5 Tips for Summer Photo Sessions in South Florida

While summer is often a busier season in cooler climates, South Florida photographers experience a big drop in bookings from May through September. Many families understandably wait until the weather cools off to book their session. However, summer sessions can be absolutely amazing, even in West Palm Beach! Since school and activity commitments usually have a summer break, it’s often easier to fit a session into your schedule at this time of year. I am able to offer more weekday options in the summer as well. It’s a great chance to take advantage of less crowded public spaces!

Here are some things I’ve learned in my 18 years of family photography to make South Florida summer sessions really shine:

Embrace the sun-drenched joy of South Florida Summer family sessions!

Tip #1: Timing Matters

Schedule your outdoor photo session away from the intense midday heat. I love meeting families for sunrise sessions early in the morning, or in the evening to take advantage of the amazing golden light in the hour before sunset.

One dreamy idea I’d love to make happen this year is arriving at the beach right before daybreak, a carafe of coffee for the parents, cozy time on a big blanket while the sun comes up, and some walking on the beach with water play at the end of shoot! Email me or click the button below if this sounds like your kind of session!

Tip#2: Indoor respite

Summer is a great time for at-home sessions, which I just adore. Nothing tells your family story better than shooting in the place in the world that is most yours.

However, your home is not the only way to incorporate an indoor space in your session. Some locations naturally offer a chance to get a break from the heat and can make for such a fun summer photo shoot. Your family session can involve walking to a bakery, cafe, or ice cream shop in the city, or we can shoot in a garden that also contains some buildings to retreat into for a moment of air conditioning.

Tip #3: Outfit accordingly

Plan your family’s summer session wardrobe to feel as comfortable as possible in our balmy West Palm Beach weather. Thankfully, light and airy muslin and linen materials are everywhere right now! I highly recommend having backup outfits that you still find acceptable for photos in the car in case of any mishaps.

Tip #4: Be prepared

Speaking of backup outfits, having a bag of tricks can go a long way in hot weather! Consider little things that can boost the comfort level, especially if you have little ones. Battery powered fans provide a welcome breeze when not on camera. A big floppy woven hat can provide shade and make a fun prop. And don’t forget hydration for everyone!

Tip #5: Get wet!

This one is my favorite. It just doesn’t work to shoot a session in the summer but try to make it look like Fall. Embrace the season! In South Florida, that often means using water to cool off.

Jumping the ocean at the end of your beach session is an obvious one, and makes for lovely playful images. Bring swimsuits, or just get your clothes wet!

Does your family love to surf? paddleboard? kayak? Let’s shoot it!

Or run through the downtown or zoo fountains.

Spray each other with the hose in your back yard, or run through a sprinkler.

You might even embrace the afternoon rain so common here, and (as long as there’s no thunder) play in the rain together! —I can shoot from under an umbrella.

Joyful images from your family session are basically guaranteed when water is involved!