The first rays of sunshine are breaking through, it is slowly getting warmer outside and daylight savings make the days longer. The clear air and spring fever motivates a lot of people to book a photo shoot. Although I really enjoy spring and summer portraits, I think it's a shame that the winter shoots are over again. The chilly weather, the looming fog or an ominous sky can give that extra bit of character. Each season creates a unique atmosphere with its own advantages and disadvantages. You can read below what they entail for portrait photography. Including images!
Spring
Advantages: Photographing during spring is fantastic. Everything is in bloom, the world is
awakening. The colors are fresh and cheerful. The light is diffuse, so no hard shadows and no
squinted eyes in the photo. Spring has pleasant temperatures, it is often mild outside. Ideal for
people who feel hot quickly.
Disadvantages: The weather in the Netherlands is hard to figure out. This can make it difficult to estimate what kind of weather you can expect during the shoot. For example, in a day the weather can change from pleasant with sunshine to a heavy downpour. It sometimes takes some creativity and adaptability!
Summer
Benefits: Almost always good weather! This makes planning a photo shoot a lot easier than in the spring. After all, you know better what to expect. The light outside is now brighter, and the colors are brighter. This ensures fresh photos. The warm days also offer the opportunity to add something of a water element. Finally, it is wonderful to shoot footage during the 'golden hour'. The hour before sunset the sky is warmly colored and this gives photos extra dimension. I therefore work longer during the summer months.
Disadvantages: The sun is bright, which can cause squinty eyes and harsh light. These are not the best conditions for portrait photography. However, this is resolved fairly quickly by photographing in the shade. The bright light allows you to still take fresh photos. The temperature can also be a disadvantage. If it is above 25 degrees, I prefer to schedule an appointment a little earlier or later in the day. That prevents sweaty armpits ;)
Autumn
Benefits: Autumn, I have a soft spot for it. The fresh green colors change to beautiful orange and yellow tones. The first mushrooms sprout from the ground. The air is often dynamic, which provides extra depth. The sun is lower on the horizon, the golden hour lasts longer and the light is warmer, which creates a romantic, sometimes fairytale-like atmosphere. And don't forget, in September the heath is in full bloom again, a beautiful location for portrait photography.
Disadvantages: Just like in spring, the weather is unpredictable. In addition to the beloved late summer days, autumn also has gray, rainy days. Estimating the weather remains a challenge this season. Nevertheless, as far as I'm concerned, no season can compete with a beautiful autumn day. Planning a shoot is definitely worth the risk.
Winter
Benefits: In winter we often think of cold and bleak weather. Days when you would rather sit
inside than go outside to shoot a portrait. Yet winter is the perfect season for flattering photos.
The light is soft and the dark months have weather conditions that all have their own story. Think of dark clouds, mysterious misty mornings with a clear blue sky or a heavy snow storm! This
season you are guaranteed a lively portrait photo.
Disadvantage: The cold. Nine times out of ten you have to wear a thick coat, and not everyone likes that for a portrait photo. You can work around this by taking a warm jacket with you and taking it off between photos. If you’re not someone that easily gets cold that is ;)
© 2024 – Anne-Wil Meulman Photography