Aylin // Unconventional Traverse City Senior Photos

Look, Traverse City, like all of Northern Michigan is beautiful. Beaches, sunsets, marinas, clear fall days— you name it. But one thing we’ve learned taking photos here for so long is that you cannot count on the weather to hold.

Rain can be just as cute as sun, a chance to break out the umbrellas and boots, but what if it’s just… cloudy? Turns out, if you know how to work with it, it’s not a problem.

Take our shoot with Aylin, for example. If you get creative (and you have to), you can harness the power of an overcast day and make it work. 

Working with this indirect light is one of our favorite things. You might only see it as “flat” at first, but it can be so dynamic, so varied, especially in a natural setting!

Although it’s our favorite style, shooting during a cloudy day doesn’t have to be all dark and moody. There’s legitimate joy to be found out amongst the foliage when the sky is heavy and ominous. 

Aylin felt that magic when we were out together— she had initially wanted to shoot at golden hour, but embraced the rich depths and reflections of the forest around her as the clouds closed in. 

We get it— it can be hard to get out, even out of bed on a cloudy day (we live through the winters here, too). But it can be so rewarding, almost intoxicating, once you’re surrounded by dark greens and heavy air.

So if you’re thinking of cancelling a shoot because of rain, think twice. Bring a plastic bag or waterproof camera, and we’ll make the lighting work in your favor.