Whenever there is a conversation about taking family photos, a summer session is one of the top choices. In Canada, it means we have just come out of the long Winter season and are ready to live it up in the sunshine. Being for a long period of time with low temperatures and grey-looking sceneries, warmer weather and blues sky with colourful flower are very inviting.
While this is true, it seems as though most often summer months slip away from us and our great intentions. Every summer we say, “This is the year when we are going to take our family photos!” Then, for one reason or another, we end up pushing it forward for a couple of years. However, the time comes when our kids are grown up, with plans of their own, making it almost impossible to adjust all schedules to work for the session. Trust me, you are not alone! I’m also one of those guilty parents, even with my fancy and expensive camera(s), who still displays photos from a couple of years ago.
With this thought, I was inspired with you some tips to make this summer the year that it happens! Here are 5 fast tips how to turn this “to-do” into some simple yet pleasurable great memories for all:
1.) Plan your session at the end of the winter
Start planning early! Planning the session at the end of the winter will give you time to research you perfect match for your photographer. It also helps you kick off summer with your spouse and kids the right way. The earlier months of summer tend to be still very green (not brown and drought-like) and the kids haven’t ruined their new cute summer outfits. Most importantly, starting to communicate this early will make sure everyone is ready to cooperate when time comes.
2.) Use Valentine’s, Mother’s or Father’s Day specials
I always offer a limited amount of session specials around these holidays. Use those specials to execute your summer photo session or add them to your own wish list! When the gift certificate covers at least part of the session, you will be more motivated to book the date. It also spreads out the investment amount which, as a parent with children in summer camps and activities, I know can help out a bunch!
3.) Location(s) for your summer photo session
Many times when we have to come up with a great location we are stuck. When we start overanalyzing all of the details, we end up going somewhere that is tried and true by many other people. There’s nothing wrong with the nearby park photos, but you may questions if it is worthy of paying a professional photographer to capture it.
Your location choice does not have to be super unique, but should represent your family and the memories you cherish. Think back to the last few summers and take note of locations where you family was most themselves. It could be places that you visited on retreats, a family cottage, conservation area or anything that you like.
Make a note and communicate those needs with your photographer when you are researching at the end of the winter. I LOVE working at new places that my clients suggest and will be able to assist as much as possible. Generally, there are no extra charges for travel. I’m game for new experiences and challenges!
4.) Time of the day for your session
When it comes to what time to do the photos there are three scenarios which I suggest based on my clients needs.
If working with kids morning 9:30-11:30am is a great time for them. They are energetic, full with excitement and the weather is not yet that hot. Maybe we will have some morning dew but only within the first 30 minutes.
2:30pm-4:30pm usually works well for big family groups and reunions. Basically, whenever many people have to coordinate their arrival and to ensure everyone is present on time. The weather is little bit warmer at this time, but there are options to be hide in some shaded areas in between session.
5:30-7:30pm is what I call the golden hour session. I love capturing the sunset and working with the gorgeous sky colours at this time. Perfect time for family with teenagers who wake up late or couples who are getting engagement photos! It is also popular for families who like to have sunshine but less heat and this time is most accommodating to a working parent’s day during the week.
5.) What to wear for summer photo session
Again, this is something that you want to think about early. There are so many Pinterest tips for how to dress and coordinate a colour scheme to your group photos. You can find some really great ideas and seeking opinions is important however, always follow your gut feeling! Wear something light that can help you feel airy and comfortable. As well, whatever you decide to wear, please make sure to try it out beforehand. Wear the outfit in a similar temperature for 2-3 hours as a test. If you feel great, that is the winner! If you feel miserable you know that no matter how cute the outfit, it’s not going to give you the images you want. Having another set of clothes is also helpful to give you a peace of mind. No doubt, given the opportunity, the kids will mess up their outfits, right?
Overall, these 5 Tips for preparing your summer photo session can help you execute your long overdue photo shoot. Then, your family and friends will have a chance to see you in those photos instead of your social media posts of the kids.
Check these summer Father’s Day photos.
My passion and biggest asset is taking the time to make every client comfortable and relaxed before I even pick up the camera. The result? Photos of you that actually look like you at your best! I can prove to you how much you can enjoy having your picture taken. Lifestyle photography is about the experience that happens to be served up along side of some great photos.
Specialties:
Family Photography for families that like to move around and enjoy their photo time, Wedding Photography for couples looking for a mixture of photojournalistic, contemporary and traditional images and Professional Corporate headshots that are far from cheesy and stiff.