Shady Canyon. Portrait Photographers everywhere (photographers in O.C. as well) are welcome to contact our portrait studio for mentoring/guidance.

Mark Jordan Photography

Orange County Family Portrait

Orange County Beach Portrait

Orange County Senior Portrait

Orange County Headshot

Belly Art Photography

Wordle™ Puzzles