When I think back on my childhood, nearly all my memories are from June, July, and August. Those sweet summer months were filled with camping in the backyard, biking to the ice cream stand, walking our dog near the river, late nights of flashlight tag, and vacations to the beach. The unique feeling of summer can’t be replaced by any of its competing seasons. The days are longer, the weather is warmer, and the routine of life is more relaxed.
For a child, a summer vacation can feel like it stretches on forever. They have more than two full months without school, homework, and extra curricular activities. The possibilities are endless. As an adult, we are all too aware that the opposite is true; our summer days are fleeting.
As a photographer, the opportunities are plentiful for unique, story-filled, and memory-rich images. The pool is open, the barbeque is on, the vacation is planned, and the garden is plentiful. Here are a few of my favorite tips for photographing the highlights of your summer:
Embrace the light
The longer days can prove to be challenging for a photographer. The popular “golden hour” happens after many little ones are tucked in for the night, and much of the excitement happens in full sun. While the lighting may not always be ideal, take the photos anyway. When shooting in full sun, it’s best to slightly underexpose your images, to avoid any blown highlights that can’t be recovered. You can always bring the exposure back up in post-processing as needed.
Capture the feeling of summer
Infuse your images with more than moments. Capture the details that make summer memorable. Maybe it’s the view from your family camp, as you roast marshmallows surrounded by those closest to you. Perhaps it’s the early morning light shining on your vegetable garden. It might be the driveway covered with toys, sprinklers, and bikes. You might photograph your grandmother’s signature strawberry pie, or your child’s first dip in the water.
Through the eyes of a child
Nothing compares to a childhood summer. The excitement is contagious, and the energy is endless. Spend some time watching the children in your lives- what is it they love most about summer? Who do they spend their time with? What are they most excited about? Document these memories for them.
Keep those cameras accessible, and enjoy documenting all that this wonderful season brings.
Summer goes way too fast! These pictures remind me of how awesome summers were as a kid and allow me to experience summers through my girls – which is even better!