3 Ways to Beat the Heat for an Engagement Session
Summer can often bring a slow season for Phoenix photographers, but it doesn’t have to! I’m sharing my favorite ways to beat the heat and shoot portrait and engagement sessions during the warm summer months!
1. Sunrise Session
If you’re anything like me, the thought of a sunrise session makes you want to cry a little. Especially during the summer, because the sun’s first light can be as early as 4 am. But let’s focus on the positives, shall we? 😉
As photographers, we search high and low for the BEST light. We can get comfortable shooting at sunset, so it’s good to push our boundaries and try something new. Sunrise is very different, the best light is during “first light” about 15 minutes before sunrise. So grab a massive cup of coffee (and some water) and explore the Arizona desert during sunrise. I promise it’ll be worth it.
2. In-home Session
During the warm summer months, it can be a struggle to be outside, let alone be photographed in the heat. A portrait session in the comfort of your client’s own home is the perfect alternative to photographing outside. Take advantage of the beautiful, natural window light and get cozy. Make breakfast in the kitchen, cuddle on the couch, and just relax. And maybe blast the air conditioner. 😉
3. Indoor Space
If photographing in your client’s home doesn’t appeal, shooting in an indoor space of any kind is still possible. Find a cute coffee shop, brewery, ice cream shop, or hotel lobby; you never know what can make for a creative backdrop when you’re looking for one. Indoor studio spaces also offer a clean slate to create whatever you’re envisioning. Beloved Studios, Studio House, and The Barn Studio are a few of my favorite studios to rent for photo sessions. 
Yes, all 3 of these options may push you outside of your creative comfort zone, but that’s where the magic happens.
If you loved this post, you’ll also love 5 Ways to Display Your Wedding Photos.
3 Ways to Beat the Heat for an Engagement Session
Summer can often bring a slow season for Phoenix photographers, but it doesn’t have to! I’m sharing my favorite ways to beat the heat and shoot portrait and engagement sessions during the warm summer months!
1. Sunrise Session
If you’re anything like me, the thought of a sunrise session makes you want to cry a little. Especially during the summer, because the sun’s first light can be as early as 4 am. But let’s focus on the positives, shall we? 😉
As photographers, we search high and low for the BEST light. We can get comfortable shooting at sunset, so it’s good to push our boundaries and try something new. Sunrise is very different, the best light is during “first light” about 15 minutes before sunrise. So grab a massive cup of coffee (and some water) and explore the Arizona desert during sunrise. I promise it’ll be worth it.
2. In-home Session
During the warm summer months, it can be a struggle to be outside, let alone be photographed in the heat. A portrait session in the comfort of your client’s own home is the perfect alternative to photographing outside. Take advantage of the beautiful, natural window light and get cozy. Make breakfast in the kitchen, cuddle on the couch, and just relax. And maybe blast the air conditioner. 😉
3. Indoor Space
If photographing in your client’s home doesn’t appeal, shooting in an indoor space of any kind is still possible. Find a cute coffee shop, brewery, ice cream shop, or hotel lobby; you never know what can make for a creative backdrop when you’re looking for one. Indoor studio spaces also offer a clean slate to create whatever you’re envisioning. Beloved Studios, Studio House, and The Barn Studio are a few of my favorite studios to rent for photo sessions.
Yes, all 3 of these options may push you outside of your creative comfort zone, but that’s where the magic happens.
If you loved this post, you’ll also love 5 Ways to Display Your Wedding Photos.
