As many know, the summers in Phoenix, Arizona, are nothing short of brutal, sweaty, and hellacious. At 120+ degrees Fahrenheit, the sun penetrates your skin, causing not only sunburn but heat exhaustion; but hey, at least it’s a dry heat! As someone who loves nature and taking photos outside, summer turning the corner is leading many of us outdoor artists to dread the next few months of our business.
But I don’t want this to be the cause of any photographer losing clients, not booking shoots, or, worst case, getting heat exhaustion and not being able to take photos at all. So, how would a photographer plan to make the Arizona summer less dreadful and more exciting?
The best way to start is to plan either evenings, early mornings, indoor studios, or make your commute to a shoot slightly longer.
First, the times of day that you do shoot, especially in phoenix make sure to not choose times where the sun is directly on you and your clients. The difference between shaded and a lack of sun during the shoot can change the way the photoshoot goes. A great way to ensure great photos, even when the sun is not out is to learn the art of flash photography. Using a flash can be scary to some people. It morphs the lights in ways that photographers who use natural light are not used to. But with some practice, learning, and improving technique, you can learn just how using exterior lighting to your advantage makes great photos at any time of day.
When choosing the time of day, mornings are definitely the best weather that summer has to offer, the evenings as a second. If you still want to use natural outdoor lighting, and not worry about the evening sun being too hot, planning for morning photoshoots is the best bet to make sure that your client and you prevent any health issues caused by the suns brutal rays.
Another way to make sure that summers remain safe for your photoshoot is to utilize indoor studios and spaces. While again, this may cause some different editing, and lighting techniques, you are in a space that allows for stunning photos, without risk of the outside heat hurting you. To choose the best locations see what options are available. Libraries allow for gorgeous photoshoots (just check that the librarians are okay with you taking photos!) and provide free air conditioning and a rest space for you and your client before, during, or after your shoot!
Other great options are checking out local photography studios. There are a lot of beautiful locations that are made for photographers to get unique photos without the summer sun cooking your clients and you mid-shoot as well. Not to mention, most of these studios support local entrepreneurs and other creatives, diversifying their income!
Lastly, if you still are craving that beautiful Arizona light in your photos, northern Arizona has many different options for outside locations in Prescott, Flagstaff, Payson, Williams, etc. But the weather is significantly cooler and will not be the cause of heatstroke. If you are planning on taking shoots in northern Arizona locations, start marketing NOW to make sure clients know that it is an option to not be in phoenix for their summer shoot. Use your platform and network to get the word out about going a few hours north to continue taking photos that are loved by you and your clients. Don't forget to update what travel fees may look like for your locations with a longer commute!
Lastly, you and your clients' safety are the MOST IMPORTANT PART of your photoshoot. As an Arizona photographer, you can add in your contract that if the weather exceeds a certain temperature, you will reschedule the shoot for a day with better weather. Make sure that as this summer starts, you have lots of water (and maybe some bottles for your clients). Some cooling packs if needed (a bandana that you made damp in water and put in the freezer around your neck works wonders!), and anything else you may need to keep you cool and hydrated when you are working! Here is to safe photoshoots and happy and healthy photographers!
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