Summer Outdoor Photoshoots: How to Work with England's Brightest Light

Summer in England means long days — which sounds ideal for photography until you realise that midday sun creates the worst possible light for portraits. Shadows under eyes, squinting, and blown-out skin tones are the result of trying to photograph in direct summer sunshine. Here is how professional photographers work with the season rather than against it.

The fundamental problem with summer light

Between approximately 10am and 6pm on a sunny English summer day, the sun is high enough to create direct overhead light. This is unflattering for any face — it creates shadows under the eyes and nose, overexposes the top of the head and shoulders, and causes people to squint upward into the light.

The solution is simple: schedule sessions for the first two hours after sunrise or the two hours before sunset. Golden hour in June falls around 8:30pm in most of England — this creates the most beautiful light of the year, long and warm and directional. A 6:30pm start in June gives you a two-hour session in excellent light.

Locations that work in summer sun

When a session must happen during midday hours, the answer is shade. Open shade — the shadow cast by trees, buildings or cliffs — produces even, diffuse light that is far more flattering than direct sun. Finding locations with reliable shade is a key skill in summer portrait photography.

What to wear for summer sessions

Summer clothing is lighter and less layered than other seasons, which means it shows more skin and requires more care with tonal coordination. Light neutrals — cream, white, soft blue, stone — work well in summer light and against green backgrounds.

Avoid very dark colours in bright sun as they absorb heat and can cause discomfort, and avoid very bright colours that reflect light unpredictably. Linen and cotton fabrics photograph well and look appropriate for the season. For children, practical and cool is more important than dressy.

Working with overcast summer days

Overcast days in summer are underrated as photography conditions. Thick grey cloud acts as a giant diffusion panel, creating even, soft light across the whole scene with no harsh shadows and no squinting. Many photographers actively prefer overcast days for portrait work.

If your session falls on an overcast day, don't automatically request a reschedule. Talk to your photographer about whether the conditions suit the style you are hoping for. For most family and portrait work, soft cloud is preferable to harsh sun.

The evening golden hour advantage

June and July offer something rare in English photography: golden hour at a genuinely convenient time. The sun sets between 9 and 9:30pm in midsummer, meaning that golden hour begins around 7:30pm — warm enough, light enough, and early enough for children to be awake and engaged.

A 7pm session start in June gives families the full golden hour experience without compromising bedtimes. The light at this time of year is extraordinary — warm, directional, and producing the long shadows and glowing quality that photographs spectacularly.