Summer’s Secrets: My Favorite Moments Captured Under the Sun

Written By Stephanie Heath

Summer has always felt like a season of freedom, filled with laughter, spontaneous road trips, and memories under warm skies. As a photographer, I love capturing these fleeting moments — those secret smiles, the way the sunlight hits just right, and the pure, unfiltered joy of simply being present. Here are some of my favorite moments captured this past season — moments that represent the “summer of love,” “hot girl summer,” and that unapologetically bold energy of living in the now.

Festival-goers at Bonnaroo enjoying a vibrant, sun-soaked moment at the mushroom fountain with golden hour lighting, capturing the essence of summer music festivals in the Southeast.

Bonnaroo at sunset / Photo by Stephanie Heath / Smiling Eyes Media

Unfiltered Joy: The Summer of Love

The "summer of love" is more than just a phrase; it's a feeling. Photographing people in their most authentic moments — laughing, dancing, or simply existing in the sun — brings a unique kind of magic to the frame. This summer, I found myself surrounded by those raw, joyful moments that make the season unforgettable.

Ross Lynch of The Driver Era performs on the main stage at Bonnaroo, wearing a pink cowboy hat, with a vibrant crowd and sunny festival atmosphere in the background.

Ross Lynch from The Driver Era / Photo by Stephanie Heath / Smiling Eyes Media

Living Boldly: Hot Girl Summer Captured

Megan Thee Stallion performing on stage at Bonnaroo, delivering an energetic performance with backup dancers in vibrant outfits, captivating the festival crowd.

Megan Thee Stallion / Photo by Stephanie Heath / Smiling Eyes Media

This year, “hot girl summer” took on new meaning as I captured moments of pure confidence and self-expression. From vibrant colors to bold poses, each photo tells a story of unapologetic individuality and strength. There’s something so powerful in capturing people feeling their best, and this summer, the energy was palpable.

Stephanie Heath

Steph Heath is the founder of Smiling Eyes Media, leaving a beach town in South Florida behind to move to the city of Atlanta and pursue her career as a music photographer. Steph has years of experience working with artists on tours, festivals, and local events and can handle all lighting situations, including low light.

https://www.smilingeyesmedia.com
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