Beating the heat for summer photo sessions

I like to talk a big game about making my sessions fun, not a chore to check off of a to-do list. Since recently transplanting from Houston to the Midwest, the temperatures have been much more tolerable. But it can be truly horrible to be outside anywhere come August! Depending on the weather, humidity, and time of year, we could be battling what feel like triple digit temps.

So, what does that mean for your photo session? Is it destined to be miserable if you're attempting a senior session in the summer? Not necessarily.

Option 1: The Obvious Solution

Why work against the heat when you can avoid it entirely? I've worked at several local studios available for short-term rentals for those who are looking to kick back in an air-conditioned space.

Option 2: Picking the Right Time

I nearly always shoot in the late afternoon/evening, during what photographers like to call Golden Hour. However, we can achieve this look during sunrise as well.

Aiming to shoot during first or last light can keep temperatures manageable. I almost never shoot during the heat of the day no matter the season, but it's especially important during summer to avoid the times when the sun shines hottest.

Option 3: Strategic Location Selection

If we're going to brave the outdoors, there is an art to finding just the right spot. The aim of the game is to avoid direct sunlight beating down on us.

If we're looking for a natural style, woods or woods-adjacent can give us the relief of the shade. Even better, a park location with buildings or pavilions available for shade is ideal.

For those wanting a more modern or urban look, the built-in shade of city buildings is our friend! The rooftops of mid-size buildings are perfect for achieving a city backdrop while still taking advantage of the shade of taller buildings to keep us out of direct light.

Places to avoid include wide open fields that are breeding grounds for mosquitos as well as industrial areas that are open to direct light.

How to Prepare

No matter how well we plan, sometimes the temperatures are still difficult to weather. Even for short mini sessions, we can still prepare for uncomfortable heat to make our time together still enjoyable!

Two words: BUG SPRAY. I'll come stocked but it's a good idea to bring your own as well. I've gone through entire bottles in a session before! You might be shocked that this ranks above water for me, but in a 30-minute mini session, you might not get super thirsty right away in the shade. However, you will instantly get chewed on by mosquitoes at sunset if they're buzzing around.

Now for the obvious item, a water bottle! If not at the session, make sure you have extra waters ready in the car to crack open with the AC blasting on the way home!

Lastly, sunscreen is always a must, especially if you're fair-skinned like me! You might be able to get away without it for a short session at the end of the day, but I always err on the side of over-prepared when it comes to sun protection.

Don't get me wrong, crisp fall and balmy spring sessions are delightful. But there's nothing like a late-summer haze to warm up your authentic portrait session. We can do this!