Ways to Prepare for Your Summer Portrait Session

I know I’m ready for a hot summer, but are you? Just in case you’re ready for summer but not your summer portrait session, here are seven ways you can make sure your summer portrait session goes off without a hitch.

Ways you can prepare for your summer portrait session

Nonetheless, here are 7 tips to help you prepare for your winter portrait session:

1. Dress Appropriately

Texas summers are so hot and humid. This typically leads to sticky bodies. You’ll want to wear breathable, lightweight fabrics that don’t weigh you down. As for shoes, sweet flats, loafers, sandals and even other open toed shoes are a great option.

2. Humidity and hair

If you or a family member’s hair frizzes up or reacts to humidity in a bad way, choose a hairstyle that won’t have you worried or feeling insecure. For example, a pretty braid, updo, or even a slick ponytail may be a good choice. You can also add a headscarf to couple as a hair tamer and an accessory. Another alternative is to use a little more product to help keep it at bay, but you’ll definitely want to do a hair trial before doing that.

3. Prepare for your summer portrait session with necessitices…as always

When packing necessities for your summer portrait session, I absolutely recommend bringing some of the following items: 

• Lots of water for everyone. I don’t want you guys getting dehydrated in this summer heat
• a snack for energy, 
• sunscreen, 
• umbrella for shade, 
• water mister, 
• makeup touchup.

I’ll try my best to remember to bring some of these things for you to, but in case I forget or don’t have enough, it’s always good for you to pack as well. 

5. Look dope (great) from head to toe.

For instance, if you’re wearing flip-flops or open toed shoes, make sure you head to the salon for a nice mani/pedi. If it’s really breezy or windy at Crystal Beach or Surfside in Galveston, carry along a hat or scarf to help keep things a little more steady.

6. Add in some props.

Outdoor summer portrait sessions add so much to the creative vision and imagery. However, we can always incorporate a few props into the mix as well. Vintage step stools in a field look gorgeous, as do blankets, balloons, and even visually striking treats (lollipops, ice cream, etc.).

7. I will NOT let you overheat.

Sometimes it’s hard just to walk outside when the temps are scorching hot. Add in the southern humidity and it feels like a sauna is following us around. Regardless, I know we’re going to have an amazing session and lots of fun. I never shoot in mid day sun unless I absolutely have to. Plus, in the evening or early morning during golden hour, I always try to find shaded areas first. If all else fails, we’ll take a walk around the city and pop into a local bakery or ice cream shop for added fun and cool off periods.

8. There’s always the studio.

If you’re set on shooting during the summer, and want to be in a cooler environment, consider a studio session with me. I can comfortably fit up to about three children in one set in the quaint, home studio of mine. We can also add some of the same things and props as outdoors inside the studio. In addition, a fine art or couture look would look absolutely timeless of you or your children.

Closing: Ways to prepare for your summer portrait session 

I hope you found these prep tips to help you prepare for your summer portrait session useful. As a lifetime photographer, I help clients like you feel confident and look their best in portraits you can proudly display in your home or office. Complete the form to book your session now.