June 26, 2019 /
Prepping for Your Summer Engagement Session
Hello, hello, friends!! It is definitely summertime in Kansas City. Who LOVES summer? Kyle is one of those people. I, on the other hand, am definitely NOT one of those people. Sure, all of the greenery is nice. And it’s fantastic that we don’t’ all have to put on 5 layers of clothes to go outside. But this nasty Midwest humidity? That I could totally do without.
Summer engagement sessions are tricky in Kansas City. Sure, sure, the days are longer so there’s more daylight hours to take advantage of. And yes, everything is green and in bloom making LOTS of pretty backdrops.
Sounds peachy, right?
Sure. BUT.
There are some cons to summer engagement sessions. You know, like needing to be within 3 inches of each other at all times for photos. And can we talk about hazy summer skies for a minute on those really, really HOT days? Yep, it’s a thing. And let’s just be honest. SWEAT and shiny faces are a real thing in engagement photos. Did you forget about all of those awesome summer festivals that take over our parks and streets? We all LOVE attending, but if you’re trying to do photos while one is happening…. Well…… it will either make or break your session.
Don’t worry, though. That’s what we’re tackling today – how to prep for your summer engagement session so that everyone is happy, hydrated, and not completely and utterly grossed out by all of the sweat and humidity. 🙂
If it’s cool with you, along the way we’re going to share some of our favorite photos from Adam and Leah’s summer engagement session at Loose Park.
Oh, who are we kidding. We’re going to share them even if you don’t want to see them (But we’re about 99.99999% sure you do. :))
Prepping for your Summer Engagement Session
So the first thing to think about for your summer session? How to tackle the HEAT and humidity. And believe it or not, this starts way before your engagement session even begins.
1. Location Selection
Go Green. Yep. That’s right. The less concrete you’re surrounded by, the cooler it will be. Parks are PHENOMENAL locations for summer sessions. But remember what we said about festivals and picnics? To avoid major, high-traffic times, think about starting your session in the morning, or even on a Monday to avoid weekend outings.
If you absolutely MUST shoot in the city or on concrete, save that location for your second spot, and start about 45 minutes before sunset. It will be cooler, there will be more shady spots, and probably fewer people around to think about.
2. Wardrobe Choices
We get it. We like to wear black too. BUT, black is not the only option for engagement photos. It is summer, after all. Take advantage of lighter summer fabrics and bright colors. And trust us, you can totally pull off shorts (maybe not jorts on guys) for your session. We’re not saying go all skimpy and wear shorty-shorts. BUT, we recommend not dressing in wool from head to toe. 😀
3. Drink Water
Stay hydrated, friends. Kyle harassed me majorly when we invested in branded 40 ounce, copper lined water bottles this summer. But those bad boys have been an absolute LIFE SAVER. We know, you’re probably nervous before your session and you might have a cocktail or two before you start your session. But don’t only drink alcohol. And drink plenty and plenty of water in the days leading up to your session. Especially if everything is happening outside in the heat.
4. Start Later
The great thing about summer? Golden hour lasts a little bit longer (normally 2.5 hours before sunset). Which means that you can wait until around 6:30, or even 7 pm depending on the date to start your session. Which means you’re not out in the full heat of the day.
The next thing you need to prepare yourselves for? Sweaty and shiny faces. Yep, we’re getting that real today. This is always a MAJOR point of contention for our couples that are getting married or doing engagement photos during the summer time. “I don’t want to look sweaty or shiny!” We get it friends. We 100% get it. And we don’t want you to look sweaty or shiny either, because that’s more post-production on our side of things. So how do you get around it? Here’s what we suggest.
5. Drink Water
STAY HYDRATED – it’s good for your skin and face too!!
6. Wardrobe Choices
Again, don’t wear wool. Go for a lighter cotton or linen so you’re not literally suffocating your skin and sweating more.
7. Prep your Face
Use a water-proof primer under your foundation and concealer. Don’t normally use a primer? It’s totally cool. Pop into your local Sephora and ask for a sample of a summer-proof-primer to get you through your engagement session. These babies are MIRACLE workers. (My absolute favorite is the Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer. If it can get me through a full wedding day in July I KNOW it can get you through a 2 hour engagement session!) Are these expensive? Yes. That’s why you ask for a sample if you don’t already have one you love or use.
8. Avoid Highlighter/Sparkles
So here’s the thing about highlighter and sparkles. Especially if your photographer uses off-camera flash, you’re going to look way more shiny than you do when you put it on at home in front of the mirror. Add a layer of sweat to your face? And you’re going to be glistening for DAYS. Now we’re not saying don’t use it at all, just keep in mind the circumstances that you’re walking in to. 🙂
9. Bring Oil Blotchers or Sponges
To soak up all of that extra shine/sweat you’ve got going on. These suckers work SO WELL and you boo can use it too. Just a little dab every now and again and you’ll be good as gold. We love these. 🙂
Summa-summa time actually is my favorite for all of the festivals and block parties, art fairs and get-togethers. BUT. when it comes to your engagement photos? Missing the festivals and crowds is key. Especially if you want a more private, intimate session. (If you want to get lost in the crowd in your photos then completely disregard this part. :)) Want to make sure that you don’t get photo-bombed by a half-naked festival goer?
10. Choose an Off Night
Choose an off-night to do your engagement session, like a Sunday or Monday evening. These are honestly our FAVORITE nights to shoot on, especially downtown, because the crowds are so much smaller.
11. Double Check the Calendar
Most cities have a calendar that will list the events happening in town on that specific date, as well as the location. Double check your city’s calendar to make sure that when you show up to the park you’re not going to unexpectedly come across a comic-con festival (unless that’s your thing and your intention).
Our biggest piece of advice for prepping for your summer engagement session?
12. BE REALISTIC.
Yep. It’s that simple. You know it’s going to be hot, so dress and plan smart. If the Bend-meister (Kyle’s nickname for Nick Bender) says it’s going to feel like 110*, maybe reschedule your engagement session. In the 11 years that we’ve been doing this we’ve never met a couple that has wanted to be super, super close and romantic when it’s over 95*. It’s just reality.
If you’re going ahead and shooting no matter the temperature? Bring water. Take breaks. Start early in the morning or later in the evening. Spend lots of time holding hands and walking instead of all up in each others’ grills making out during your session.
But no matter what? Relax. Have fun. Embrace the experience of having your engagement photos taken with your honey. Enjoy each other, and don’t get all caught up in the little things.
That’s it – that’s all we’ve got friends!! Hopefully you found at least a nugget of wisdom in there somewhere. And hopefully you loved Leah and Adam’s engagement photos ……we know we do!!
Kansas City Engagement Picture Locations | Loose Park, Downtown Kansas City
Leah and Adam – we are SO EXCITED for your big day in just a few short weeks!! We’ve had an absolute BLAST getting to know you both over the last few months and are so happy your wedding day will be here so soon!!
