Scotland Photoshoots in Bad Weather Can Still Be Beautiful!

“Scotland photoshoots in bad weather can still be beautiful.” – Shem

If you have ever worried about what will happen if it rains on your photoshoot day, you are not alone. Scotland’s weather is unpredictable. One moment the light is soft and gentle, the next it is wild, windy or covered in mist. But here is the truth. Some of the most emotional, storytelling and genuinely beautiful photos I have ever taken have happened in the middle of all that chaos.

Over the years I have photographed families and couples in every kind of weather. Winter sessions in Glencoe, foggy mornings at the Rest and Be Thankful, and drizzly afternoons by Loch Lomond. Every time I am reminded that a photoshoot in Scottish weather does not need to be perfect to be meaningful. In fact, it is often the opposite.

One session that captures this perfectly was with Dana and her family at Rest and Be Thankful.

Dana, a talented photographer from the United States, reached out while visiting Scotland with her family over the holidays. Her husband is Scottish, and they planned the shoot as a Christmas gift to his parents. The weather, true to Scottish form, did not exactly cooperate, but the result was unforgettable.

Her words say it best:

“I say this all the time to my clients when they are booking a shoot. Don’t worry about the outfits, the weather, the kids’ moods… We booked a photographer when we went to Scotland over the holidays as a Christmas gift to my mother and father-in-law. It was supposed to be one of the only clear nice days we were there, but in true Scottish fashion, as we were driving up to ‘Rest and Be Thankful’, the weather turned. I wasn’t worried, as we had done shoots in the rain before with our little family. When we got to the location it was so foggy and windy. We waited a little but then decided to just do the damn thing. It was cold, windy and rainy but the fog broke just enough and just in time that we were able to see the rolling Scottish hills in the background. We wore our winter jackets, our boots (most of us that listened to me) and our hair was anything but perfect due to the rain, but to me, none of that mattered. It was about the memories, the bonds, the real smiles and laughs (or facial expressions of being completely frozen!). My point is, hire the photographer, play the games, have fun with it. Don’t… cancel the shoot because of a little rain, or because you haven’t yet picked out your perfect outfit, or lost that last 5 pounds, don’t worry if the kids fall and get a little muddy knee. That won’t be what you remember or look at when viewing your gallery. It will be the connections, the bonds, the family. Thank you again to Strad Photography. If you find yourself in Scotland book him.”

Below is just a small example of photos from Dana’s photo session.

That mindset, embracing the elements and letting the story unfold naturally, is exactly what makes a session powerful. Whether it is rain, snow (rare), fog or wind, a Scotland photoshoots in bad weather can be just as breathtaking as a sunny one.

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A Summer Session That Felt Like Winter

One July session really reminded me how unpredictable Scotland can be, and how beautiful Scotland photoshoots in bad weather can turn out. The forecast wasn’t perfect, but we were all in good spirits. As I was driving toward Glencoe, I saw the valley in the distance covered in dark blue clouds and I knew it wouldn’t be easy. We decided to do a small hike near the Three Sisters to get a higher view. It is usually quiet there and always beautiful.

When we were walking up, it started to rain lightly, but by the time we reached the spot it was pouring. It was incredibly cold and windy, only seven degrees, which felt more like winter than summer. The boys, around ten and thirteen, were amazing. They played, ran around and kept smiling even when it was hard to keep their eyes open in the wind. It is sessions like this that remind me why I love doing photoshoots in bad weather in Scotland. The conditions might be rough, but the moments are always real. We got some lovely shots before heading back down.

We drove to the Glencoe Viewpoint and waited for about fifteen minutes, hoping for a change. Then it cleared. The rain stopped, the clouds lifted, and the light was perfect. It was still cold and breezy, but the mood completely changed. The older boy is a big Harry Potter fan and had brought a cape and a wand for a few photos, which he put on right at the end of the session. It looked great against the Glencoe backdrop and added a bit of magic to the day.

Sometimes the best thing you can do during Scotland photoshoots in bad weather is wait. The weather can shift quickly here, and when it does, it often gives you something even more beautiful than you expected.

Here are a few photos from the first part of the session during the hike, when the rain and wind were at their strongest.

And here are a few more taken after the wait, when the weather finally cleared and Glencoe showed us its softer side.

How to Prepare for a Photoshoot in Scottish Weather

If you are planning a family photoshoot in Scotland, a couples session in Glencoe or winter portraits in the Highlands, here are a few ways to make the most of whatever weather the day brings.

1. Dress for the weather, not just the camera
Bring layers and dress comfortably. Coats, jumpers, hats and boots look great in photos, especially when the colours work nicely together. You can check Visit Scotland’s weather guide for average conditions in your location.

2. Choose footwear that can handle the landscape
Most outdoor locations can be uneven or muddy, so waterproof boots or sturdy shoes are your best option.

3. Bring a few extras
A towel, gloves or a change of socks can make a big difference after a wet or cold session. Having something warm to drink is also a great idea. A flask of tea, coffee or hot chocolate can keep everyone happy and comfortable between shots.

4. Do not worry about perfect hair
Wind, drizzle and movement are part of what makes a Scotland photoshoot so real. Embrace it. The more natural, the better. That said, if the wind is strong and blowing from behind, it can sometimes send hair across the face and make things tricky. If you want to keep things a bit tidier, a few simple tricks help a lot. Bobby pins, a soft headband, a secure ponytail or braid, or even half up styling can keep hair in place while still looking natural. A little hair oil or light styling cream also helps reduce flyaways without making hair look stiff.

5. Keep it playful with kids
If little ones are cold or muddy, that is okay. The best photos come from real moments, not perfect ones.

6. Stay flexible
Sometimes waiting 15–20 minutes or moving slightly to a new spot can completely change the mood. I’ll always keep an eye on the Met Office weather forecast and help make the best call for your shoot.

7. Trust the process
Scotland photoshoots in bad weather often lead to the most memorable images. The mood, the atmosphere, and the emotion are what make them truly special.

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No matter where in Scotland you are, from Glencoe to Loch Lomond or from the Isle of Skye to the forests around Glasgow, the weather might surprise you. But that is part of the experience. These are the photos that tell the truth: wind in your hair, raindrops on your jacket, laughter in the cold.

So if you are planning your own Scotland photoshoot and the forecast looks uncertain, do not let that stop you. Some of the most meaningful images happen in the moments that feel imperfect. The best memories often happen in the messiest weather.

If you’d like to see more inspiration, visit my Top 10 Locations in Scotland for Families and Couples or browse my recent Glencoe photo sessions.