It’s hot. It’s humid. It’s buggy. Despite the odds, summer is my favorite season for photoshoots. Long summer days allow for extended sessions and lots of variety. When prepared, you can experience the full array of benefits that a summer photo session offers. Here are a few tips to make the most of your time.
1. Hydrate. Staying well hydrated is essential to making the most out of your session on a hot summer day. Electrolyte water is an excellent source of hydration that will keep your energy levels up. Plan in advance and hydrate well the day before your session as well as the day of your session. Pack some water bottles and ice packs in a cooler to take refreshing water breaks as needed.
2. Sunscreen. If you don’t have your summer base, or are anything like me and have never been able to achieve a tan a day in your life, you will want to lather on some SPF if you plan to be outdoors for an extended period of time during the daytime. A sunburn is a souvenir nobody wants to take home. Take care of the skin you’re in.
3. Insect repellent. Mosquitos on summer evenings are ruthless. So are ticks when you enter their domain. If you are venturing into gorgeous nature landscapes with tall grasses and wildflowers, spray yourself down with some mosquito and tick repellent to discourage them from giving you unwanted attention.
4. Lightweight fabrics and a change of clothes. One of the best things about summer is extended daylight, which means more opportunities to achieve lots of looks. Stick with fabrics that are lightweight and flowy to keep you as comfortable as possible. Multiple outfits is also a great plan, so you can change and feel fresh.
5. Makeup blotting paper. Professional hair and makeup is offered with my sessions, and trust me, it is essential for summertime sessions. On hot summer days, makeup blotting paper is a great tool to have in your kit to touch up any oily or unwanted shiny areas that expose themselves in the heat of the day.
6. Portable fan and cooling cloths. It sounds excessive, but when it’s in the 80s and 90s with an intense heat index, and you’ve been outside for a bit, a cool breeze on your face and a refreshing cloth on the back of your neck are most welcome.
7. Snacks. Few things are less pleasant than being outside on a hot day when hunger sets in. Snacks are not just for little kids. Big kids get hangry too. Keep a stash on hand of your favorite go-to snacks for when hunger hits. Protein and energy bars are part of my emergency kit that I always keep on hand for photo sessions.
Taking these seven essentials into consideration when planning and preparing for your summer photo session will allow you to focus on achieving amazing photos that you can forever treasure. Seize the day this summer!