It’s that time of year again in Cairns. The humidity has been building and now we are getting the rain. So, how can you plan your family Photoshoot during wet season in Cairns?
I think the plain and simple answer is, you can’t!
I’ve lived in Cairns almost a decade now, and wet seasons can be unpredictable.
In the past 5 years of being a family photographer in Cairns, I’ve experienced postponing photoshoots because it’s been raining all day and then we had a beautiful sunset and could have gone ahead, and I’ve experienced days that have been beautiful and then myself and my client have sat beside eachother in our cars waiting for the pouring rain to stop so we could start the session. (It did not stop, for the record!)
Locals to Cairns
If you are a local to Cairns, you can generally be a bit more selective with when you book your family Photoshoot. If you are just booking your yearly family Photoshoot, and want your photographs on the beach or in a field, you could choose not to risk the wet season, and book in for the dry season.
However, if time is a factor, you could also choose to book a Photoshoot in my studio, or in the comfort of your own home. Just in case. (You can also use these as back up options)
When is dry season in Cairns?
The dry season is a bit more predictable with weather (though this is the wet tropics, so we do still get rain year round, it is what makes Cairns so beautifully green). Dry season in Cairns runs between April and October.
Not only are there a lot more sunny days during these months, it is also a lot cooler.
It’s much easier to explore the great outdoors during your session during the cooler months.
Families who book their photo shoots with me, do so because they love my natural, playful photographs. They love photos that capture the pure innocence and fun of childhood. This is much more enjoyable when there is minimal humidity. Unless families are booking for Christmas photos in Cairns or for their children’s birthdays, most tend to book in dry season.
When is wet season in Cairns?
The wet season in Cairns runs between November to March. This is when the humidity increases and the rain begins. By January, it is extremely hot and humid and very uncomfortable. For this reason, photoshoots outside tend to be quieter for me. I book lots in my studio, or in my clients’ homes at this time of year. However, there are still some locals who who are happy to risk the weather. We brave the heat and humidity and take a chance with the rain. Some families choose to embrace it, if it’s just drizzling, and others opt to postpone if necessary. (The rain can get very heavy during wet season in Cairns)
If you are visiting Cairns and want to book a family photoshoot
As someone who was not born in Cairns (or Australia for that matter, I was born in the UK), I can’t even begin to tell you how beautiful Cairns is. It is a tropical paradise.
From secluded beaches and creeks to beautiful Cane fields, (the cane flowers between May and June in Cairns, generally), there really is something for everyone. Having a family photoshoot when you are visiting Cairns is a really popular choice.
Many families love having their memories in this beautiful place captured. The heart of the tropics.
Because families are only here for a short period of time, there isn’t the option to postpone. We have to pick a day for the photoshoot and risk the weather! So, what happens if it’s absolutely pouring with rain? Well, with weddings, I’d say embrace it. But I can tell you, when you’ve dragged Dad kicking and screaming out for photos and sunset falls around dinner time, adding rain into the mix is honestly a recipe for disaster!! Drizzle is fine. Pouring tropical rain, not so much. My advice if this happens during your stay and we’ve booked in your photoshoot, is to photograph your memories either in the hotel grounds that you are staying, where there is usually some cover, or at your air b&b.
There are some really beautiful accommodation options here in Far North Queensland. The hotels in areas like Palm Cove are so beautiful, I’d even consider that as an option even if it’s not raining!
Either way, as it gets closer to your photoshoot date, we will discuss your options and choose the one that is right for your family.
What to wear for your wet season photoshoot
Well, put it this way, it’s going to be hot!! The rain is hot, the wind is hot, everything is HOT!! The wet season in Cairns is hot, humid, sweaty and generally uncomfortable!
One option would be to consider a photoshoot around your pool! Have a swim, make memories, have fun!
Another option would be to wear loose fitting clothing. Choose anything that does not show the sweat. (I still get this wrong, after 10 years here!) Choose your fabrics and colour of fabrics wisely. Choose natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. Avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester. If you want something suitable for the heat, but still smart, that is my recommendation.
If you like a more relaxed feel to your photos during wet season, just embrace the relaxed beach lifestyle. The usual ‘rules’ apply. Avoid large logos, big patterns and fluorescent colours, but otherwise, denim shorts and a plain singlet are fine for a relaxed family photoshoot! Kick off your sandals, play with your kids and have fun 🙂
I hope that helps when it comes to how you can plan your family photoshoot during wet season in Cairns.
I would love to photograph your family in one of our beautiful locations! If you would like more information, you can contact me here.
Lizzy Hannaford Photography specialises in family photography, and is based on the northern beaches of Cairns. Her main focus is maternity, newborn, baby and family photography.
I would love to photograph special memories for your family in my Trinity Park studio, or out in a beach or field location.
If you would like to book a photoshoot with me, please click here, or email me directly at lizzy@lizzyhannaford.com.au
You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
