If you’re based in Asia, being mindful of the weather is probably part of your daily routine. As a photographer billing clients by the hour, efficiency in warm weather is a necessity. These five warm-weather photography tips will help you combat overheating, temperature swings, and condensation to get perfect photos — and delighted clients.
#1 Dress Appropriately
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This sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how much your clothing can affect your mood and mobility. If you’re going to be outdoors for a long time without any shade, bring a cap or visor to avoid being a … hot-head. (Literally and otherwise.) Slap on sunscreen to avoid sunburn, and wear light-coloured cotton clothing to keep things breezy. No one wants to nurse a vicious sunburn during post-production, after all.
#2 Hydrate
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Always have a bottle of water with you: few things are worse than keeping your client waiting in the sweltering heat while you hunt for hydration mid-shoot. Stay hydrated to maintain alertness in the heat and reduce fatigue. If your shoot will last longer than two hours, keep a snack or two on hand. Of course, if you’re shooting food and drink, you could just eat the subjects when you’re done … but please ask for permission first.
#3 Know Your Temperatures
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You need to know what sort of temperature your environment will have in order to avoid problems like melting, condensation, and overheated equipment. Fogged lenses are a pain, but not as bad as condensation on the inner part of your lenses and camera body. Avoid swapping lenses unnecessarily and use equipment with a moisture guard. Take breaks in between so you and your camera have time to cool down, and treat your equipment like a pet or a child: never leave it unattended in a hot vehicle.
Sathin Techalertmanee/PIXERF
The optimum temperature for products is another critical consideration. This is obvious for cold food and drinks such as ice cream and cocktails, but it can also apply to plastic and electronic products. Check with your client beforehand so that you can manage your shoot effectively.
#4 Keep Napkins Handy
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Particularly for food and beverages, you will need to wipe away condensation: products that come out of the fridge or freezer will sweat profusely. Speaking of perspiration, when shooting people — in the photography context, that is — napkins are a lifesaver in hot weather.
#5 Have a Stylist on Hand
Francis Bien/PIXERF
An extra pair of hands is one way to help your shoot go smoothly, be it a food stylist or a makeup and hair stylist. An assistant can help you adjust angles, as well as wipe and touch up your subjects as needed, while you focus on what you do best.
Extra things to look out for
- For food photography, advise clients to deep freeze scoops of ice cream or ice balls and chill platters and glasses before plating and presentation.
- Have a cooler bag or box on hand for cold props such as syrups and garnishes.
- Create a holding area for your subjects to keep cool until they are ready for their shot.
Ryan Peters/PIXERF
Do you have any warm weather photography tips to share? Leave us a comment below!
