Summer is a wonderful time for engagement photos, with longer daylight hours and warmer weather creating the perfect backdrop for capturing your love story. We love visiting our favorite gardens, NYC landmarks, and your favorite bars or spots in town to photograph your engagement session. Over the years, we’ve picked up on a few tips for summer engagement sessions to keep your session stress-free – especially in those warm summer months! Here are some of our favorite tips to ensure your summer engagement session is both enjoyable and produces stunning photos.
Pick an Evening Start Time
Schedule your session to start in the evening, about an hour or two before sunset. This “golden hour” provides soft, flattering light that enhances colors and creates a romantic atmosphere. It’s also going to be in some of the cooler parts of the day, helping you to sweat less during your special moment!
Choose Light Clothing
When selecting outfits for your summer engagement photos, opt for light and breathable clothing to stay comfortable in the summer heat. Flowy dresses and linen outfits not only look great but also photograph beautifully against summer landscapes. Now is the time to pull out your favorite sundress or your comfy and casual beach outfits. Lean into the season when picking what to wear.
Avoid Tan Lines
If you’ll be wearing outfits that expose skin, plan ahead to avoid tan lines. Consider your attire choices and plan accordingly when it comes to your time in the sun to ensure a seamless look in your photos. Additionally, try to avoid getting sunburnt on your face before our session. It will definitely show in your photos!
Schedule Weekday Sessions
Choose a weekday for your session to avoid weekend crowds at popular outdoor locations like landmarks in NYC, the park, or a garden. Even beaches can still be busy in the evenings – so a weekday is often the best option. This allows for more privacy and flexibility in choosing photo spots without interruptions. While we can certainly find private spots, having more options is always a better choice!
Be Prepared for Wind
If your session includes a beach or any open outdoor area, be prepared for windy conditions. Embrace the natural movement it creates in your photos or consider bringing props like a light scarf or flowing fabric for added effect. This is another reason that we love flowy dresses for our brides-to-be! Movement is always fun to capture in your photos.
Include a Fun Indoor Location
Incorporate a fun indoor location like a cozy cafe, stylish bar, or charming bookstore. Indoor spots provide a contrast to outdoor settings and can reflect your personalities or shared interests. It’s also a great chance to beat the heat – and show off somewhere that’s meaningful to you. Consider where you had your first date – or somewhere you frequent now on date nights. Plus, it’s a great way to end our session – so you can actually sit and enjoy your drinks and quiet night together after your session!
A few other tips for summer engagement sessions…
- Hydration: Stay hydrated throughout the session, especially in hot weather. Bring water – especially if you’re planning to pop champagne or enjoy a bottle of wine during your photos (both of which we absolutely think you should!). Make sure you’re drinking lots of water beforehand, too!
- Hair and Makeup: Opt for natural, heat-resistant makeup and hairstyles that withstand the summer elements. Remember, you’re going to sweat and be warm in the summer. So just make sure you’re prepared.
- Bug Spray: If shooting in nature, bring bug spray to ward off mosquitoes and other insects. Trust us – you’ll want it!
- Props and Personalization: Consider bringing props such as a picnic setup, champagne, or a favorite book to personalize your photos and make them more meaningful. Whatever matters to you matters to us!
A summer engagement session offers endless possibilities for beautiful and vibrant photos, especially in New Jersey and New York – where we have some of the most stunning backdrops! Following these tips and planning ahead will allow you to enjoy your summer session and truly love the end results!
About J & R Photography
Based in New Jersey and always up for an adventure, Jenn and Ro specialize in creating a relaxed, joyful experience for their couples. They feel truly honored to be part of each love story and are there to make sure you enjoy every moment of your big day. From spontaneous laughs to quiet, intimate glances, they capture it all beautifully and authentically.
Ready to start planning your wedding day? We can’t wait to capture your most unforgettable memories!
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