4 Ways to Incorporate Summer into your next Photoshoot
When we think of Summer, we think water, sea, sand, pool, and while this is all great imagery…
It can be challenging to have access to it, not to mention costly. This is why, I will show you how to bring those flowy glowy vibes to your images without going to the beach. These art direction elements can easily be incorporated with little to no cost involved. It's all about conveying the “idea” of summer with other elements that are closely related to the season. So, what are those??
I will show you four simple ways you can bring summer to your images, but it will be on you, to keep it on brand.
GO FRUIT SHOPPING
Adding fruit to your images is a quick way to bring those summer vibes in. When selecting fruit, take into consideration color, scale, and texture. Unless you are selling fruit, or using fruit as a metaphor, you want to make sure the fruit is secondary to your product. It is a garnish or a background add-on. Pick beautiful fruit. No one wants to see dirty or moldy fruit.
Fruit can be a great way to add color to your images. I prefer keeping the fruit in the same color family, but it can also add a pop of color if you pick a contrasting hue. Take into consideration your brand’s color palette and mood.
LIGHT IT UP
Using the sun will immediately give you “summer feels,” but in order to be the most effective you have to exaggerate its use. Play with shadows that accentuate the sun as a key element in your composition. Greenery and texture shadows are a lovely way to add interest. Using a branch, a palm, or picking a spot where you get some tree shadows, are all great. You can also play with glass, mirrors, and elements with holes like cane chairs, curtains, and even a colander.
When using light as an element, you have to take into consideration where the shadow is landing in the composition. If the shadow is barely there or too big, you won’t get the right effect. Also, the contrast of the shadows can be adjusted post-editing, so don’t worry if it is too dark. Just try getting the correct exposure with everything else.
ADD SUMMER PATTERNS + TEXTURES
There are a few textures and patterns that evoke the idea of “summer” in all of us. Pretty much any texture you can find in a vacation home will work. Concrete, stones, stucco, travertine, terracotta, porous tile, raffia, linen, wicker, and bamboo, are just a few. Some other brighter versions of patterns that make us think of umbrellas, towels, beach balloons, or swimsuits can be stripes and gingham.
You can incorporate any of these as a background, as a base to display your product, or in clothing. I have often used my bed linen sheets for flat lays and picked out tile samples to use for smaller props. Don’t limit yourself, and start collecting.
SUMMER ACCESSORIES
Use props and accessories that we tend to use in summer. Hats, sunglasses, swimsuits, net tote bags, palms, roller blades, ice cream, anything that comes from the sea, shells, oysters, driftwood, etc. My only concern with using these is to make sure they are unbranded or that you can’t see their branding in the picture.
Also, make sure that whatever prop you bring in, makes sense with the story you are trying to tell with this photoshoot. If you are selling coffee, I can see an image of someone wearing a hat and sunglasses outside carrying an iced coffee drink in her hand, rather than hot coffee. No one drinks hot coffee when it is 100 degrees outside. So, make sure it makes sense with the storytelling of the shoot.
The same goes for using props that your audience wouldn’t wear or interact with. For example, someone buying high-end jewelry probably won’t wear rollerblades. But they will most likely own a hat, sunglasses, and sandals. Use props that align with your audience's interests so they can see themselves using your product.
IF YOU FOUND SOMETHING INSPIRING, INTRIGUING, OR ENCOURAGING IN THIS JOURNAL ENTRY—
I WOULD LOVE TO KNOW!
Send me a message in the DMs or contact me to inquire about working together. I can’t wait to keep the conversation going.
