My recent summer engagement session with Beverly & Armani around Washington DC took place on a busy, 90+ degree Saturday. Yet when I think about our time together, while the heat was memorable, what stands out to me is the fun we had and the gorgeous photos we captured. How did we do it? Below are some of the obstacles we tackled, along with solutions that can make your summer engagement session a success!

Fear: excessive sweating and discomfort.

Solution: bring hand-held, battery-operated fans. Bring water bottles. Schedule in an A/C break (Starbucks was clutch for us with this DC session!). Do a water refill in the middle of your shoot. Alternate outdoor photos with indoor venues, such as museums or train stations (DC does hold many indoor locations that are FREE and don’t require a photography permit — stay tuned for an upcoming blogpost with that list!).

Fear: overcrowded locations with summer tourists.

Solution: plan your session early in the morning or the later evening. Do you research to make sure no big events or festivals are happening that day around your desired locations to shoot. Trust your photographer! He/she should know how to navigate photographing you in crowds, calculating when they add to or distract from the composition of an image.

Fear: difficulty finding shade (for photo purposes and for your own comfort).

Solution: bring an umbrella for walking to and from locations! Or choose to Uber to locations instead of walking, even if it’s only 0.68 miles! Incorporate indoor locations to get a break from the scorching sun. Most importantly, hire a photographer who knows how to make you look like a luxury model in direct sun AND shade!

Fear: potential for hair & makeup to melt.

Solution: have your hair & makeup professionally done so they last longer. If you aren’t able to do so, make hairspray and makeup setting spray your best friend. Choose a hair-style that doesn’t keep your hair down on your neck the whole session! Bring oil/sweat face cloths or paper towels (I always have these Clean & Clear wipes with me for my couples). And again, incorporate extra time into the shoot for you to take bathroom breaks to touch-up hair and makeup. Remember that no matter how sweaty you might FEEL, 99% of the time, the camera doesn’t capture the affects of humidity and you just looking glowingly beautiful in your photos! 

Fear: your formal outfit choices get sticky & uncomfortable.

Solution: plan your outfits according to the temperature. Wear flowy dresses and choose strapless/sleeveless tops! Find breathable materials. Guys, alternate out of formal suits to airy button-downs throughout the session. Again, make time in your photoshoot plan to change and freshen up in bathrooms instead of trying to shimmy in and out of outfits in sticky cars. Aim for white/black/champagne-colored outfits that don’t let sweat shine through. 

Hopefully these tips help you plan your summer engagement session to be heat-friendly and still LOTS of fun!! Drop a comment or share with friends if you found this helpful!