NEbraska Weather - 0, Sara Walford photo - 1
April 26, 2026
If you want to easily frustrate a Nebraska photographer this time of year, start talking about the chances of rain for the exact time and location of a photo shoot. As I prepared for Emily’s shoot, I noticed the increased odds for thunderstorms, but with her approval, we decided to go ahead as scheduled. We prayed for a small window of time for the photos.
Though not obvious in the final product, the wind was a terrible pain in Emily’s session, causing her hair to fly in front of her face and the Stoll to flip over her shoulder. Readjustment after readjustment, we pressed on, persistent in our efforts. As the clouds rolled in rapidly, a staff member stopped to tell us of the Severe Thunderstorm warning in effect. After planning these photos for weeks, the easy thing to do would have been to get frustrated, which I can confirm I felt for a moment. Mild wind and cloud cover can be helpful, but a torrential downpour and howling winds not so much.
As the session went on, I became increasingly thankful for the weather. The wind created an effortless look on Emily and the light clouds saved the highlights from being blown out in the photos.
I learned something valuable that day... if you choose gratitude and to see the joy, you’re likely to find it not only in the world, but also in your own life/situations. It’s hard. Difficult situations and circumstances are sure to come your way at some point. My challenge to you is to not only shift your perspective to gratitude, but to actively embody it every day. In other words, “See the Joy, be the joy.” To all my photographer friends, I pray that the weather is treating you well this spring. And even when it's not, I hope you learn to embrace the chaotic Nebraska weather that we live in.
