Summer is a rough one, especially here in Kansas, where we get heat along with high humidity. Scheduling sessions can be hard because the heat and the sun limits ideal times for portraits.  It is possible though! Below are a few tips for making the most of your summer session!

Communicate with your photographer about posing and flow of the session beforehand.

Planning is always good, and your photographer is probably prepared and already knows the flow of how normal summer sessions go. But you, as a client, might not. Ask questions so that you know what to expect. This will make it go faster without sacrificing the number of photos taken because you'll have an idea of what is coming up.

Practice posing.

Figure out what makes you feel good. Not only does this boost your confidence, which will show tenfold in your photos, you won't have to have quite as much direction. Some people are natural at posing. Some aren't. And practice never hurt anyone. Here are some examples to give you inspiration.

Hydrate.

Seriously. This one might seem silly, but you don't want to get too hot. I just shot a family session yesterday evening at 7pm, and it was still 93 degrees out. It doesn't take long to get hot and sticky and cranky too. Plus, being hydrated makes you look better and more refreshed.

Bring snacks/drinks.

On more than one occasion, I have toted a small cooler on my wheelchair just to make sure that I have something cool with me. The car isn't always at a reasonable distance to go back during a shoot so just bring it with you. I usually keep a few snacks in my camera bag in case a kiddo needs some bribing too. 

Schedule early morning shoots if possible.

Like I mentioned above, 93 degrees at 7pm. I am one of those weird people who love and thrive in warm spaces, (I use a space heater in my office in the summer even!) but it was hot at that shoot. Like my-nose-is-running and sweat-is-in-my-eyes kind of hot. I got some great shots, but sometimes the heat can make it hard to concentrate on much else. I like to schedule summer sessions in the morning too. The light is still gorgeous, and it is usually 15 degrees cooler.