Studio Rain Sessions
Midsummer Grotto
One day only • Saturday, August 1 • San Juan Circus
A cinematic photography experience for aerialists, dancers, and movement artists.
Exclusively for members of the San Juan Circus and Bella Dance communities.
✧ Registration Is Now Open ✧
Ready to step into the rain?
Choose your session time and complete your registration to reserve your spot.
Previously joined the interest list?
Joining the interest list only ensured you
received the registration announcement.
❦
To reserve a Rain Session, you'll still need to select
an available time and complete your registration.
Days
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What's the Vision?
Imagine a secret garden hidden deep within the forest.
Moonlight filters through cascading wisteria. Rain drips softly from the vines. Light dances across the water, illuminating every movement before disappearing back into the darkness.
Time seems to slow.
The air shimmers.
Every photograph feels less like a portrait and more like a scene from a forgotten fairytale.
Midsummer Grotto draws inspiration from The Secret Garden, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and the lush romanticism of classical garden paintings filled with movement, abundant greenery, and theatrical light. These are creative influences, not a required costume theme.
Dress as elaborately or as simply as you like. You’re welcome to embrace the romantic, theatrical, or fantastical influences, but you do not need to dress as a fairy or arrive in costume. I’m building the stage, but you bring the character and make it your own.
For one day only, San Juan Circus will be transformed into Midsummer Grotto, an immersive indoor rain environment filled with cascading wisteria, lush greenery, reflective water, and the quiet beauty of a warm summer night after the rain begins.
Bringing the Vision to Life
The concept images below are meant to illustrate the world I'm hoping to create. They're not photographs, but rather visual concepts that capture the mood, lighting, wardrobe, and atmosphere inspiring Midsummer Grotto.
What is a Studio Rain Session?
Have you ever wondered how those dramatic rain scenes in movies and photoshoots are created?
A Studio Rain Session recreates that experience indoors using controlled rainfall, professional lighting, and a custom-designed set. Instead of waiting for the perfect weather, we create it.
Take a look at this video to see the concept in action.
The video above isn't my work, but it's a great example of the type of indoor rain experience I'm building.
Every Studio Rain Session is unique, and my set, lighting, and artistic direction will have their own look, but this should give you a sense of what's possible.
Meet Your Photographer
Hi! I'm Nathan Rist.
I'm a Telluride-based photographer creating portraits, weddings, commercial photography, and live event imagery throughout Colorado.
Over the past several years, I've had the privilege of working with San Juan Circus, photographing performances, promotional sessions, and productions. You can see a few examples of that work below.
Water is one of my favorite elements to photograph. It catches the light, creates movement, and transforms ordinary moments into something extraordinary. I've dreamed of creating an environment where light, movement, and falling rain could all come together intentionally, without asking someone to stand in an icy mountain stream or wait for the perfect storm. Studio Rain Sessions are my chance to finally bring that vision to life.
Be Part of the First Studio Rain Session
Studio Rain Sessions are finally here.
After months of planning, designing, and building, I'm excited to invite members of San Juan Circus and Bella Dance to be part of the very first Midsummer Grotto Rain Sessions.
This one-day-only experience features a custom indoor rain environment with warm falling water, dramatic lighting, lush greenery, and a cinematic set inspired by A Midsummer Night's Dream. Every session is designed to create expressive, artistic portraits unlike anything I've offered before.
These sessions are available exclusively to active members of the San Juan Circus and Bella Dance communities.
Each session includes:
30-minute private session
Heated rain for comfort
10 professionally edited images
Online proof gallery with the option to purchase additional images
A fully customized set built specifically for this event
Availability is extremely limited, and once a session is reserved it will no longer be available.
If you'd like to be part of the very first Midsummer Grotto Rain Sessions, click below to view the session information and reserve your spot.
More inspiration:
Every creative project starts with inspiration. This board is a collection of images that have influenced the mood, lighting, colors, and atmosphere I'm exploring for Studio Rain Sessions. While these aren't my photographs, they offer a glimpse into the creative direction I'm excited to bring to life.
Kunst & Freiraum
Smith Studio Photography
Triceratops Tamer on Reddit
F.A.Q.
I've gathered answers to the questions I expect most people will have. If you don't see what you're looking for, just send me a message and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.
Rain Sessions are $300 and include:
• Your own dedicated Rain Session
• 10 professionally edited high-resolution digital images
• A private online proof gallery to select your favorites
• The option to purchase additional edited images after your gallery is delivered
Online credit card and PayPal payments include a 3.2% processing fee. If you'd prefer to pay by Venmo or cash, contact me before registering and I'll provide a code that allows you to complete your registration without paying through the website.
Yes! This is a real indoor rain setup, so plan on getting completely soaked. More details about what to wear, what to bring, and how to prepare will be sent out before your session.
Yes! Friends, partners, and performance duos are absolutely welcome.
Your session will be shared between both participants, allowing us to create a mix of collaborative images and individual portraits as time allows. If you have a particular concept or routine you'd like to incorporate, feel free to mention it when you register.
I especially like the second version because it sets the expectation that they won't each receive a full solo session, while still leaving room for a few individual shots if time permits.
Yes. These sessions are intended for active members of the San Juan Circus and Bella Dance communities who already have experience in their discipline.
Participants should be comfortable performing movements appropriate for their own skill level. Because safety is the top priority, all registrations may be reviewed by the instructors before being finalized.
Aerial participants will be reviewed by Cynthia.
Dance participants will be reviewed by Sam.
We'll cover wardrobe recommendations in a future email, but think flowing fabrics, movement-friendly outfits, and clothing that complements the moody, cinematic feel of the Midsummer Grotto theme. Since you'll be in the rain, some fabrics and colors photograph better than others, and I'll provide guidance before your session.
Studio Rain Sessions: Midsummer Grotto will be held indoors at San Juan Circus on Saturday, August 1.
These sessions involve substantial upfront production costs, including building the custom rain set, water system, and overall studio experience. Because of those hard costs, session fees are unfortunately non-refundable.
If your plans change, you're welcome to transfer or sell your session to another eligible Bella Dance or San Juan Circus member. Just let me know before the event so I can update the registration and make sure the new participant completes the required paperwork.
Ready to Step Into the Rain?
Registration only takes a few minutes. You'll choose your session, complete the participation agreement, and reserve your spot for the Midsummer Grotto Rain Sessions.
