How to take better portraits in the harsh summer sun...

I wanted to share a few tips for taking portraits when you are enjoying the amazing summer weather...which means harsh shadows and bright light!

There are a couple of really simple tips to keep in mind that can make all the difference for shooting in the bright sun. 

First off there is the trick that every good photographer often uses 

#1) Run for the shade. (: It's totally true. You can see from the portraits below that at times it's just beautiful because the light is still everywhere around you. Light is bouncing off the sand, ground, and buildings to give you some "light in the eyes". 

#2) Use a reflector. This one takes a bit of forethought but will give you great results. Grab a white foam core from the art supply store. It doesn't have to be big- even a 2x2 will work great. No one wants to see squinty eyes and dark circles under the eyes. So make sure the sun is behind whomever you are taking portraits of. Then use the foam core to bounce light back onto your subject. You can see the little spots of light in her eyes....pretty!

#3) Use a flash. This may seem counterintuitive to use with the sun. But I use my flash the most in the sun. If you have someone with the sun behind them they may just be too dark. You may not have a white reflector to use. Whatever the case you can use that pop up flash (or your big guns flash if you have one) on your camera. You will be surprised how much better your portraits will look with flash in the sun during the day. 

Have any questions about details for the way these tricks work? Or have a comment on one that you tried and it worked? Leave a comment below...I would love to hear from you! 

                                                   In life and love - Jen 

Nikki and Malek get married at The Landing at Pine Point, Scarborough Maine

Nikki and Malek are truly such sweet people. I loved watching Malek's concern for his family and how everyone was doing the day of the wedding. His compassion and caring for others was clear. And Nikki spent the entire day happy with one of the biggest smiles I have ever seen! There was not one selfish moment. I truly love my bride and grooms. I always work with people who know why they are having a wedding; to celebrate the beginning of their commitment with family and friends. To have time to spend with those that are most important in their life. After eight years together they were celebrating the beginning of marriage in a fabulous way! Nikki and Malek were amazing hosts. I congratulate them on such a wonderful day.

It was supposed to rain on the wedding day and while they gathered all the golf umbrellas they could find, they had beautiful blue skies all day! Pine Point Beach never disappoints for fun beautiful beach portraits. And the Landing is a grand room for a party to be sure!

Wedding Planner Extraordinaire: Busy Bride Consulting- Kimy Wall 
Fabulous Food: Black Tie Catering 
Beautiful Venue: The Landing at Pine Point, Scarborough, Maine

I feel so lucky and grateful to have a job were I get to connect with wonderful people and give them beautiful memories of their family, their friends, and their love. Thank you Nikki and Malek for bringing me into your world.

                                                                                                            In life and love- Jen

 I always like to start with a couple shot that I love...and this is the one for sure!! You can see them both smiling under the kiss!! (: I love it.

A first look at each other before the ceremony...and a few moments alone.

Someone found a sand dollar and gave it to them for good luck! (:

Chris and James - Downtown Portland Maine engagement portraits in the chilly drizzle of May!

This engagement session happened despite the freezing day and the drizzle. These guys were so great about it and didn't let it faze them at all! They are such sweet people and loved getting to know them a bit before the wedding in September which will be at the Black Point Inn in Scarborough. I asked them to say a little bit about themselves and how they got together...so in Chris's own words:

James and I are both true Massachusetts guys.  We grew up here and love living in New England.  We met in Medical School at UMass in 2005.  We developed a great friendship and started dating in 2008.  We ended up moving in together and staying at UMass to complete our residency training.  We are now remaining in Central Massachusetts as we begin our careers, James as a Child Psychiatrist and me as an OB/GYN.  We enjoy all the seasons in New England and love being outside to ski, run, play tennis, and enjoy the beach.  I travelled up to Maine during summers as a child and my parents live there full time now that they are retired.  It has become a very special place for us and we love spending time in Southern Maine, Portland, and Bar Harbor.  We are very close with our families and have two cool cats, Gizmo and Murphy. We can't wait to start he next phase of our lives together and are so blessed that we can show our commitment to each other by getting married this fall with all of our friends and family by our side. 

-Chris

I am so proud that they can get married here in Maine and I am thrilled to get to be the one to capture the day.  

                                                                                                    In life and love. - Jen