Summer Is Here - Five Ideas I’m Trying To Capture This Year

OK so summer is not my favorite time of year… although I live in Texas, I’m still no fan of the heat… BUT the light in summer, the long sunsets, vacations, and family time are spectacular. So because we’re knee deep into the hot months of the year I thought I’d talk about some of my favorite themes for making images this season.

1 - The Summer party

a. What and how to pick what to shoot? There is so much to see and do between family and friends as well as parades, picnics, and fireworks that I’m confident summer subject matter isn’t really a problem for families most of the time. What is tough is balancing how much of your attention you can use for making images/video and how much should just be present with your loved ones.
Here’s my rule; If I’m being pulled in multiple directions (kids/wife/friends) then I’ll spend no more than a few seconds at a time making an image. Camera on the shoulder (phone in hand)…see something…click…back to playing with the kids, grilling, beers, etc. If I’m free to do whatever I want then I’ll put myself in a great location and try to shoot from the hip to avoid being the center of attention.
If you have a mirrorless camera with a flip out screen this is super easy, you can preview your exposure and framing from waist level or with the camera in your lap. Once you’re in place just wait for the good moments, shoot quickly, and edit later.
b. If you’re using your phone and you’re not right on top of the action consider using the most telephoto lens you have. For example, on my iPhone I have three lenses and the 2.5x setting really let’s me be a little more stealth and cut out a lot of the clutter that the 1x camera would leave in the frame.
Note: I really try to stay away from the pinch to zoom settings as these drastically alter the quality of the image. By zooming to the max setting on an iPhone, your picture quality becomes so low that I find it unusable.
c. If you’re out with a big group try to take at least one large group photo of everyone who attended. I do this on holidays a lot like the 4th July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. For this reason I love to have a tripod on hand. I love this one for my phone, and this larger but still travel sized one for my mirrorless camera. I know some people will complain but not in the years down the road when those pics are loved by everyone.
d. Don’t forget to take some video (this one is still hard for me) but I do think there is something magical about having an archive of video from childhood so I’m working to do more of this. Try to think of snippets of video like a photo essay or a story. Scene setter, major characters, details, action, portraits, closer storylines work well.
e. Share your memories with the family. Set up some kind of online space where everyone can put pics and video to share. Remember that not everyone loves social media so a Google Drive/ iCloud/ Amazon option might be better.

2 -Cooling off at the lake/pool/sprinkler - Water Life

Water. What says summer more than being in/near/around water? My family grew up waterskiing on the lakes and rivers near our home in Oregon and those memories are some of my favorite. My brother and I spent a huge chunk of our summer earnings buying gas (at 99 cents a gallon) for our Suburban and boat in our teenage years and both of us remember those days as some of the very best of our high school years.

Tips for making photos and video around the lake/pool:

a. It’s worth it to have a waterproof housing for your phone. If you’re just getting started, try this one. You’re phone probably has some weather proofing and might even be water proof but why chance that if there’s an $8 way to get some peace of mind. If you’re looking for a dedicated camera to use for all sorts of “dangerous” (read water/snow/mud) adventures consider something like the Olympus TG-6 which is my favorite point and shoot camera for these types of images. Here’s a review of the Olympus TG-5 that I own. Speaking of water gear for a second, also think about one of those floating lanyards that will keep your phone/camera afloat if you drop it in the lake.
b. Pre-focus your images before a jump/dive etc. and use the sequential shooting function of your camera. If you’re on a current iPhone, hold down on the area in the frame to lock the focus where the action will be, then pull left on the shutter button to take a sequence as the action happens. Bob’s your uncle, you’ve got the perfect moment. If you want a primer on iPhone photography tips click here.
c. Don’t forget to go back and forth with some video too and make sure to turn on the slow motion since so many sports look good slowed down a bit.

3 -Shoot the time your kids are entertaining themselves - embrace the normal

My kids are notorious for being able to downshift into a couple of do-nothings if we don’t have plans, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a very real part of summer. I love to get at least a few images of them reading, tinkering, or playing together that reminds me of those more quiet moments too.

a. Pro tip – turn off any sound on your camera or phone so that you can get these images at least semi-incognito.

b. Remember that any good image has to have at least two of the following 1. Great light 2. Great composition 3. Great moment/action So ask yourself what you have in front of you before you begin shooting for the best chance to make something out of nothing.

4 - Summer is the perfect time to capture outdoor sports

Summer is definitely a time for sports and I LOVE shooting athletics.

a. This is one time where our phones are of less use. If you have a dedicated camera with a lens capable of zooming into the action it can go a long way towards making better images. A long zoom lens for any field sport is going to be worth the time and effort to use and carry it because you’ll be so much closer to the action.

b. Turn on the sequential shooting for your camera to it’s fastest setting. You’ll still need to anticipate where the action is going to happen but it will help you get the best possible moment. Many modern cameras can capture 10-15 frames per second in their high speed settings and this is the perfect time to go for that. Tip: If all you have is a phone and/or you’re able to shoot close to the action pull left on the camera trigger to use the iPhone’s high speed burst shooting.

c. Find fun and unusual angles to make images. Look for access in kids sports to positions you can try that you wouldn’t otherwise think of doing. Shoot from above, or through the net, or from grass level. Anything to give your stuff a little more thought and punch.

5 - Keep your camera on you as much as you can

5. If you’re lucky enough to visit family in the summer make sure you spend a little time capturing the relationships. I remember how much I loved being out on vacation with my cousins, having them just made everything we did a bit more fun and interesting, and the days we spent at the cabin or at the beach were awesome memories. If you take the time to preserve some of those moments I think the images will eventually keep those relationships stronger over the years to come.

a. Assign yourself to get a wide variety of images. Shoot the waterskiing, yes, but also the boat driver, the spotter, and the kids in the bow as well. Shoot wide and tight, capture details, and watch for small moments.

b. Have your camera or phone with you for morning coffee, get ready a few minutes before everyone else so you have the time to take pics. And try to be in some yourself.