Dangers of Outdoor Photography Sessions in Florida
Wait, there is no way it is the end of August already! Wasn’t it just January, a few weeks ago? Well, it sure seems like it, anyway. This year has just flown by, it seems. Christmas is right around the corner, too. I’m not ready!
I wanted to create an informative little blog post to help anyone considering outdoor photos, especially in the hotter months (like August). In the last three months, I’ve had clients flying me all over the country, asking for photo sessions outdoors, many times it’s at the beach. I want to start out by saying that outdoor photos look amazing, no matter the location and offer a little more flair than simple studio photos do. I am happy to shoot outdoors, instead of in studio, and very often do. However, what I do want is to really get some information out there, before you make your final decisions on outdoors photos or where.
A tropical, beachy location can be hot and humid in a way that you probably aren’t used to (unless you hail from another tropical zone). This can (does) really take a physical toll on your body if you are from Montana but want photos at a Florida beach. Especially susceptible to heat-related problems, like heat stroke and heat exhaustion, are maternity clients, though problems may certainly be experienced at any age. I can’t tell you how many times that I have heard “oh, I’m totally used to being outside in the sun” when I try preparing clients. Honestly, that my well be the case, under normal circumstance but if you aren’t from a tropical area, are pregnant, aren’t used to professional modeling (or dancing) then you may well not be as equipped for the heat and humidity of a southern beach as you think.
Even though I give my helpful suggestions and warnings, at least half of my sessions have to be cut into very small segments due to clients becoming adversely effected by the heat. Luckily,I do provide a shaded place to sit and plenty of water for every client (as well as paper towels to dab the sweat). So, below are a few guidelines that you should keep in mind when scheduling an outdoor session in the hotter months of the year, or in a heat zone that you aren’t used to.
First and foremost, drink, drink, drink! You will need to be very well hydrated. Tell your OG/GYN that you are planning an outdoor session and he will guide you in how much water you should be drinking, starting at least 2 weeks in advance. This will help combat heat sickness when you are out there, standing in the humidity. Be sure to drink right up until the start of the session.
Next, make sure that you are eating well balanced and healthy meals for at least one month prior to yoursession. It may not seem important (though you are likely doing it, already) but walking, posing and moving in the Summer heat is really hard on your body and very physically draining. You don’t want to get muscle spasms or leg cramps due to any nutritional deficiency, or to feel light-headed.
I suggest lots of walking, stretching and balance exercises as soon as you know you want an outdoor session (typically starting two months prior). This will help when it comes to walking to the location, standing and posing. If you aren’t used to much movement, it will be doubly hard on you.
Most importantly, as I tell all my clients, you have to be your best advocate. Yes, photos are very important but no photo is worth a 9-1-1 call or risking losing consciousness. If you even start to feel slightly dizzy, just say you need a break. I am happy to stop as often as necessary. I have even been known to fan a client or two, when they are feeling overheated.
Something you can be proactive in is the time of day you schedule your session. Honestly, during the summer months, the light is really great starting at around 7am. I highly recommend booking an outdoor session no later than 8am. By 9am, the heat and humidity are already approaching dangerous levels and by 10, there is serious threat to health. I, personally, will not book an outdoor session past 9am for this reason (unless it will be in the shade or under cloudy skies). Plus, the more hot and humid it gets, the more sweating you will do, the more your makeup will run, the more your hair will fall and frizz up (and the more your baby’s daddy will sweat…and complain). You can also do evening hours starting about 90 minutes before sunset but you will run a bigger risk of having more people in the background, if it’s a touristy location.
So, no matter whom you book your destination beach or outdoor photo session with, be sure to follow these guidelines and ask any questions that you have.
