California Photographer, Alyn Stafford

Getting married in Southern California in the middle of summer can be rather hot. While most professional Southern California Wedding Photographers (Alyn Stafford Photography) are all too familiar with the trials and tribulations of dealing with the heat and the bride who wants to rush through the wedding photos just to get cooled off.

While there’s no way around the heat, other than taking your wedding photos indoors, you are more than likely going to spend a bit of time outside. Keeping a “fresh” look can be a bit of a challenge, especially if you sweat (or perspire for you brides). This also applies to the groom as well. One thing I learned from a make-up artist years ago (now keep in mind that I’m a guy and this wouldn’t have naturally occurred to me unless a woman pointed it out) to help reduce the shine off of your skin in the summer heat, especially if you have oily skin or your groom is bald (intentionally of course), is to use blotting paper. There are various brands available and this can be picked up from any drug store or make-up counter. In addition, I have also been told that oriental rice paper works as well.

An additional tip provided by the same make up artist was to dust on a layer of baby powder before using any makeup. This will give you a layer of protection from oils and also allows your skin to breath. Primers can be hard on your skin because they tend to block the pores.

So what ever you use, the point is to be prepared to deal with the heat and to stay looking “fresh” for your wedding photos on your wedding day. Below is a sample of blotting paper, but again, you can use rice paper or even tissue.