Mount Spokane High School Senior Photoshoot- Spokane Senior Photographer
Sydney Class of 2025
Senior Photos on Mt. Spokane: A Stunning High School Senior Session Despite Crazy Weather
When it comes to high school senior photography, most people envision sunny skies and perfect weather. But sometimes, the best moments happen when things don’t go as planned. Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to photograph a senior girl atop Mt. Spokane, and despite the unexpected weather, the session turned out to be one of my favorites. From overcast skies to light rain and strong winds, the unpredictable conditions only made the photos more dynamic, capturing the true essence of adventure and resilience.
The Unexpected Beauty of Overcast Skies
We started our Mt. Spokane senior photo shoot with soft, overcast skies. While it wasn’t the sunniest day, the diffused light created a flattering and dreamy look for portraits. The surrounding landscape, with views of Spokane Valley and the distant mountains, looked breathtaking, even under the clouds. The temperature was cool, but comfortable—perfect for capturing natural, candid moments without worrying about harsh sunlight.
It was the perfect start to a high school senior photography session—calm, serene, and full of potential.
From Calm to Crazy: Battling the Elements
But as anyone who’s worked in the mountains knows, the weather can change in an instant. Just as we were getting into the session the winds picked up and light rain began to fall. It wasn’t heavy at first, but the wind quickly turned into something fierce.
Rather than packing up, we chose to embrace the wild conditions. The light rain and gusty winds gave the photos an element of drama that would’ve been missing on a perfect day. Sometimes, unpredictable weather can be the best kind of creative challenge!
Why Mt. Spokane Is the Perfect Place for Senior Photos
There’s a reason I love taking senior portraits in Spokane—the area offers an abundance of natural beauty, and Mt. Spokane is one of the best spots for capturing stunning outdoor shots. The changing weather created a dramatic backdrop of shifting clouds, mist, and vibrant mountain greenery, all of which added layers of depth and texture to the photos.
Despite the conditions, the landscape was nothing short of stunning. The mountain views looked even more striking against the darkened sky, and the rain and wind brought movement and life to the images. Emma, the senior I was photographing, was an absolute trooper—her confidence in the face of the elements was inspiring and made for some of the most authentic photos.
How Bad Weather Can Enhance Senior Photos
You might think that bad weather would ruin a senior photo session, but the opposite is often true. The wind, rain, and clouds brought a raw, natural beauty to the shoot that we couldn’t have achieved with calm weather. The mist from the rain, combined with the dramatic skies, turned each photo into a work of art. It’s the kind of unexpected magic that you can only get by embracing the chaos of nature.
The movement in the wind added texture to Sydney’s hair, while the soft rain gave the photos an ethereal, almost cinematic quality. These are the kinds of photos you can’t replicate with perfect weather—they’re authentic, timeless, and full of emotion.
Wrapping Up: Why You Should Embrace the Unpredictable
In the end, despite the crazy weather on Mt. Spokane, this senior photo session was nothing short of magical. It reminded me that some of the best photos come when you embrace the unexpected and go with the flow. If you’re planning a senior photo shoot in Spokane or the Pacific Northwest, be ready for anything. The weather might surprise you, but that’s part of the fun!
Whether it’s cloudy skies, light rain, or wind, sometimes those conditions provide the most stunning, memorable photos. So, if you're a high school senior looking for an adventurous, unique photo session, consider Mt. Spokane. It’s the perfect spot for capturing both the beauty of the landscape and your personality—no matter the weather.
Tips for Preparing for a Senior Photo Shoot on Mt. Spokane
Dress for the weather: Layer up and bring extra clothing, as temperatures can change quickly in the mountains.
Bring a backup plan: In case the weather takes a turn, having a backup location in mind can save the day.
Embrace the elements: Don’t be afraid to let the weather work for you. Wind and rain can create beautiful movement and texture in photos.