Working with the Season: Summer Photography

Yes, I know summer is more on its way out than on its way in but, depending on your neck of the woods, there may still be plenty of summer weather left to enjoy – and take great photos during! And with the warm, humid, sunny, weather, which is slowly transitioning to fall, comes certain perks and predicaments. But that’s what makes producing stunning images during each season so special and professionally challenging. So let’s talk about how to work your photography magic during summer.

Hot & Humid : How to prevent lens fog

In addition to our recent heatwave here in the D.C. area, it’s August and there’s no wondering why they call these the dog days of summer. It’s hot and humid. Here’s how I recommend handling your equipment in the extreme weather.

Distance camera and equipment from air conditioned rooms. If possible, lock camera inside the trunk of your car, garage or inside an un-airconditioned closet. If this is not possible, arrive early to your shoot to allow the gear to adjust to the ambient temperature. I’ve read some great advice on various blogs recommending the use of hair dryers, winter hand warmers or other creative devices to help speed up this process.

I’ve included the links to some handy B&H tools to alleviate the problem in a pinch.

• Vortex Fog Free Lens Cleaner click HERE.

• Anti Fog Cloth from B&H click HERE.

Sunny & 75 (or 100!)

It’s sunny and some days can be very bright or other times it can be overcast and exposure can be deceiving. Natural light can be extremely helpful and a burden at the same time. It can be difficult to see or judge just how well you’re exposing your film or digital images. I highly recommend using the following to help achieve your shot:

• Your camera hood

• Protective UV filters (Click HERE for an example).

• An LCD viewfinder to block out the sun and magnify the image (click HERE for example).

Longer Days

One great perk about summer is having more time in more comfortable weather to take more photos. Summer often gives us some spectacular sunsets or beautifully dramatic images during and after rainy weather events. Scope out a particularly special spot that you already know lends itself to breathtaking moments, like fog or steam off a body of water at sunrise on a warm morning or a back porch silhouette sunset for your latest residential photography client that happens to be situated facing west at just the right mountain top or lakeside location.

Take care of your equipment, carry less, stay hydrated and maybe try a thing or two we talked about above and let’s see what you come up with. I’m looking forward to enjoying the rest of summer – hope you are, too!