How To Keep Cool During Summer Sessions

Summer can be a hot time for outdoor sessions, especially here in the south. Tired and sweaty clients and a sweaty photographer can cause a session to seemingly last forever. However, as the photographer, it is our job to make our clients still feel great and have a blast at their session. In this article, I will give some advice on how to keep cool during summer sessions.

First, I hardly ever shoot my sessions during midday in the summer.

Instead, I prefer golden hour, but even more so in the summer because it can be the coolest part of the day. Another option to consider are sunrise sessions first thing in the morning, before it gets too hot outside.

Keep your clients cool and keep them busy during the session.

If at all possible, keep clients in open shade until the sun begins to set. However, if that’s not possible, keep them busy by asking them questions or asking them to look at each other and talk. If you’re lucky, they will laugh, smile, or even kiss. This takes their minds off the heat and they will get even more comfortable in front of the camera. When photographing kids, bring along some bubbles, water guns, or some kinds of toy to keep them occupied when they get hot and irritated.

Next, remember to take breaks!

If it gets too hot, encourage your clients to hop in the car and sit in the air conditioner for a little recharge. Breaks allow clients to touch up makeup or change clothes, too. They will come back all refreshed and good to go!

Lastly, have fun, joke around, and compliment!

This is a must for me at any session but especially with my couples. For some, it can be strange having someone take pictures of them when they are being openly affectionate with each other. So, to keep them comfortable, joke about something. I am always joking about something dumb I have done during a session like when I have fallen or hit my head. Usually, they laugh and at the same time they begin to warm up and open up about their own lives.

Another great way to keep you clients happy and comfortable in front of the camera is to compliment often. No matter if it’s a pose they created on their own, sitting up a little straighter, or kissing someone on the cheek, always compliment them so that they will relax and not feel silly. This will keep them having fun so they will forget all about how hot it is and really enjoy the session!

Equipment used: Canon 5D MK3 and Canon 85mm 1.2

Erica of Expressions by Erica Photography is a senior and wedding photographer out of Littleton, NC. She loves using the natural beauty surrounding her in her rural area. Her style includes bold colors and sun-drenched images of both traditional portraits and candid imagery. You can click here to see her website.

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