In a blink of an eye, summer 2022 has neared its end. For most people, this summer is undoubtedly one for the books with all the unexpected things that have happened in the last months. That includes that scorching summer heatwave that the U.K. has experienced recently.
But even though this summer is a hot one (literally), many were still able to accomplish their vacation plans. After all, summer only comes once a year; it would be a waste not to make the most out of it. And so enjoying every bit of summer is the goal. But it would also be fun to have something to reminisce on whenever you’re feeling under the weather during a cold, snowy night.
So before you get ready for autumn, why don’t you enjoy the remaining days of summer by shooting around? If you did not get the chance to capture the best summer photos, it’s not yet too late. You can still pack your colourful clothes and explore the areas for the best pictures. In this article, let’s discuss five tips for a memorable summer photo shoot.
1 – Invite your friends to visit a photography studio with you.
In today’s age of smartphones and online interactions, do you remember the last time you went to a photography lab? If you’re one of the many who’s been to a professional photo printing lab years ago, take this moment to drop by if you can. Oh, and don’t forget to bring your family or friends with you for a photoshoot.
Today, it’s easy for people to capture any moment that they please with their smartphones. Indeed, technology has made our life easier and more convenient. But it’s also been a while since friends and families would doll up for a studio photoshoot. I know that studio photo shoots and photo printing are no longer a trend. But that doesn’t mean you can’t do it anymore.
So to commemorate the “real” summer since the pandemic, invite your friends and family to visit a photography studio with you. Don’t forget to play around with the wallpapers and props available to make your photos fun.
2 – Shoot in a carnival or pier for a ‘teenage summer’ aesthetic.
Have you noticed how almost every teenage movie or book has a scene in a carnival or pier? It’s as if every happy and memorable scene has a fair or pier-like setting. It’s also true how it is a setting for mostly coming-of-age content.
Whether you’re a teen or not, try visiting a carnival with your friends. If this is the last summer before your senior year, whether in high school or university, invite your friends to try it again this summer. Don’t forget to dress the part for it, too. Take this moment to feel like a teen by styling yourselves with the most suiting carnival summer clothes.
As you do your photo shoot, don’t forget to try the local snacks that the pier has. If you want your shoot to exude a dreamy teenage memory, I suggest shooting with film cameras.
3 – Wear matching clothes, accessories, or hairstyles with your friends for a day, then shoot around town.
In today’s evolving fashion age, it’s rare to see a group of friends vibing in matching clothes anymore. After all, the media will tell you that doing quirky, matching fits is not the Instagram aesthetic that you should follow. But just because everyone’s doing it doesn’t mean you and your friends should join the train.
If you want a quirky day out with your friends, use the opportunity to dress in matching clothes. Don’t worry about people looking at you like you’re flaky. Instead, your vibe will surely bring a lot of smiles to people’s faces. So if you and your friends are planning to do a matching group style for a day, this is your sign to do it.
Of course, don’t forget your cameras, so you get to shoot this rare friendship moment. It would definitely be a fun day to go around town and do your favourite activities with your friends.
4 – Shoot at a beach because you can never go wrong in spending a day around the waters.
Really, what is summer without spending a day at a beach? Isn’t salt air, tan lines, sand castles, and bikinis the epitome of real summer vacation? If you and your friends have decided to skip the beach this year, this is your sign to visit one before the season ends.
A beach photoshoot is a great way to play around and navigate your camera’s lighting and exposure. If you want to take this summer photoshoot seriously, I suggest shooting in an area where the sun’s visible, like the beach. It’s like killing two birds with one stone. You won’t only get to have fun with your friends, but also learn how to shoot best under the sun.
5 – Shoot until the sun sets and under the starry summer night.
Last but not least is to shoot until the sun sets; under the starry summer night. After you master shooting under the intense lighting of the sun, it’s time to tone it down and enjoy the scenery of sunset. Even though the sun rises and sets every day, its horizon and feel are different, especially in every season.
So to cap off the end of your summer warmingly, make sure not to miss this scenery before you pack things up. If you have the time, try to also stay a little longer under a starry summer night. It can be a great way to compare how each season’s night looks in a camera. Again, if you’re an aspiring photographer trying to develop your skills, shooting at different times of the day is a great way to practise them.
Explore, shoot, and have fun.
As you say goodbye to summer, I hope you have warm summer memories and photos to look back on when the cold starts to kick in again. If you don’t have enough, use these tips to get an idea of what to do during the last summer days. As you set your short journey in shooting a memorable summer, don’t forget to explore and enjoy.
About the author:
Bianca Banda is a writer for DS Colour Labs Ltd (DSCL), a professional photography lab that offers a vast range of products and services for photo and print needs.