Summer is finally here! And we’ve got the high temps and humidity to prove it! If you’re thinking of booking an on-location session photo session this summer, here are some tips for staying cool and looking great even during the hottest months.
Tip #1 – Opt for light-colored or white clothes made out of breathable materials.
A simple white cotton dress always looks amazing against the bright colors of summer … and keeps you nice and cool at the same time. Check out gap.com for some great light-weight white items for every member of the family.
When kids are cool and don’t feel overly constricted by their clothes, they’re able to express themselves more freely …
Tip #2 – Schedule your session near water. Even if it’s not a body of water you’d like to actually get in (we’ve got a few of them around here!), there’s usually a breeze coming off the water that can help everyone stay a bit cooler. The image below was taken in Chesapeake City where a nice cool breeze kept us from getting too sticky …
Tip #3 – Schedule your session somewhere with lots of trees and stones. The area below is in the gardens at the Ridley Creek State Park Mansion. When you enter the area with the stone walkways and walls, it feels about 15 degrees cooler : ) …
Tip #4 – Head for a creek. The image below was also taken at Ridley Creek State Park in Pennsylvania on a VERY hot day. But we kept everyone happy by spending some time first up by the trees and then down by (and in!) the water : ). There are lots of fabulous creeks in our area … if you’re not sure about where, just ask! I’ve got lots of recommendations.
Tip #5 – Go ahead and get wet! You can plan for your entire session to be centered around water in some way, or hold out until the end as a reward for little ones. There’s fun in little pools …
… and fun in big pools ….
Not to mention all the fun that we have with my cute little vintage tub!
… and EVERYONE knows how fun sprinklers are! …
… and fountains, too! …
Tip #6 – Schedule a beach session. Beach sessions are limited this year and are available on a first come/first serve basis. They’re available all summer long, but once I reach a certain number of them, I will no longer be accepting any more simply because of the travel involved. If you’d like to inquire about availability, please don’t hesitate to contact me! Beach sessions are ALWAYS fabulous : ) …
Tip #7 – Schedule a sunrise or evening session. If we’re going to be working with little ones, I always like to schedule at a time when the kids are most happy (and every child is different). But if you think nap schedules will allow for a session first thing in the morning or later in the evening, those are both the coolest and the prettiest times of day for a session. I often find that little ones are super happy, fresh, and relaxed first thing in the morning … making sunrise sessions an excellent option in the summer. If you HATE the thought of waking up so early (I’m with you on that one), I promise that the gorgeous light (and a good cup of coffee) will totally make up for it! …
Of course, evening light is pretty gorgeous, too …
Tip #8 – Schedule a backyard session. Not only are kids nice and relaxed in their own backyard … but if we start getting a little too hot, we can hop back inside for a break. Or if it’s just plain old too hot outside, we can just continue the photo session inside.
Tip #9 – Believe it or not, Main Street can actually be a good option! Sure, the city streets are supposed to be the hottest thing out there … but Main Street in Newark has lots of grassy spots, fabulous breezy alleyways, and LOTS of great little stores with cool and/or sweet treats!
Tip #10 – Cool down with some ice cream! There are lots of adorable spots to grab some cool treats around here. Not only does it keep everyone nice and cool, but it sure can be cute!!!! …
Stay cool out there … and happy summer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kate
Love your ideas Kate! I have one to add: Have session surrounded by glaciers and snow capped mountains. That’s what we got and it’s a cool breeze all summer long. 😀 Maybe you, Lindsay and Bella can come on a girl trip…
Yes, I’m thinking that a glacier would cool things down! One of these days …
Hope that you guys are well! : ) I bet the weather up there is gorgeous right now!
When is the soonest flight to Alaska? That would be an awesome girls trip! Love the summer shots. They are all so happy and inspiring. I need to find a little white dress! Thanks Kate.