Farmers Image of the Week: Embracing Rain In Wedding Photography with Jo Greenfield

Farmers Image of the Week: Embracing Rain In Wedding Photography with Jo Greenfield

FARMERS IMAGE OF THE WEEK

Jo greenfield

Farmers Image of the Week: Embracing Rain In Wedding Photography with Jo Greenfield

Weddings are incredibly challenging to photograph, and one of the biggest hurdles is handling the elements. There’s no chance to postpone shooting until another day – you have to work with what you’re given. While some photographers might retreat indoors when the weather turns, others, like Jo Greenfield, lean into it, embracing the weather and turning it into part of the experience for the couple.

This image is a brilliant example of working with the rain rather than against it. Here, Jo has created a scene that is not just a “make-do” shot but an iconic, joyful moment. The couple, who were initially stressed about the weather, ended up rolling with it, and this became one of their favourite parts of their wedding day. The addition of the clear umbrellas and the couple perched atop the Land Rover adds a whimsical touch, showing that even in less-than-ideal weather, magic can still happen.

These stunning parts of the UK, like The Lakes, are as beautiful as they are because of the rain, and no amount of trendy Tiktok sausage-burying is going to stop that. But with a photographer like Jo, even a downpour can result in some of the best wedding day memories. This is a great reminder that in wedding photography, embracing the unexpected can lead to truly memorable experiences and images for your clients.

Jo’s choice to place the couple on the bonnet of the Land Rover not only creates a fun and relaxed atmosphere but also uses the car’s headlights to add a touch of drama to the scene.

The clear umbrellas are also a clever element, allowing light to pass through while keeping the brides visible and at the center of attention. Jo’s decision to keep the image wide, incorporating the surrounding trees and the open countryside, further emphasises the feeling of adventure and freedom, despite the rain.

One of the standout features of this image is the couple’s expressions. Their joy and laughter shine through, making this image more than just a pretty picture – it’s a reflection of their love and happiness on the day. Jo’s ability to put her clients at ease and help them embrace the rain makes this image feel spontaneous and full of life. Even the rain itself, once a source of stress, becomes a beautiful detail that adds authenticity and story to the photograph.

Ultimately, the image showcases Jo’s technical skills in lighting and composition, but more importantly, it highlights her ability to transform what could have been a challenging situation into one of the couple’s most cherished memories. It’s a perfect example of how a talented photographer can turn the unpredictable into something unforgettable.

THE DETAILS

CAMERA: Canon R5 | Canon RF 35 1.4

SETTINGS: ISO 125 | f5.6 | 1/200 & Canon speedlite OCF

PRESET: Dawn Charles 1

WHAT Jo SAID

They were wet through, tyre marks on their bums but the day itself was tense for many other reasons other than the rain and they both said to me that that time in the landrover being silly, getting wet and having a laugh together was the best part of their entire day.

Laura and Kate were not ok about potential rain on their wedding day, the weeks and months leading up to it were all about ‘what ifs’ and they were constantly scouring my Instagram at all the rainy weddings desperately hoping there’s wouldn’t be the same. My friend and wedding coordinator at this venue told me they were in tears at their last showround at the thought of rain.

Going into this wedding I was worried, the weather was looking bad (as it often does here in the lakes) but it’s never just bad, it’s very bad, or ok.

The venue had just bought a vintage landrover, I think they’ve realised that a rainy day contingency is needed thanks to global warming and crap Cumbrian weather. I left it as late into the day as I possibly could, I had no idea what to do, I don’t do OCF except on the dancefloor, it was PISSING down sideways, and I mean so bad every inch of all of us was wet. It was 7pm, first dance at 7.30. We drove them down the lane, shoved them on the car (I brought cushions and brollies) shoved a flash on the roof and just shouted funny things at them. I had no idea if it would work. It’s a very basic image, not at all on trend, very old fashioned, not what I’d have wanted but in the situation we got handed it really was the only option. It was a full on storm. There was no alternative as they wanted fun, chilled photos.

They were wet through, tyre marks on their bums but the day itself was tense for many other reasons other than the rain and they both said to me that that time in the landrover being silly, getting wet and having a laugh together was the best part of their entire day.

I might not be particularly proud of that photo but they love it and it’s a moment of joy in a hilariously bad situation.

Despite going the extra mile for the couple, burying a few sausages the night before and wearing my ‘fuck off’ mules. It was possibly the worst weather I’ve ever shot in. 2024 can fuck off 🤣

THE TECH TALK

Farmers Image of the Week: Embracing Rain In Wedding Photography with Jo Greenfield

It was a think of my feet kinda moment, I took two canon speedlite 430’s with me, one on top of my R5 which was set to direct flash the couple and trigger a remote flash that was sat ontop of the landrover (getting absolutely soaked) I might add.

I knew they needed the brollies as it was sideways and just thought if I lit the brollies from behind then it would show some of the rain.

In real life it was misty and damp and the exhaust fumes were rolling around the landy but this wasn’t showing on camera so I’ve used a few overlays in photoshop for the headlights.

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