Summer offers the perfect backdrop for portrait photography. Extended golden hours, vibrant natural colors, and relaxed outdoor vibes create endless creative possibilities. Whether you are using a professional DSLR or a smartphone, changing up your style can breathe new life into your portfolio. Here are ten fresh portrait photography concepts to try during the warmest months of the year.
1. Golden Hour Rim LightingThe hour just before sunset delivers a warm, soft glow that is impossible to replicate with artificial light. Position your subject with the sun directly behind them to create a radiant halo effect around their hair and shoulders. This technique, known as rim lighting, separates your subject from the background and adds a magical, ethereal quality to the image. Keep your exposure focused on the subject’s face to prevent them from turning into a complete silhouette.
2. The Underwater SubmersionPools, lakes, and calm beach shores offer an excellent opportunity for dynamic summer portraits. Have your subject submerge themselves up to their nose or eyes, leaving the rest of their face hidden beneath the water. The ripples and reflections on the surface create natural distortion and abstract patterns. This style works best on bright, clear days when the sun penetrates the water, creating sharp lines of light beneath the surface.
3. Sun Flare and Prism EffectsSummer is all about embracing the sun, so do not be afraid of a little lens flare. Shoot at an angle where the sunlight hits the edge of your lens, creating beautiful, hazy streaks of light across the frame. To take this a step further, hold a small glass prism or a crystal close to your lens. This bends the incoming sunlight, introducing unexpected rainbows, soft blurs, and dreamlike light leaks into your portraits.
4. Vibrant Neon Night VisualsSummer nights are filled with artificial light sources that make for stunning nocturnal portraits. Head to a local county fair, an amusement park, or a strip of neon-lit storefronts after dark. The colorful glow from Ferris wheels and arcade signs provides a vivid, cinematic backdrop. Use a fast prime lens with a wide aperture to capture the ambient light while turning the background bulbs into a beautiful, blurry bokeh effect.
5. Framing Through Summer FloraIncorporate the blooming environment by shooting through elements of nature. Instead of placing your subject directly in front of a bush or flower bed, position yourself behind the foliage. Shoot through the leaves, tall grass, or colorful flower petals, keeping them very close to your camera lens. This creates a soft, colorful frame around your subject, adding a sense of depth and a voyeuristic, intimate feel to the portrait.
6. High-Fashion Beach ShadowsWhile harsh midday sun is usually avoided by photographers, it can be harnessed for high-contrast, editorial portraits. Bring a wide-brimmed straw hat, a lace parasol, or a monstera leaf to the beach. Position the prop so that the intense overhead sun casts dramatic, intricate shadow patterns across your subject’s face and body. The stark contrast between bright skin and deep shadows results in a bold, artistic fashion look.
7. Motion Blur and Ocean WavesCapture the energy of the season by experimenting with slower shutter speeds near moving water. Have your subject stand perfectly still in the wet sand while the ocean waves crash and recede around their feet. Set your camera to a slightly longer shutter speed, such as one-quarter of a second, to blur the rushing water while keeping your subject tack-sharp. This creates a beautiful contrast between stillness and motion.
8. Documenting Candid Summer Treat MomentsSome of the best portraits are the ones that tell a simple, joyful story. Capture the authentic essence of summer by photographing your subject enjoying a melting ice cream cone, a slice of watermelon, or a cold soda in a vintage glass bottle. Focus on candid moments rather than forced smiles. The bright, saturated colors of summer treats add instant visual appeal and evoke nostalgia.
9. The Rainy Day Window ReflectionSummer storms are sudden and intense, providing a great excuse for indoor creativity. When a downpour hits, position your subject next to a large window covered in raindrops. Shoot from the outside looking in, or capture the subject gazing out through the glass. The combination of water droplets, reflections of the stormy sky, and the soft, diffused indoor light creates a moody, contemplative portrait that stands out from typical sunny shots.
10. Sun-Drenched Silhouette ProfilesWhen the sun is low on the horizon, look for opportunities to capture striking silhouettes. Position your subject at the top of a hill, a sand dune, or a pier, so their figure is cleanly outlined against the bright sky. Expose your camera strictly for the sunset background, which will cause your subject to drop into a dark, crisp silhouette. Focus on capturing strong, recognizable profiles or expressive body language to make the shape impactful.
Summer provides a diverse canvas for photographers willing to experiment with different lighting, environments, and props. By stepping outside of your comfort zone and utilizing the unique elements of the season, you can capture a memorable collection of portraits that truly embody the warmth and spirit of summertime.
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