When considering an outdoor photo session in the summer months, you may come across a bit of a conundrum - it’s likely to be hot & humid, and you want to make sure you look presentable for the one to two hours that you’ll be standing outside!

Enter the answer: this blog post! I’ve compiled a list of the most pertinent “do’s” and “don’ts” pertaining to outfit choice for photo sessions that take place in summer weather.

SAY YES TO…

• Light, breathable fabrics - the type of fabric you choose for your photo outfits is so important in the summertime! You want to make sure you choose fabrics that are breathable and light.
• Light-colored clothing - light colors reflect light, so choosing light-colored clothing will help you beat the heat and stay a little bit cooler throughout your session!
• Dresses - ladies, this one is for you! Dresses, short or long, are a great way to stay cool during your summer session. Extra airflow is always a good thing!
• Open-toe shoes - I wouldn’t always recommend an open-toe shoe for men for photos, but for ladies, they are certainly permissible!
• Patterned fabrics - patterned fabrics often hide sweat (and pit stains) better than solid-colored fabrics.
• An outfit change - if your first outfit gets super sweaty mid-photo session, you can always change into a second outfit!
• An undershirt - especially for guys who plan on wearing a button-down to their session, it might seem counterintuitive in the summer, but wear a white undershirt. This will help pit stains stay at bay for longer!
• Summer-themed props & accessories - a cute sunhat? Some ice cream cones? A cold beverage? A picnic basket and blanket? Maybe even just a bouquet of fresh flowers? These can all be cute additions to a summer session!

CONSIDER PASSING ON…

• Dark-colored fabrics - dark fabrics will be drawn in the heat and make you warmer faster!
• Heavy fabrics - heavy fabrics, including denim, corduroy, and suede can feel heavy and are usually a bit too insulated for a comfortable summer photo session (if you want to wear jeans, you could always plan for them to be your second outfit for a sunset-timed photo session, when things are a little bit cooler!)
• Too many layers - summer is not a time to wear lots of layers. Keep anything you wear light and simple!
• Sunglasses leading up to your session - when you’re used to wearing sunglasses and then suddenly have to be outside in the bright light for an hour to an hour and a half, you will be very squinty. This is something very common that happens ALL the time. Put those sunglasses away for the week leading up to your session so your eyes are used to the brighter summer light!