Summer has settled in to stay in Saint Louis, and I've got a sunny disposition as I sit dreaming of a unique happiness that takes effect for me during these few short months. I can nearly feel the sun's warmth on my skin, smell sweet sweat and cut grass and grilling meat, hear the sound of an ice cream truck of questionable ownership and operation circling my neighborhood.

We kick off the sunny season today, and Saint Louis has woken from hibernation, embracing summer euphoria and all its glory.  The days are longer days, and shorts shorter.  We open our closets each day, smirking with satisfaction. Not today, jacket, not today. 

PRO-TIP: Big plans? Whether it's a family barbecue or a wild float trip, bring your camera along and photograph the people you love on days that whiz by far too quickly. Photograph moments of candid joy and sincere surprise. youthful banter and annual arguments. Sibling rivalries and wrought iron relationships.  Photograph babies that will not be babies for long and Wisdom that's on marked time. Gut-busting, side-splitting laughter and firework friendships that feel fated in the stars. Don't lose an opportunity to photograph and enjoy time with those you love this summer!

If you're staying in the city this month in lieu of flying to your beachside bungalow, there are a plethora of events in the Saint Louis photography community that you need to know about.  We're in full swing festival-mode, with the list of outdoor events across the city growing larger and larger as we reach the peak of summer. Which means you can bank on tons of opportunities to photograph our city's unique, local flavor.

Without further ado, I present my June 2017 Saint Louis Photography Guide, complete with pro-tips to make this month as picturesque as possible. Don't miss these chances to learn and work on both sides of the lens in Saint Louis, Missouri this month! 

VISIT THE INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM - [FREE ADMISSION] - Friday, June 2nd; 11am-9pm

The International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to celebrate the achievements of the inventors, pioneers, and pivotal artists throughout the history of photography. The museum houses 6,000-square-feet of gallery and exhibition space in the Grand Center area of St. Louis, a hop and a skip from Fox Theatre. On the first Friday of every month, IPHF throws opens its doors, allowing free admission to the public all day.  Don't miss your opportunity to enjoy a trip to the museum free of cost!

This summer IPHF presents "Diego and Frida: A Smile in the Middle of the Way", a special exhibition of photographs chronicling the lives and relationship of the famed Mexican artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Their marriage began in 1929, with extensive media coverage acting as a constant backdrop. With volatile tempers and countless infidelities, the couple divorced in 1939, only to marry again a year later. These photographs enhance our ability to understand an artistic couples' interactions and journey.

Diego and Frida: A Smile in the Middle of the Way will run Saturday, May 13, 2017 through Friday, August 4, 2017 at the Saint Louis International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum.

PRO-TIP: After you're done visiting the museum, head up the road to The Dark Room Photo Gallery inside The Grandel Theatre and check out Jeannie Liautaud's exhibit, "The Grandparents Project." if you missed the opening reception last month! Doubling as a hopping bar, the gallery recently opened, featuring enhanced viewing and ease via dedicated galvanized steel art walls. Grab a cocktail, listen to the live band, and take a stroll around the room! Click here for more information about Jeannie Liataud's exhibit, "The Grandparents Project."

Click here to visit the IPHF website for more information! 

CREVE COEUR CAMERA PRESENTS, "HDR IMAGE PROCESSING" - [FREE CLASS] - Saturday, June 3rd; 9:30am @ Creve Couer Camera

Sharpen your skills this month by joining Creve Coeur Camera for a free lecture on HDR Image Processing. Learn about the basics of high dynamic range (HDR) imaging, as well as the techniques used to produce stunning HDR landscape photos. Frustrated with highlights and shadows? The experts at Creve Couer Camera show us how you can control these variables with proper bracketing and knowledge of HDR software. There is no cost for this class, but you will need to reserve your spot ahead of time.  Limited to 40 students; Duration: 60 minutes

Click here to register for "HDR Image Processing"

FULL MOON VIEWING @ COMPTON HILL WATER TOWER - Friday, June 9th; 5:30pm-12am @ Compton Hill Water Tower Park & Preservation Society

Don't miss this opportunity to photograph crystal clear skies from atop the historic Compton Hill Water Tower during the Full Moon on Friday, June 9th. Each month, March through November, the tower is opened to the general public for a spectacular Full Moon viewing. The tower features a 360-degree view of the city of Saint Louis for those undaunted by the 198 step spiral staircase to the top. Admission is $5, and they're a cash-only operation. Make sure you stop by the ATM! 

The completely restored Compton Hill Water Tower was built in 1898, and is located in the 36-acre Reservoir Park, at the corner of S. Grand Blvd and Russell Blvd, just south of I-44 in the City of St. Louis (63104). 

PRO-TIP: St. Louis Photography Club is hosting a meet-up to coincide with the Full Moon Viewing at 7pm. Why not network while you photograph the stars? Click here for more information about the St. Louis Photography Club, and their meet-up on June 9th! 

Planning on attending the Full Moon viewing on Friday, June 9th? Click here to RSVP!

ISR PHOTO WALK MEET-UP - Saturday, June 10th; 11am @ Missouri Botanical Gardens

Saint Louis area photographers of all ages and skill-levels  are invited to network and practice their skills together at one of the most popular photography meet-ups in the area, The ISR Photo Walk. Held every month in a central Saint Louis location, this month the group will meet at the Missouri Botanical Garden for an event focused on macro photography. 

Breaking the mold, the photowalk will be more tutorial-based this month, limiting attendance to just 25 photographers for the first time ever. Additionally, there is a nominal fee to gain admission into the Garden ($6 residents; $12 adults).  Suggested equipment includes tripod, reflector, and macro extension tubes. Equipment is not required, however. 

Planning on attending the photowalk this month? Don't waste any time! Email shootingrawphotos@gmail.com and/or message them on Instagram to reserve your spot. I'll update my blog post when all slots have been filled. 

PRO-TIP: If you're looking to take advantage of discounted STL resident ticket prices, you'll need to bring proof of residency. Click here to view the Missouri Botanical Gardens Admissions Page.

KRIS COLE MODEL CASTING CALL - Saturday, June 10th; 1-3pm @ Merchandise Mart Lofts

Saint Louis fashion designer, Kris Cole, hosts an open call for female models for her fashion line, Prominent Sanctuary, on Saturday, June 10th from 1-3pm at The Merchandise Mart Lofts in Downtown St. Louis. After winning the 2015 Saint Louis Emerging Designer Competition, Cole has taken the Saint Louis fashion community by storm,  participating in competitions across the metro area, including St. Louis Fashion week. Drawing inspiration from Alexander McQueen, Cole's designs are loved by women across the country, and have have been featured in Macy's and beyond. 

To sign up for an audition appointment, email prominent_sanctuary@yahoo.com. Cole asks that women wear a tank top, jeans, and heels (no wedges) with natural face

Click here for more information about Kris Cole and Prominent Sanctuary

DAVID COBLITZ PRESENTS, "YOUR ART SHOULD REFLECT YOUR HEART, NOT YOUR WINDOWS" - Saturday, June 17th; 1:30pm @ International Photography Hall of Fame & Museum.

Local expert commercial photographer, David Coblitz, discusses various printing methods that eliminate reflections from photographic prints, in this $5 lecture hosted by the Saint Louis International Photography Hall of Fame & Museum. Compare in class prints on Sintra/PVC, Aluminum Di-Bond, Canvas Giclees, as well as traditional museum glass.

Join David as he shares the techniques that helped his company, Coblitz Creative Concepts, gain the attention of big clients like Bausch & Lomb, Laclede Gas, Missouri American Water, Edward Jones, and more. 
Admission is $5; to register, email info@iphf.org or call 314.535.1999.

Click here for more information about David's lecture and the International Photography Hall of Fame & Museum.

PRO-TIP: Admission to all Saint Louis International Photography Hall of Fame & Museum lectures are free with IPHF membership, costing between $35-75 yearly. Click here for more information about becoming an IPHF member.

SAINT LOUIS PRIDE FEST @ SOLDIERS MEMORIAL PARK - Friday, June 23rd- Sunday, June 25th; Soldiers Memorial Park, Downtown Saint Louis

Document one of the most vibrant and eclectic festivals to overtake downtown Saint Louis and beyond, Pridefest 2017. Estimating attendance of over 250,000 people last year, the festival is one of the most successful Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) events in the Midwest region. Don't miss this wild 3 day celebration featuring the second largest parade in the Saint Louis area, 160+ exhibitors and sponsors, 2 entertainment stages, children's area, and much more. 

PRO-TIP: Did you know the first Pride was a police riot? It's true! Pride is held each summer to commemorate the Stonewall Riots of 1969, one of the first organized displays of LGBT protest.

Read this article before photographing and posting photos from Pride! 

Click here for more information about Pridefest 2017!

PRO-TIP: Large crowds aren't your thing? Photograph the slightly smaller Tower Grove Pride celebration on Saturday, June 25th 2017 from 12-8pm at Ritz Park on Sound Grand Boulevard. The festival celebrates it's fifth anniversary offering a more intimate atmosphere in which to eat, drink, dine, & dance. Click here for more information about Tower Grove Pride 2017

BONUS: COMPETITION SPOTLIGHT!

Competitions are a fantastic way to expose your work to an entirely new audience, while gaining the opportunity to establish yourself more in the industry. Are you interested in public speaking or teaching others your passion? Earning titles makes  you more marketable as an expert in your field.  Why not enter an image competition this June?

GoUNESCO PRESENTS "MAKE HERITAGE FUN!" PHOTO CONTEST - Deadline Sunday, June 25th; Lewis & Clark Trail

Have you been itching to enter an image competition but dread the paperwork and printing that goes along entering? GoUNESCO offers a solution with this low-cost, artist-friendly photo contest aimed at celebrating the American heritage of exploration and travel into the unknown.  Photographers along the historic Lewis & Clark trail, spanning 3,700 miles across 10 states, are invited submit photos that symbolize the American spirit of exploration, using the trail as a backdrop. 

Pay just $5, submit your photo online, and wait for a panel of international judges to award cash prizes in 4 categories: Grand Prize, Professional, Non-Professional, and Under 18. That's right, no high registration fee. No drawn out ceremony. No printing and crossing your fingers it sells!

Click here to sign up for GoUNESCO's "Make Heritage Fun" photo contest! 

Let your friends know you're entering! Click here forGoUNESCO's "Make Heritage Fun" Facebook Event. 

GoUNESCO is an offshoot of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (or UNESCO), a nonprofit focused on contributing peace and security by promoting international collaboration. GoUNESCO specifically aims to make heritage more engaging, hosting a variety of events and initiatives year-round including the operation of its global student outreach program and coordination of Go Heritage Runs. 

 That's it, folks! 

Do you have an event that should be included in July 2017's Saint Louis Photography Guide? Leave me a comment below!