Summer portraits in Texas come with one non- negotiable: it is hot. The outfits that look amazing in a saved photo will betray you in 95 degrees with humidity. So here is our real-world guide to looking great without melting — from two photographers who shoot through Texas summers every year.
Fabric first, everything else second
Before you think about colors, check the label. Linen, cotton, and chambray breathe. Polyester does not — it traps heat and shows sweat, and the camera notices. This is the single biggest upgrade you can make to a summer session: wear fabric that lets air through.
Flowy beats fitted in summer. A sundress that moves looks better in photos and feels better on skin. For the guys: a linen shirt with the sleeves rolled looks sharp and stays cool. Save the suit jacket for October.
Colors that work with the light
Summer light is bright and warm. Work with it: creams, soft whites, sage, dusty blue, terracotta, warm neutrals. These glow in golden hour. What to skip: neon (it casts weird color on your skin), tiny busy patterns (they shimmer on camera), and all-black in strong sun (it absorbs heat and light).
Coordinate, do not match. Pick a palette of three or four colors and let everyone dress in it their own way. The photos look richer and nobody looks like a uniform.
Plan around the heat, not just the light
We schedule summer sessions in the evening — the hour before sunset — for two reasons: the light is beautiful and the temperature is dropping. A 6:30 p.m. session in July is a completely different experience than a 2 p.m. one.
Hydrate like it is your job. Bring water, bring a fan, bring blotting papers if you wear makeup. For hair: Texas humidity wins every fight, so plan for it — an updo or half-up style holds up better than anything that needs to stay sleek. And bring a backup layer for the kids, because popsicles happen.
Shoes: the part everyone forgets
You will be walking — grass, trails, maybe gravel. Block heels, wedges, or nice flats for her; loafers or clean sneakers for him. Stilettos sink into grass. Flip-flops look like flip-flops. Bring the pretty shoes for the photos and comfortable ones for everything between.
Kids and summer sessions
Short and sweet wins. For little ones, 30 to 45 minutes of actual shooting is plenty — we front-load the good stuff and let them play first. Snacks that do not melt, water, and a change of clothes in the car. If the kids are happy, the photos are happy. It is that simple.
The golden rule
Dress like the best version of yourselves, not like different people. If you never wear dresses, do not start for your photo session. If your style is jeans and a nice shirt, wear the nicest version of that. The photos should look like you on your best day — not like you borrowed someone else's life.
Caitie's summer rule: if you would not wear it to an outdoor dinner in August, do not wear it to your session. Christian's corollary: the camera can see sweat, so dress like you are trying to avoid it.
If you are planning summer portrait sessions in Texas, tell us who is in the photos and we will help you nail the wardrobe — and pick a time when the light (and the temperature) cooperates.
Booking a summer session? Tell us your family and your vibe, and we will send our what-to-wear cheat sheet plus the best dates with good evening light. Book a consultation.