When the Forecast Doesn’t Cooperate
(A Photographer’s Parody and Other Ironic Moments Behind the Lens)
“Isn’t it ironic” that I’m trying to post a photographer’s parody about the ironic things we deal with—and the blog post won’t save? 😅
This is a photographer’s parody of real-life pivots, and I know I’m not the only one.
If you’ve ever planned a session for weeks (or months), picked the perfect outfits, rallied the kids, loaded the car—and then watched the sky turn dark and dramatic… then Kody the weather guy (he’s always right) posts something like “Front + upslope = kablamo”… I’m right there with you.
Just tonight, a client and longtime friend from Erie called while driving to her son’s senior session. Some of my fabulous Erie clients still make the drive to my new location in Greeley, and I’m so grateful. “It’s getting really stormy here,” she said. Between the highway noise, a dropped call, and a callback later, the thunder and lightning confirmed it: reschedule. Zero regrets.
Different client: she brought her family to spot and help with weather and wardrobe!
Why I Build Margin Into My Calendar
Snowy sessions look beautiful but it doesn’t take long for fingers, noses and ears to look frozen! This is exactly why I don’t book my calendar to 100%—because life happens:
- People (not just kids) get sick
- Weather rolls in fast
- High school seniors start new jobs, and shift times surprise us
Let’s talk about lighting & weather: I LOVE open shade. I adore clouds.
But harsh sunlight? High winds? Freezing ears? A branding shoot in July with no AC?
That’s a no from me.
Here’s an example of getting low to the ground and using reflectors to block wind because we kept getting wind bursts! We couldn’t reschedule because she needed theater headshots! We made it work!
I’m not Type A or OCD, but I am a structured-flexibility kind of photographer. A homeschool mom to 2E boys. A creative who’s learned to pivot—with grace, not panic.
And when I can’t control the chaos? I pray, I pivot, find the humor (if there is any) and I sing.
🎶 Inspired by Alanis Morissette’s 90s hit “Ironic,” here’s my photographer’s parody—an ode to the unscripted, unpredictable, and unintentionally hilarious moments (sometimes not until WAY after-the-fact) behind the lens.
No shade. No judgment. Just poetic timing, real life, and maybe a little bubble-snot.
Here’s the time I rented a gorgeous space, and wouldn’t you know—it was the only day that whole week with full sun and blue skies instead of the creamy-dreamy overcast I was hoping for. I brought my reflector, made it work, and got the shots… but let’s be real—this photographer’s parody exists for a reason. We always have to be ready to pivot.
🎵 Photographer’s Parody: “Ironic” Moments Behind the Lens
To the tune of “Ironic” by Alanis Morissette
[Intro]
Hey-yeah, yeah
Yeah, ah-ah-ah, yeah, hey
[Verse 1]
They booked their shoot back in junior year
The leaves were golden—then snow blew near
It’s a baby nap five minutes from the lot
Now they’re pooped up the back, and the light’s all shot
[Pre-Chorus]
And isn’t it ironic?
Don’t you think?
[Chorus]
It’s like rain on your golden-hour date
It’s a sun blast when you need open shade
It’s the dream pose… with a pinky up the nose
And who would’ve thought? It figures
[Verse 2]
Mr. Always-Prepped brought his dog in style
We had five good frames—then he ran a mile
She broke her heels—but forgot some flats
I just smiled and rolled, I’ve seen worse than that
[Pre-Chorus]
And isn’t it ironic?
Don’t you think?
[Chorus]
It’s like wind gusts when the curls took hours
It’s freezing temps in their springtime flowers
It’s the dream light… but he wouldn’t grin
And the tag still shows—just tuck it in
[Bridge]
Well, the sky can split with a holy sound
The loudest thunder shakes the solid ground
And it’s ironic—this I can’t deny
Writing ’bout irony… while my blog won’t save live-time
[Verse 3]
It’s a branding shoot and the AC’s shot
We’re dripping sweat—makeup’s melting off
It’s a smoke machine that sets off the alarm
It’s a senior shoot with a traffic jam start
My L-glass shines—but my arm said “no”
[Pre-Chorus]
And isn’t it ironic?
Don’t you think?
A little too ironic
Yeah, I really do think
[Final Chorus]
It’s like rain on your golden-hour date
It’s a sun blast when you need that shade
It’s the dream pose… with a bubble-snot nose
And who would’ve thought? It figures
[Outro]
Yeah, the photo life keeps me learning grace
The light may shift, but I still chase
We roll with it
And we keep on
Glowing ✨
Your Turn—What’s the Most Ironic Photo Session You’ve Had?
Ever had a session get really ironic?
From broken shoes to full sun meltdowns—leave a comment below! Bonus points if your story includes glitter, puppies, or a very opinionated toddler.
📍Serving Greeley & All of NoCo—With Flexibility and Heart
Heather Lilly is a portrait and branding photographer based in Greeley, Colorado, serving clients in Eaton, Severance, Windsor, Johnstown, Milliken, Loveland, Fort Collins, Berthoud, and throughout Northern Colorado. She continues to serve returning clients in Erie, Niwot, and Longmont, where she previously lived and launched her business.
She specializes in:
- High school senior portraits
- College grad sessions
- Family photography (yes, even with dogs or horses!)
- Headshots & personal brand photography
- And gracefully rescheduled sessions when life happens
You can view her work or get in touch at:
👉 www.heatherlillyphotography.com
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