How to plan for senior photos during the Texas summer heat
Texas summers are no joke! If you live here you know they can be abusive af. That doesn’t mean we can’t take advantage of slower schedules and sunny days for your senior portraits though! That’s why I’m putting together this list of ways to survive a summer senior photo session in Texas.
1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Drink lots of water the week of your senior photoshoot. This will help your body be prepared for the heat. Definitely plan to bring a refillable water bottle with ice cold water to help you stay cool and refreshed.
2. Wear Waterproof Makeup
Yes, the possibility exists that we may hop into the water during your senior photos, but that’s not why you wear the waterproof makeup. It’s for the sweat! Trust me, if you’re planning to wear make-up, make sure it’s waterproof or sweat proof!
3. Soak Up The Sweat
If you’re planning to wear makeup make sure to bring powder for touch-ups. Additionally, you may want to bring a towel, paper towels, or a cloth napkin to help dab your face. And don’t worry so much! This is the most common thing I get asked when it’s hot outside… can you see the sweat? No, 9 times out of 10 you can’t even see it. Close up photos are the ones to watch out for with sweat.
4. Dress For The Weather With Summer Outfits
It’s hot, y’all. Don’t wear a sweater! If all the clothing you want to wear is warm or layers, maybe you should consider fall for your senior photos instead of summer. Instead opt for breathable clothing like linen pants or shorts and sheer flowy dresses. See outfit inspo and ideas here on the summer senior photos page.
5. Plan The Right Time Of Day
Do you want to sleep in or do you prefer to be in bed early? Most of the teens I work with prefer the evening, but the best lighting is either sunrise or the sunset. Midday sun in Texas is brutal, both for comfort and for photos (harsh shadows, squinting, everyone sweating by minute ten). Early morning or the last hour before sunset gives you softer light and a much more bearable temperature. The heat index plays it’s role too and we have to consider that during the summer months.
6. Get In The Water
This is one of the most fun ways to cool off AND get fun unique senior photos! I have so many ideas for this that I haven’t gotten to do yet, so reach out if you’re thinking about summer senior photos! See more inspo about water senior photos during summer here.
7. Bring Bug Spray
When you’re in Texas you know we also have Texas sized mosquitos! So don’t forget to pack some bug spray for those nasty critters. Sometimes we step into fields of flowers and I want your legs to stay bite free.
8. Plan Your Senior Shoot After Dark
This idea is one of my best kept secrets! I have a lot of clients that like to push their senior session past sunset to get city lights, or just a different vibe or aesthetic and it works great for summer too. From creative light painting photos to just regular portraits the sun doesn’t control everything for your senior pictures. See more inspo for summer senior photos here.
Ready to Book Your Summer Senior Session?
Now that you know how to beat the heat, the fun part is picking your date. From golden hour on the water to late evening light, summer gives you some of the most flexible scheduling of the year.
Not sure summer’s really your season? Take the quiz and find out.
