How to avoid looking like a HOT MESS when shooting in excessive heat | Angelsea Urban

As a female photographer, the thoughts always cross your mind when prepping for a summertime shoot. What do I wear? How can I keep my hair from frizzing in the heat? My make up from running as I sweat? Especially when photographing weddings, where everyone around is looking their absolute best, you feel like a HOT MESS.

You will be running, crouching, scurrying, squinting, and lugging equipment around all day. Surrounded by people who all look fabulous…you strive to not only attempt to blend in with the crowd, but to NOT stick out with all your frizz, sweat and make up looking like the lead singer from The Cure.

SO – Here are 10 tips from photographers around the country who practice “How to avoid looking like a HOT MESS when shooting in excessive heat”.

1. Don’t be so busy you forget to look in a mirror

“As I found out this past weekend, shooting for 10 straight hours in the heat and not even taking a break to use the restroom (which prevents you from seeing yourself in a MIRROR!), you can get to looking a little disheveled! I was embarrassed at the end of the night and mad at my husband for not telling me! Although, I may have been more made if he did…haha. From now on I vow to wear my long hair pulled up (with a cute hair accessory to dress it up), wear lightweight black clothing to hide any stains (or sweat!), and keep a compact in my camera bag to touch up throughout the day (possibly even some hair spray…). By the time you get to the reception with all of the guests all dolled up, you feel a little out of place if you’ve sweated off your hair and makeup!”

~Amanda with J+A Photography www.JplusAphotography.com

 

2. Use CLEAR deodorant  - ON YOUR FACE

“A makeup artist recently did this to a bride of mine and when I asked what she was doing, she told me that it will help keep her matte all day. I tried it the next day and voila, in 90 degree temps, I was looking like a porcelain doll. Ok maybe not THAT good, but seriously….this was the tip of the century for me!!! For additional matt-ness, brush Makeup FOREVER HD powder over the top of your face after your makeup is on. This silicone based powder is a lifesaver. “ 

~Alicia Candelora with No Eye Has Seen Photography  www.NoEyeHasSeen.com

 

 3.  Bring a change of clothes for the reception

“Bring an extra outfit and emergency refresher kit to use between outdoor shooting and the ceremony or reception. Stash a complete change of clothing– undergarments included– in your car and replace your sweaty clothes with a fresh, professional outfit for the remainder of the day once you know you’ll be mostly indoors for the night. Include items like deodorant, perfume, oil blotting tissues, makeup, a hair brush and bobby pins or ponytail holders in your refresher kit so you’ll be looking and smelling your best when you’re in close quarters with your clients and guests. You’ll feel better after taking a few minutes to freshen up and you’ll be better able to blend in with the guests.”

~ Kristin Ungerecht with  KK & A Camera http://kkandacamera.com

 

4. Keep a cooler in your car

” Pack extra water bottles in a cooler (& always one in your camera bag) so you’re staying hydrated & cool.  Random side note – this isn’t a way to keep you cool, but you can put your extra batteries in the cooler too (not on ice of course), so they kind of cool things down when you swap them into your camera”

~ Gertrude Bell with Inspired Photography, LLC www.inspiredpics.com

 

 5. Wear black clothing with big earrings

” I am always shooting in heat in Maui and probably half the time still looking like a hot mess. Wearing black may be hotter, but it sure hides sweat better & smile with big earrings on (for distracting people away from the sweat).”

~ Jenna Strubhar with Nate and Jenna http://www.nateandjenna.com/

 

6. Use blotting sheets…….from Starbucks (or Neutrogena)

“I keep Neutrogena Shine Control blotting sheets and/or Starbucks napkins in my Kelly Moore Posey.  They absorb sweat/oil better than any other napkins out there! lol A quick sec behind a bush, pat or blot and we’re good to go”.

~ Candice with Candice Lawrence Photography www.candicelawrencephotography.com/blog

 

 7. Wear hair in a fancy updo

“I have long hair and I used to style it and curl it all pretty before my weddings. For the first 4 years of my career I lived in Michigan where the summers can be very humid. On a hot and humid wedding day, those curls turn limp and my hair just looks flat and oily after just a short time. So now I always wear my hair in a nice updo for a wedding with lots of hairspray to hold it in place! By the end of the day, my hair still looks professional and doesn’t show what a long day it has been!”

~ Laura Gravelle with Laura Gravelle Photography www.facebook.com/lauragravellephotography

 

8. Keep extra shoes for comfort 

 ”Keep several shoe options in your car.”

~ Lauren from Lauren Nicole Photography www.laurennicolephoto.com

 

9. Bring baby wipes

“I keep baby wipes with me at all times.  It cools me down when I’m super hot, and when I start to sweat (yikes), I use them clean off.”

~ Meg with Megan Tsang Studio http://megantsang.com

 

10. Keep bobby pins in your camera bag

“Not only will they help you from looking sweaty and gross (or pinning your hair back) but they are great for the brides as well!”

~ Julie with Julie Wilmes Photography www.juliewilmesphoto.com

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If you have an idea for a blog post, please send your name, email and idea to: angie@pursuit31.com

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