Studio Rain Sessions
Midsummer Grotto
One day only • Saturday, August 1 • San Juan Circus
An immersive indoor rain experience for aerialists, dancers, and movement artists.
What's the Vision?
Imagine stepping into an enchanted grotto where rain falls from above, light filters through cascading wisteria, and every movement catches the water in a different way.
Not because it happened to rain that day.
Because we created it.
For one day only, San Juan Circus will be transformed into Midsummer Grotto, a custom indoor rain environment inspired by lush greenery, shimmering reflections, dramatic lighting, and the feeling of stepping into another world.
Whether you're dancing, spinning on pole, suspended in the air, or simply moving through the rain, every drop becomes part of the image.
This isn't about getting wet.
It's about creating something unforgettable.
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. Whether I'm photographing a couple on a mountain pass, a restaurant's newest menu, or performers on stage, my goal is always the same: to create images that are both beautiful and unmistakably you.
Over the past several years, I've had the privilege of photographing performances, promotional sessions, and productions with the incredible artists of San Juan Circus. Working alongside such talented performers has taught me not only how to photograph movement, but how to anticipate it. Whether someone is dancing across the floor, spinning on pole, or suspended thirty feet in the air, I love creating images that celebrate both the artistry of the performance and the person behind it.
Studio Rain Sessions are the next step in that creative journey. By combining movement, dramatic lighting, and a custom indoor rain environment, I'm excited to create something we've never had the opportunity to make before.
Be Part of the First Studio Rain Session
Studio Rain Sessions are a brand-new project, and by far the most ambitious studio production I've attempted.
Creating a custom indoor rain environment requires specialized equipment, professional lighting, water management, flooring protection, and a purpose-built set. It's a significant investment, but one I've wanted to bring to life for a long time.
That's why I'm starting with an interest list.
The more interest there is, the more ambitious I can make the production while keeping the experience as affordable as possible.
This inaugural event is exclusively for members of the San Juan Circus and Bella Dance communities. Whether you're a pole artist, aerialist, dancer, or movement artist, this is an opportunity to create something completely different from a traditional portrait session.
Joining the interest list doesn't commit you to booking. It simply helps me gauge interest while I finalize the production, and you'll receive:
Early access before booking opens
Final pricing before the general public
Behind-the-scenes updates as the set comes together
Priority scheduling once sessions are released
The opportunity to be part of the very first Studio Rain Session
If this sounds like something you'd love to be part of, I'd love to have you on the list.
Join the Interest List
This interest list helps me gauge participation as I finalize the production, schedule, and pricing. Joining the list doesn't commit you to booking.
✓ Early access before booking opens
✓ Final pricing before the public
✓ Behind-the-scenes updates as the set comes together
✓ Priority scheduling
✓ Help shape the very first Studio Rain Session
Interested? Click the button below to complete the interest form. It only takes a couple of minutes, and you'll receive early access to pricing, booking, and updates as the project comes together.
Need some 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.
Not yet. Joining the interest list simply lets me gauge participation while I finalize the production, pricing, and schedule. Everyone on the list will receive early access before bookings open.
As soon as I have a better understanding of participation and the final production costs. Everyone on the interest list will be the first to know when pricing and booking become available.
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.
Absolutely! I'm planning to offer both solo and duo sessions. If you'd like to create with someone else, you'll have the opportunity to indicate that when booking opens.
Yes. Studio Rain Sessions are designed for members of the San Juan Circus and Bella Dance communities who already have experience in their chosen discipline. You'll be responsible for performing movements and poses that are appropriate for your own skill level.
To help ensure a safe experience for everyone, participation may also require instructor approval. Aerial participants will be reviewed by Cynthia, and 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.
Because Studio Rain Sessions require a much larger production than my typical sessions, I'm using the interest list to better understand participation before finalizing pricing and the overall scope of the set. My goal is to create the best possible experience while keeping it as accessible as I can.
