Photographing Summer

A visual interpretation of summer

During the winter, many of us dream of summer. Now, that summer is just around the corner, we can make those dreams real, and capture a portrait of summer, and our own interpretations and visualizations of what summer means to us.

So, how should we photograph summer? What should we photograph to bring this season to life, visually?

Here are a few ideas:

• photograph the heat and the intense sun
• photograph people: sweating, drinking water, engaging in summer activities, spending time outdoors, or dressed in summer clothes
• photograph a glimpse of summer fashion, if you will: anything from baggy shorts and t-shirts to summer hats and dark sunglasses that cover half of the face, and everything in between
• photograph your neighborhood, town, or city during summertime
• photograph summer events in your area: for example, Pride events–marches, festivals, arts-and-culture events, gallery openings–taking place during the month of June (June is Pride Month), Fourth of July fireworks (here in the U.S.)
• photograph street festivals, street fairs, or fireworks celebrating various events in your area
• photograph specific nature, plants, etc. that spell out “summertime” in your area
• photograph summer weather, like summer rain, or someone reading a book on a rainy summer day
• photograph summer-specific drinks, food, and fruits–not only ice cream and iced tea
• photograph summer vacation travel and destinations–a beach resort, a trail through the woods, a luxury hotel or cruiser, a campfire, etc.

• capture carefree moments oftentimes associated with summer
• include warm colors, like red and orange, for example
• look for long shadows during the golden hour

Here are a few examples:

Feel free to share a few of your summer images, if so you desire.

I wish those who celebrate a Happy Memorial Day upcoming weekend, and I wish you all a fantastic and fabulous summer.

As always, thanks for stopping by!

Alina Oswald