Summer Editing Tips
Oh Hello Summer! You are more than welcome in this place!! Summer is truly one of my favorite seasons. The amount of experiences and excitement that goes on during summer is so much fun. Lots of memories are made and rest and relaxation is had. One of my most favorite things to do during the summer is to take as many photos (Shocker!) of each experience. It drives us to try new things and to hold on to the memories.
Now, I know if you have been reading these blogs for a while then you know that truly every season is my favorite, because ushers in change and new colors. Just like Fall, Winter and Spring, Summer has its own set of colors and vibes. The beautiful thing about all the seasons is when you are truly living in that season the photos will speak for themselves. Out by the pool? Summer Vibes! At a pumpkin patch? Fall vibes! Drinking hot chocolate on the coach? Winter Vibes! Picking Tulips? Spring Vibes! See What I mean! If you are truly living in the season and taking as much as you can from that season then your photos will give off the vibe you are going for. However, today we are chatting about tips to be mindful of when taking and editing summer photos. So, let’s dive in!
Be Mindful Of The Sun
Okie so the Sun! Now, we know that the Sun is closer that is what makes things hotter, but it also makes things brighter. So, when it comes to the sun you have to be mindful of its place. If the sun is behind you then you will 100% be completely shadowed. So, in that case you need to either tap on yourself on the screen to brighten the image, bring the shadows completely up in the editing process or adjust the direction you are shooting in. A good rule is imagine the sun is peeping over your shoulder. Don’t have your back completely toward the sun, but turn just a slight bit so the sun peeps over your shoulder. Not only will this help with the colors, but this will also help you stand out, cause the sun is acting like a highlight.
Another good idea is to never have the sun directly in your face … unless … you have sunglasses on or you are doing a super cute pose or laughing face. However, for color purposes the direct sunlight is all day better than having the sun beaming behind your back. But at the end of the day be creative. One of my favorite shots is when the sun is in your face to look up and have the camera angled a touch. Be creative and have fun. That is truly what summer is all about.
Greens & Orange Color Families
Okie, so we just talked about how the sun is closer and that is what makes it hotter and brighter. However, with that comes two major color families that are brighter than most. Greens & Oranges! The orange family is brighter because of the sun, but the green family is also bright because we just went through spring and the green is so ready to show off. So, what do you do when you feel like these color families are taking over your image? Use the temp and tint tool in Lightroom to pull them down. If you are in a pasture or in short green grass be mindful of how that green is reflecting back onto your face. You can add a touch of red in the tint tool, or if there is a road nearby that you can get in front of to reflect a highlight onto your face, but back far enough to where you won't see the road in the image. Also, if you know you will be in area where green and orange are major colors then try to wear colors that will contrast or compliment those colors.
Highlights & Shadows
These two are my favorite tools in the Lightroom. These are honestly how you get a brighter image or even how you get a darker one as well. Depending on the vibe you are going for, be mindful of the amount of shadows that are behind you. If you are someone who wants a brighter image, but there are a lot of shadows behind you then pull those bad boys up in editing. However, if you feel like the sun is a touch too bright on your face and washing you out then I highly suggest pulling down your highlights.
Get Creative With Poses
& last but totally not least be creative with your poses. Try new things! Use Pinterest to be inspired or maybe instead of standing then sit. Just be very creative with your poses, that way when you look back on all your sweet memories it is not just the same standing smiling images. A good idea is to always use what that experience has to offer. Example: hanging out at Magnolia in Waco all day? Grab a cupcake or a Tea from Alabama Tea Truck. Use what the experience has and completely enjoy it. If you are having fun then that will show through on the images.
Summer is such a beautiful season and there are so many ways to enjoy it. But let’s also chat about a little PSA. Summer is about having fun! Do not let the idea of being creative with your images overwhelm you or add stress to your summer. Being creative is about just that … being creative. When you add stress or pressure it completely takes away the creative aspect. If you are new to being creative when it comes to your images don’t overwhelm yourself. Still take the photos that you normally would, but then give yourself a goal that at least one of them is going to be fun, creative and using the summer editing tips. I believe in you and know that you are going to create so many lifelong memories. Happy Summer My Friends!