As the warmth of the sun bathes the world in golden hues and nature comes alive with vibrant colors, summer becomes the ideal season for creating beautiful family memories. One timeless way to capture these moments is through a summer family photo session. In this blog post, we’ll explore the magic of summer family sessions, offering insights into planning, outfit ideas, location choices, and tips to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable experience for the whole family.

1. choosing the setting

Selecting the right location sets the tone for your family photos. Summer offers an abundance of outdoor options, from lush parks and botanical gardens to sandy beaches and charming urban landscapes. Consider your family’s personality and preferences when making this decision. For a more relaxed vibe, a local park or your own backyard might be perfect, while adventurous families might opt for a scenic trail or a beach at sunset.

Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box either. If there’s a place that has resonated with you as a family or holds a special place in your heart, don’t be afraid to talk to your photographer about it. Most photographers will jump at the opportunity to tell your story in a way that is true to you! This family had seen this home that had been an abandoned project by the city and wanted to use it for some gorgeous photos for their little family.

2. timing is everything

The soft, golden light during the golden hour—just after sunrise or before sunset—provides the most flattering illumination for family portraits. Plan your session during these times to capture the warm, ethereal glow that adds a touch of magic to your photos. Additionally, scheduling your session during the summer allows for longer days and more flexibility in choosing the perfect time for your family. It can be hard with littles to schedule close to dinner time or early in the morning, but having your session within golden hour will make all the difference in the world.

3. what to wear

Coordinating outfits is an essential aspect of a successful family photo session. While matching outfits can create a cohesive look, it’s essential to strike a balance. Choose a color palette that complements the season—think pastels, earth tones, or soft blues—and mix and match textures and patterns. Aim for a coordinated, not overly uniform, look to showcase each family member’s individual personality.

For moms and girls, flowy dresses are always a huge YES. It adds so much movement and texture to a session.

A huge tip I give to clients when it comes to outfit coordination is find one piece for someone and plan every one else around that. Whether it’s a shirt dad adores, a dress that your daughter is begging for, or something with mom has worn countless times.

At the bottom of this blog, I will link some of my favorite places to shop for outfits and my Amazon Lists with some of my favorite Amazon finds!

4. embrace the summer

Embrace the season by incorporating summer elements into your photos. Consider bringing along props like picnic blankets, sun hats, or even a basket of fresh fruits. Not only do these items add visual interest, but they also create a relaxed and natural atmosphere for your family to enjoy the session. I have brought bubbles to sessions for little ones to enjoy and create a fun element to fun summer family photos. You can also enjoy the natural flora and fauna that summer brings like this family did.

5. be in the moment

Some of the most heartwarming family photos come from candid moments. Encourage your family to interact naturally, share laughter, and enjoy each other’s company. Candid shots capture the genuine essence of your family dynamic, resulting in photos that tell a story and evoke emotions.

6. stay engaged

Ensure that each family member feels involved and engaged during the session. Plan activities or games that encourage interaction and playfulness, especially for younger children. This not only makes the session enjoyable but also captures the authentic joy and connection within your family. Even if mom is to the side while dad and daughter play, mom is still engaged and included. It adds a soft element to their story of mom watching the two loves of her life play.

A summer family photo session is not just an opportunity to capture beautiful images; it’s a chance to freeze moments in time, creating lasting memories that your family will cherish for years to come. By carefully planning your session, choosing the right location, coordinating outfits, and embracing the beauty of the season, you’ll ensure that your summer family photo session becomes a cherished chapter in your family’s story. So, gather your loved ones, soak in the summer vibes, and let the magic unfold in front of the lens.

Links:

https://www.amazon.com/shop/meg.sisson?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_aipsfmeg.sisson_NJ7Z1XRN3M5TVCMA2SRV – My Amazon profile has options for men, women, boys and girls. You can purchase directly or use it as inspiration while shopping.

https://balticborn.com – One of the best places to shop for women’s dresses.

https://www.baileysblossoms.com – A great place to shop for little girls outfits and even some matching outfits for mom and daughter.

https://styleandselect.com/ – If you want someone to help curate outfits for you based on a color palette, Style & Select is a great option. You will be given the direct links to purchase and it also makes it easier to shop separately with a visual.