Break out the summer dresses and all the floppy hats! It’s time for your summer engagement photos!

Now summer seems like a no-brainer when it comes to an engagement shoot, but before we get too far ahead of ourselves, let’s talk pros and cons, shall we?

Cons of a Summer Engagement Session

Heat and Humidity!

You may be thinking, what’s the downside here? I see no downside! 

Okay, yes, you love summer. The air is warm, and the sun is blazing, but you should be aware of some things, two things to be specific…their names are “heat and humidity”! 

It’s all well and good to be sweating your booty off at the beach; you can just hop into the water. But do you want those sweat stains showing up in your engagement photos? My guess is no. 

If you barely sweat, and you’re not even sure what frizzy hair is, then don’t worry about it. For the rest of us, these are things you’ll want to prepare for. 

If you plan on taking advantage of golden hour, you’ll be taking your pictures later in the day, so hopefully, it won’t be quite as hot. But remember that unfortunately, humidity sticks around whether the sun is out or not. 

There’s only so much you can do here, but one thing that can help is lightweight, breezy clothing. Embrace your inner summer goddess with a flowy dress or throw on all the linen you can find. Sorry, your leather pants may have to stay in the closet. 

It’s Wedding Season!

Next in line is competition with weddings. Summer is the start of wedding season, and an engagement session (no matter how wonderful and significant) will likely not get the prime time of a weekend slot. 

When deciding when and where you’d like to book with your engagement photographer, just keep that in mind. 

Pros of a Summer Engagement Session

And now on to the good stuff! 

If you can take the heat, you pretty much have your pick of locations for your session. Beach? Sure. Mountains? Please! Gardens? Flower fields? Parks? Yes. Yes. Yes. 

And although you’ll likely have to book your session for a weekday, the sun stays up much later, so you won’t have to take the day off of work or rush to get the light in! 

What to Wear?!

Outside of a parka and those leather pants, you pretty much have your pick of attire. 

The first thing you should be thinking about is what you would feel comfortable wearing. What feels like you and your personal style?

If you feel stiff and uncomfortable in your clothes, or you just don’t feel like they match you, then it’s going to show in your photos. After all, you want these pictures to reflect you, not the person you think you should be. 

Next, as I mentioned earlier, keep in mind the weather. If you live in a place that makes you feel like you’re swimming in a hot pool of sweat, wear something light and loose. Let in that breeze (whatever breeze there might be). 

Keep your vibes and your colors coordinated. It’s cool to go casual, and it’s fine to be boujee. But if one of you is rocking the surfer vibe and the other is going full-on Met Gala, then we’ve got ourselves a problem. 

Feel free to bring multiple outfits so you can be swanky as well as casual. Why not do it all?

And don’t think you have to match your colors exactly unless you’re into that. But you will want to make sure that your colors mesh well together. 

Speaking of colors, yes, you can wear white to your summer engagement photos. I think you’ll rock it. 

Tips for Your Summer Engagement Session

Consider Lighting

When planning your summer engagement shoot, think about the perfect time of day. Lighting can make or break a photo, and we want you looking gorgeous. 

Planning around sunset is no problem during the summer; the sun sets late, which leaves you plenty of time to prepare. 

But if you’re looking for a little more privacy at your location, try a sunrise session. You’ll get just as much yummy light without the crowds. 

Wondering what you should bring? You, your partner, and the good times. Also, maybe multiple outfits if you want to switch it up. 

Other than that, check in with your photographer, and they’ll let you know if they have their own list of must-haves. 

Tackle Self Consciousness

Concerned about how to pose for your engagement photos? Yea, that’s you and pretty much everyone who’s ever had their photo taken. 

To avoid that panic moment of “what do I even do with my hands?” take a deep breath and remember you’re here to have fun with your partner. 

Focus on movement. If you’re standing still, your photo is going to shout, “I’m uncomfortable!” Even slight movement will help your body relax, making you look a whole lot more at ease. 

Also, give your hands something to do! Pull your partner’s hand, brush your hair out of your face, touch your shirt! Do something, and your photos will look far more authentic. 

Just a note: your photographer doesn’t think you’re the most awkward person on the planet. Almost everyone feels this way. 

If you’ve hired a photographer worth their salt, they’ll pull out all their tricks to help you feel more confident. 

How to Get the Best Summer Engagement Photos

Hire a Photographer You Drool Over

Bringing me to my first point, hire an engagement photographer you love. Figure out your budget, and hire the best photographer you can find within that budget. 

If you want natural, gorgeous photos that you’ll be fondly looking at for years to come, you need a fabulous photographer. Is it going to cost you money to get that kind of talent? Yes. 

Not only will they help you plan the perfect shoot and deliver stunning photos but they’ll also make you feel relaxed the whole time. 

Isn’t that worth it?

Enjoy Yourself

Why are you doing this? Because you love your partner and you want to remember this time, right? 

Then you’re going to have to drop all of the other stress-inducing stuff and have fun. Enjoying yourself will translate in your photos, and you’ll be smiling when you look at them instead of cringing. 

Embrace the Heat

The heat of your romance or the heat of the day? Yes, please. All of it. 

It’s summer, and that means, for most people in most places, it’s hot. You knew this going in, so you might as well embrace it! 

Pick your favorite updo, throw on something flowy, and work it. 

Pick a Location You Care About

Whether you decide to travel or stay in your living room, pick somewhere you care about. 

If you pick a location that means something to both you and your partner, then you’re already going to feel a bit more comfortable. You’ll be in your place and therefore in your element. 

Head to the Boardwalk

If you want something a bit more cheeky and fun than the beach, hit the boardwalk. And not just any boardwalk. I’m talking Jersey shore vibes boardwalk. No, not the show – exaggerated eye roll. 

Play a game, ride a ride, get some cotton candy. Then when the sun goes down, you’ll be able to get a whole different vibe when the boardwalk lights up!

Get Out On the Water

Do you have a boat? If so, why are you even here on this article? Take your boat out. 

If you don’t have a boat, you could always rent one! Or, if you’re not looking to foot that kind of bill, see if you can find a marina that will let you out on their docks. 

You’ll still get that ocean vibe without having to splurge so much. 

Find Something to Do

Do you and your partner love to do something together? Hiking, camping, surfing, skateboarding, or pretty much anything else? 

Work that activity into your photoshoot. Not only will it give you something to do, but it will also make you feel more connected and in the moment. 

And, of course, that will translate into gorgeous photos!

Find a Vineyard

This one is a classic for a reason. If you’re lucky enough to live close to a vineyard, then take advantage of that! 

Get your drip on, grab a glass of wine, and work your stuff. 

Go Berry Picking

Come on! 

Not only do you get to support a local farmer, but you get a gorgeous location, beautiful photos, and fresh berries. What are you waiting for?

Take the Bike Out

I’m mainly talking about a motorcycle, but going on a bike ride could be cute too! 

Find a Mural

If you want to stay in the city, go on a mural hunt! Find vibrant and colorful ones to drive home that summer vibe. 

Hit the Beach

You really can’t go wrong with beach engagement photos, am I right? It really is the perfect setting!

If you live near the ocean, or even a lake, get out on the beach, and your photos will effortlessly scream summer. 

Go to the Mountains

Head in the opposite direction and see if you can find cooler weather in the mountains. 

Never-ending pine + craggy skylines = gorgeous engagement photos. It’s pretty much guaranteed. 

Enjoy a Summer Fair

Maybe you like that boardwalk idea I was going on about earlier, but you don’t live near any boardwalks. Chase the same vibes by going to your local fair! 

Again, you can work in some cotton candy or funnel cake; you should always take that opportunity when it arises.

Stay Home

Yes, it’s beautiful outside and all, but good lord, it’s hot. Skip all the sweating and stay cool at home. 

Crank the AC, bring in some summer blooms from the garden, and you’ll nail your photos without dealing with humidity. 

Get Out of Your Comfort Zone

If you want memorable photos, take a chance and do something memorable.

Try not to be too precious with your makeup, hair, or clothing. If you get a chance to jump in the water, jump. You’ll come away with some damp clothes, but a dope story. 

BE YOU!

Goodness gracious, please do not go through all of the trouble to get these beautiful photos and then lose it at the end because you’re trying to be someone you’re not. 

Do you want to know something? You’re cool. Do you know how I know that? Because somebody wants to marry you! Please trust that, let down your guard, and just be yourself. 

Your photographer will thank you. Your partner will thank you. And you’ll be thanking yourself later.

Because if you really want the best summer engagement photos, you have to show up.