As summer slowly fades and the crispness of autumn begins to creep into the air, there’s no better time to capture those final, golden moments with your family. The light is still warm, the days are still long enough, and the memories of summer adventures are fresh in everyone’s minds. It’s a magical time to create lasting memories through a family portrait session. Whether you’re drawn to the beach, a local park, or your own backyard, there are endless possibilities for capturing the essence of your family during these precious last days of summer.
Finding the Perfect Location
The first step in planning a family portraits is choosing the right location. This decision sets the tone for the entire shoot. I always recommend thinking about places that hold special meaning for your family. Did you spend countless afternoons at the beach, playing in the surf and building sandcastles? Or maybe you’ve got a favorite hiking trail where you’ve spent hours exploring nature together. Choosing a location that’s meaningful not only makes the photos more special, but it also helps everyone feel relaxed and at ease during the session.
For families who love the beach, the golden hour—the hour before sunset—is the perfect time to capture stunning images. The light is soft and flattering, and the colors of the sky and ocean create a beautiful backdrop. Imagine your family walking hand in hand along the shoreline, the setting sun casting a warm glow over everything. These are the kinds of moments that make for truly memorable portraits.
If the beach isn’t your thing, consider a local park or garden. The lush greenery and natural beauty of these settings can create a serene and peaceful atmosphere for your photos. Plus, parks often have a variety of backdrops to choose from—think towering trees, blooming flowers, or even a charming bridge over a pond.
Of course, there’s something to be said for the comfort and intimacy of your own backyard. Especially if your family enjoys spending time outdoors at home, this can be a perfect spot for a portrait session. The familiarity of the environment helps everyone relax, and you can incorporate elements that are uniquely yours—like a favorite tree, a garden swing, or even the family pet!
Planning Outfits for the Whole Family
Once you’ve chosen your location, it’s time to think about what everyone will wear. Coordinating outfits can be one of the trickiest parts of planning a family portrait, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. The key is to find a balance between coordination and individuality. You want everyone to look cohesive, but not like you’re all wearing matching uniforms!
Start by choosing a color palette that complements the location you’ve chosen. For example, if you’re shooting at the beach, soft, neutral tones like white, beige, and light blues work beautifully. For a park or garden setting, earthy tones like olive green, mustard yellow, and rich browns can create a lovely, natural look.
Once you’ve settled on a color palette, let each family member choose their own outfit within that range. This allows everyone to express their personality while still looking like part of a unified group. I also recommend avoiding loud patterns or large logos, as these can be distracting in photos. Instead, opt for solid colors or subtle patterns that won’t compete with the natural beauty of your surroundings.
Capturing Genuine Moments
One of the most important aspects of a family portrait session is capturing genuine, heartfelt moments. As a photographer, I always encourage families to interact with each other naturally during the shoot. While posed portraits are beautiful and certainly have their place, some of the most meaningful photos come from those candid moments when everyone is just being themselves.
To help create these moments, I like to give families simple prompts or activities to do during the session. For example, I might ask parents to walk hand in hand with their children, or to play a game of tag. These kinds of activities not only make for great photos, but they also help everyone relax and have fun. And when you’re having fun, your true personalities shine through in the images.
Another tip for capturing genuine moments is to focus on connections. Whether it’s a sibling hug, a loving glance between parents, or a child snuggling up to a grandparent, these are the moments that tell the story of your family’s love and connection. I always keep an eye out for these interactions and make sure to capture them.
Incorporating Summer Elements
Since the goal is to capture the essence of summer, it’s important to incorporate elements that are unique to the season. This could be as simple as including summer-themed props, like a beach ball or a picnic blanket, or as elaborate as planning a full-blown family activity, like a barbecue or a day at the lake.
One idea I love is to have a family picnic during the photo session. Bring along a basket of your favorite summer snacks, a cozy blanket, and maybe even a bottle of wine for the adults. Not only will this create a fun and relaxed atmosphere, but it will also give you a chance to capture some truly authentic moments of your family enjoying time together.
Another way to incorporate summer elements is through the use of natural light. As I mentioned earlier, the golden hour is the perfect time to capture those warm, glowing images that are so characteristic of summer. If possible, try to schedule your session for this time of day. The light will be soft and flattering, and you’ll avoid the harsh shadows that can occur when the sun is high in the sky.
If your session is earlier in the day, I recommend finding a shaded area to avoid direct sunlight. This will help keep everyone cool and comfortable, and it will also ensure that the light is even and soft in your photos.
Making the Session Fun for Everyone
Let’s face it—family photo sessions can sometimes be a bit stressful, especially if you have young children who aren’t too keen on sitting still and posing for the camera. That’s why I always strive to make the session as fun and enjoyable as possible for everyone involved.
One of the best ways to do this is to keep things light and playful. Instead of focusing on getting the perfect shot, focus on having a good time together. Laugh, play, and don’t be afraid to get a little silly. Remember, the goal is to capture the essence of your family, and that means capturing your personalities and the way you interact with each other.
If you have young children, I recommend bringing along a few of their favorite toys or snacks to keep them happy and engaged. I also like to take breaks throughout the session to let everyone rest and recharge. This helps keep the mood light and prevents anyone from getting too tired or cranky.
Preserving the Memories
After the session is over and you’ve received your beautiful family portraits, the next step is deciding how to preserve and display these precious memories. There are so many options available, from traditional framed prints to more modern options like canvas wraps or photo books.
One idea I love is creating a summer photo album that includes not only your professional portraits but also snapshots from your summer adventures. This is a great way to tell the story of your family’s summer and to have a keepsake that you can look back on for years to come.
If you’re looking for a more creative way to display your photos, consider creating a gallery wall in your home. Choose a mix of sizes and styles of frames, and arrange them in a way that feels cohesive and visually appealing. This not only allows you to showcase your family portraits, but it also adds a personal and unique touch to your home decor.
Capturing the last moments of summer through a family portrait session is a wonderful way to celebrate the season and create lasting memories with your loved ones. By choosing a meaningful location, coordinating outfits, and focusing on capturing genuine moments, you’ll be able to create beautiful images that truly reflect the essence of your family. And most importantly, have fun with it! The more relaxed and joyful you are during the session, the more those feelings will shine through in your photos. So grab your camera, gather your family, and let’s capture the magic of summer together.
Evan Guston is a lifestyle and portrait photographer dedicated to capturing meaningful moments with a blend of traditional and modern styles. Known for his attention to detail, he highlights subtle emotional moments, like a father’s first look at his daughter on her wedding day. Evan values client relationships, offering a collaborative approach to ensure their personality shines through in his images.
