Why Summer Is The Best Time For Family Photos

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Family Photos

The other night, as the sun was setting and my kids were chasing bubbles barefoot through the backyard (yep, even teenagers do this from time to time), I caught myself reaching for my phone. I knew I wanted to remember that moment. The light was golden, their hair was wild from the wind, and they were sticky from homemade popsicles. It wasn’t a perfect scene. But it was real. And beautiful. Full of summer goodness.

That’s the thing about summer. It’s full of little, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments that deserve to be remembered.

As a photographer and a mom, I believe summer is one of the very best times to schedule a family photo session. It’s the season where families slow down just enough to be together, and that kind of connection is where the magic happens. It can be barefoot in your back yard, playing at the beach or heading to the park for a picnic. The possibilities are endless.

So if you’ve been waiting for the right time, let me share why this season might be the perfect one.

2 year old boy in a blue shirt playing with wooden blocks on the ground in front of the San Miguel Mission

Longer Days Mean More Flexibility

One of the most practical reasons to book summer photos? There’s simply more daylight to work with. The sun sets later, which means we can schedule your session in the early evening when the light is soft, golden, and absolutely magical—and your little ones are still awake!

If you’ve got school-aged kids or babies with early bedtimes, this extra daylight gives us more room to find a time that works well for everyone.

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Kids Are Happier (And So Are We)

Let’s be real… life feels a little lighter in the summer. Without the stress of school drop-offs, lunch packing, and constant routines, kids tend to be more relaxed and playful. And as parents, we feel that too. Summer sessions often feel more like a fun family outing than a formal appointment.

Whether it’s running through the sand in Morro Bay, climbing fallen trees on a trail in Atascadero, or exploring grassy hills at sunset in Paso Robles, summer invites movement, laughter, and spontaneity.

Those are the ingredients for photos that feel natural, joyful, and deeply personal.

family of five posing together in the sand with Morro Rock behind them

Easy, Breezy Outfits

No need to stress about coordinating boots, jackets, or layers. Summer outfits are simple, light, and beautiful.

Think flowy dresses that catch the breeze, linen shirts, rolled-up jeans, and barefoot kids in cotton rompers. The color palettes practically build themselves—soft neutrals, beachy blues, warm golds, earthy greens.

Even better? Most families already have summer clothes that work beautifully. You don’t need to go out and buy a thing. If you ever feel unsure, I’m always happy to walk through outfit ideas with you. We can even hop on a video chat and peek in your closet together.

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Vacation Vibes and Visiting Family

Another unique bonus of summer is that people travel more. If you’ve got grandparents visiting from out of town or extended family staying nearby, this is the perfect time to get everyone together for a generational photo session.

You can turn a photo session into part of a family gathering…maybe a morning at the beach followed by brunch, or a quick photoshoot before a backyard BBQ.

You’ll not only end up with beautiful images, but real memories of time well spent. (Plus, extended family sessions often double as the perfect gift for grandparents.)

Nature Is At Its Best

From golden grass and wildflowers to coastal cliffs and soft waves, the Central Coast is basically a photographer’s dream during summer.

The landscapes are vibrant and the light is dreamy. Whether you’re hoping for beachy and playful or scenic and serene, summer offers a backdrop that naturally elevates every photo. And even if you’re more of a stay-at-home type, the light pouring through your windows in summer? Pure magic for in-home lifestyle sessions, especially family videos!

family of six standing together on the beach

The Season of Little Moments

Summer isn’t just about big vacations and pool parties. It’s about the little things. Sticky hands. Freckles across the bridge of a nose. Long legs that suddenly don’t look so toddler-like anymore.

And it’s those little things that we forget to document. We’re so close to them, living in the middle of it, that we don’t always realize how much we’ll want to remember.

A summer photo session gives you a chance to pause and preserve this season, not because it’s perfectly styled, but because it’s yours.

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Don’t Wait For The “Right” Time…

I hear it all the time:
“We’ll book a session once I lose the baby weight.”
“Once the kids can sit still.”
“Once life settles down.”

But summer reminds us that life doesn’t wait and beauty doesn’t depend on perfection. Your kids don’t see your insecurities. They see the mom who plays with them, holds them, laughs with them.

You are enough. Just as you are. Right now.
And that’s exactly what I want to capture.

Ready To Book A Summer Session?

Whether you want to run through the waves, twirl in the sunset, or cuddle up in a picnic blanket, I’d love to help you turn this summer into something you can hold onto forever.

My summer calendar is filling quickly, but I still have a few golden hour spots open—and I’d be honored to save one for your family.

Reach out below and let’s create something beautiful together.

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