Summer Family Portraits
Lynchburg Family Photographer
Of all the seasons in a year, I find summer to be the most challenging to work in. There are multiple reasons why, some of which include a later sunset time (not the most ideal for young children), the heat (and sweat beads and discomfort of my clients), and of course the risk of bugs, too. Most local photographers will tell you, summer simply is not the most comfortable season to be planning an outdoor portrait session.
That said, I always want to serve my clients well. I understand that sometimes, summer is the only option. Some reasons for this are that babies come on their own timelines, I may be unavailable during other seasons, or we happen to get an unseasonably warm spring or fall day that feels more like midsummer. In those cases, I want you to feel confident going into your session.
During my wedding photography years I spent many 80-90 degree Saturdays shooting 8+ hour days and picked up a few tips and tricks for shooting in the heat. With the right preparation, summer photos can still be gorgeous, joy-filled, and timeless.
Here are some of my best tips to help you make the most of a summer family session:
Hydrate all day long – Bring water bottles (bonus points if you fill them with ice, too!) to keep everyone refreshed and avoid flushed, overheated faces.
Arrive fully dressed, with your AC blaring – Changing into your outfits on-site will make you warmer, faster. Dress yourselves before leaving your home, then enjoy cooling off in the AC on your way.
Choose breathable fabrics – Linen, cotton, and gauzy dresses and tops allow air to flow and keep you comfortable.Use light colors – Pale tones not only photograph beautifully but also stay cooler in the sun.
Prepare for bugs – Mosquitos love summer evenings; a quick drop of bug-resistant essential oils on your wrist and ankles goes a long way. Lavender, lemon eucalyptus, or citronella can be gentler alternatives to sprays.
Bring a small fan – A portable, battery-operated fan can be a game changer between shots. Here’s a favorite of ours (it actually has AC and cools the air)!
Style hair simply – Loose curls or soft braids hold up better to humidity than perfectly polished styles. Consider choosing an updo with a bun or braid that can help keep hair off of your neck.
Bring a hairbrush – We will make time for touch-ups, so bring whatever you need to help them be successful.
Plan around naps – If a late bedtime is a concern, try to shift naps a bit later in the day so little ones last through golden hour.
Pack easy snacks – Something light (both literally and figuratively - like mini marshmallows, animal crackers, or toddler puff snacks) keeps kids happy without sticky fingers.
Keep makeup light and set with powder – Heavy makeup melts faster in the heat and can make you feel more warm, too.
Bring a clean hand towel – Pat away sweat discreetly between photos.
Embrace the season – Bare feet and a picnic blanket give the best natural look for summer portraits.
Bring a light wrap or blanket – It can double as a prop and also keep bugs at bay when you’re sitting in grass.
Take breaks – Don’t be afraid to pause for ice water or cool-off moments—authentic smiles always matter more than rushing.
Keep expectations flexible – Summer sessions can come with surprises (heat, bugs, moods), but focusing on connection always creates beautiful results!
And here is one of my favorite family sessions I captured this summer! I am obsessed with the way the humidity in the air created a thick atmosphere and naturally diffused light. The glow, the beautiful family, and their loving energy created one of my favorite family portrait sessions I’ve photographed this year! A big shout out to Three Oaks Manor, a new favorite venue, too! I love this simple clothesline they have on their property and the fun such a simple setup created for this family.
Are you expecting and looking for a caring maternity or newborn photographer? I would love to work with you at Liz Cook Photography to create portraits you will cherish for a lifetime. Contact us and we will share with you our special memory collections such as maternity + newborn or newborn + baby milestone packages. You may also set up a complimentary, no-obligation consultation here in the studio to answer any questions and help you feel comfortable capturing this beautiful new season of life.
