Taking pictures outside during July and August may may seem a little crazy. North Mississippi gets pretty hot and humid. We found that out in an RV last year. But after living in the desert all my life, I’ve learned that “moving like the wind” makes it a lot easier to capture summertime portraits for families.
What is that, you ask? 🙂 It’s simple:
- Dress light (weight and colors).
- Have a plan to execute in 30 minutes or less.
- Park a car (or two) nearby with the AC running.
When everyone is dry and engaged, the experience is a lot more enjoyable. Time of day also helps with comfort levels. I prefer scheduling all of my family sessions at dusk (or golden hour). The humid dew in the morning seems hotter and direct sunlight is a pain in many ways. Even midday shade can be limiting.
Knowledge, Settings Make Summer Family Photos Tolerable.
If you want to capture a variety of shots in a short amount of time, selecting a fluent space with multiple backdrops is key. This is where the experience of a photographer really shines. In the past, I’ve had a few go-to spots that have been very rewarding. But any space that’s open (like a park) with creative landscapes and changes of scenery is ideal.
No matter how I go about beating the heat, it’s tough to manage summertime portraits for families if I know nothing about the family! With that said, I wanted to share a session I did a few years ago that was super hot – but so much fun! Ashli (momma) did a great job explaining her tribe and working with me throughout the process. You can’t even tell it was 114 degrees!
Summer Portraits for a Relocated Family.
After moving from Florida, the Alfarones were eager to get some family pictures taken. They didn’t care how hot it was! The married couple was looking to start fresh in a new market with two amazing little kiddos. Their son, Enzo, was a spunky young man who just started kindergarten. Presli was his beautiful big sister that was so full of life. Â Both of them were so much fun to photograph!
To top it all off, Grandma was in town to make the memory even better! They all endured the heat like professionals and claimed the south was far worse! We spent quite a bit of time down there before moving to Olive Branch – and I can’t say I disagree.
I’m so proud of their kids! They didn’t grunt, moan, or complaint about the temperatures one time. When you think about it, summertime portraits for families can really bring out the best in your clan – even if it’s a little sticky outside! I was certainly impressed and blessed by the Alfarones. I look forward to many more family photos with them.
