Albuquerque Photographer: Your Family Photos in New Mexico Weather

Snow didn't stop this lovely winter time engagement session in Albuquerque.

​How to Beat New Mexico Weather for Your Outdoor Photo Session: Albuquerque Photo Sessions
 
If you don’t like the weather in New Mexico just a wait a few minutes!  (A little bit of a twist of the quote from Mark Twain, haha!)  Here in New Mexico, especially in Albuquerque, we can have huge swings in weather in just one day.  Up in Northern New Mexico large snow storms and cooler weather prevails.  Down south watch out for high winds and high heat. As an Albuquerque family photographer, my weather experience is based in the Albuquerque metro area.

The hot sun wasn't a deterrent in these senior photos. The golden light was perfect!

To prepare for the New Mexico weather you must first PLAN, PLAN, and PLAN!  Whether you have a maternity session, or family photos in Albuquerque, I cannot say this enough: know what to expect.  If you don’t check the weather beforehand you will have no idea what the weather will be like.  I personally prefer to use apps on my phone for pinpointed weather predictions. Weather Underground is one of the apps I use.  On my computer I go to weather.com.  Look at the weather 5 days before your session.  

If you don’t like the weather in New Mexico just a wait a few minutes! ​

Fall foliage is stunning in Albuquerque for family photos!

Check it again 3 days before, and 24 hours before hand.  Don’t be surprised if you see the weather change drastically in between forecasts.  Lastly check the weather the day of the session, paying attention to the hour before and after your session time.  As a photographer I am constantly checking Albuquerque’s weather before a photo session!
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If you plan ahead you can anticipate and plan around weather troubles.  Be familiar with your photographer’s weather reschedule policy.  If you need to reschedule make sure you will not lose your deposit or session fee.  As a photographer I take the responsibility of calling for rescheduling due to weather.  I stay flexible because I know how important a family’s investment is in a professional photography session.  A photographer’s policy can make all the difference in your photo session.  Here in the Albuquerque area especially be sure your photographer has experience doing photography portraits in all types of weather.

As lovely New Mexico weather can be sometimes it is only lovely in short bursts.

The cold and wind meant this session went quick, but hand warmers in the children's pockets helped them have fun!

Be flexible.  Plan your photo session but be open and flexible.  If you need to do your session either two hours earlier or two days later be ready to change your plans if needed.  Having an open mind and flexibility will allow you to have a much better experience.  But be aware that if you are expecting a family photo sunset session with golden light, a session that is moved to noon will have a much different look.

This family embraced the wind and the way it swept across the area for their sunset mountain photos.

 
Be on time.  Arriving timely for your session can help make sure that your session runs smoothly. As lovely New Mexico weather can be sometimes it is only lovely in short bursts.  When you run late then you may end up stuck in bad weather because your session had to run past the expected end time.
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Layers were not only a great fashion choice for this family, but also a smart way to keep warm!

Be prepared. If your session is in the heat of the summer bring water and layer on the sunblock. If your weather report shows almost freezing temperatures makes sure to arrive in layers.  Especially important for children to be dressed warmly. Make sure to wear correct footwear for children and adults.  If you are scheduling a photo session during monsoon season expect afternoon and evening thunderstorms. I always try to pack hand warmers for my family photo sessions, and the children love to be able to warm their hands during a photo shoot! ​

Up at Sandia peak the wind reach highs of 23 mph! But choosing to stay among the trees lowered the wind.

Be aware of New Mexico winds.  New Mexico winds can be a lovely cool breeze on a hot afternoon or they can be dangerous bursts of winds that can knock down tree limbs.  The wind in New Mexico arrives in the spring and stays until winter.  Most of the year.  Watch out for dead cottonwood branches above you.  The only way to be prepared for the wind is to expect it.  Your hairstyle should be able to handle bursts of wind.  Embrace the windblown look for your portraits.  Be aware that certain locations such as the open desert or up on the Sandia Tram will be home to high winds. ​

Watch out for severe weather. ​

The high winds limited some of the poses this sweet couple could do up at the top of the Sandia's during their Albuquerque maternity session.

Watch out for severe weather.  No matter how important and special your photo session will be it is never an excuse to be out in a New Mexico thunderstorm, on icy roads, or outside with a tornado warning (tornadoes can occur down in southern New Mexico).  Please always stay out of New Mexico ditches, arroyos, and gullies.
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You are making an investment in capturing your family’s bond and love with a professional photography session.  Outdoor family photos in Albuquerque should not be ruined with bad weather.  A good photographer should be prepared and ready to handle whatever weather New Mexico has.  It just takes a little preparation and flexibility!  Just relax and let your photographer do what they do best!  Anna Cummings Photography is excited and ready to meet you.  Schedule your session today!

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Snow was no obstacle during their sweet engagement session.