Summer family photos are some of my favorites. There’s something about the long days, sun-kissed cheeks, barefoot giggles, and golden light that just feels like childhood. If you’re planning a session this summer, there are a few simple ways to make the most of it so your photos feel like you (not some polished version of your family that wouldn’t dare roll in the grass).
Hi, I’m Megan! A Minneapolis-based family and newborn photographer who loves capturing the real stuff: muddy toes, big laughs, and all the sweet chaos in between. My summer family photos are relaxed, playful, and all about connection, not perfection. If that sounds like your kind of session, you can check out my portfolio, learn more about working together, or get in touch to start planning. I’d love to hear from you!
Choose the Perfect Time of Day for Your Summer Family Photos
Light matters. A lot. The best time for summer family photos is usually early in the morning or close to sunset. That’s when the sun is soft and golden, not high in the sky and harsh (or turning everyone into squinty pirates). Morning sessions can be great for younger kids who wake up ready to go. Evening sessions have that dreamy glow and feel a little more relaxed. Either way, I’ll help you pick a time that works best for your family’s rhythm.
Pick a Location That Tells Your Story
Where you take your summer family photos should feel like you. That might be your backyard where the kids run barefoot, the lake where you spend every weekend, or a wildflower field just outside of town. You don’t need a fancy spot. You need a place where your family can be yourselves! Laughing, playing, maybe even getting a little muddy. When the location has meaning, the photos do too.
Dress for the Season (and the Camera!)
Summer family photos are not the time for stiff, scratchy clothes. Think light, comfy, and breathable. Think items like cottons, linens, or anything your kids won’t try to rip off halfway through. Soft colors, earthy tones, or patterns that don’t compete too much with each other work well on camera. And yes, bare feet are always welcome. If everyone feels good in what they’re wearing, the photos will show it.
Embrace the Candid Moments
The best summer family photos aren’t the ones where everyone is perfectly posed. They’re the ones where you’re mid-laugh, chasing bubbles, or holding hands as the sun sets. Let your kids be wild. Let the wind mess up your hair. Real moments are always better than forced smiles. I’ll guide you when it helps, but I’m mostly there to capture the magic that’s already happening.
Bring Summer Family Photo Essentials
Summer family photos mean warm sunshine, grass between your toes, and probably a little sweat (just keeping it real). To keep everyone happy and comfortable, it helps to bring a few summer must-haves. These don’t have to be fancy, just simple things that make a difference when you’re out in the sun with kids who like to run, roll, and maybe jump into a lake mid-session.
Here’s what I recommend tossing in your bag:
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Water bottles – staying hydrated is key, especially if we’re moving around a lot.
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Bug spray – Minnesota evenings are magical, but mosquitoes always RSVP.
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Sunscreen – even on cloudy days, that sun can sneak up on us.
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A light blanket or towel – perfect for sitting in the grass or drying off sandy toes.
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Extra clothes – for the kids and maybe you (if there’s water nearby, someone’s probably getting wet).
You don’t need to overpack, just a few thoughtful items can help your session feel like a relaxed summer evening, not a scramble.
Every kid shows up a little differently, and that’s the magic. If you’re curious how I capture all those big (and sometimes quiet) personalities, head over to my blog post Photographing Kid Personalities: 4 Ways To Capture the Best of Shy, Energetic, and Everything in Between. It’s full of tips, stories, and heart.
Plan Around Nap and Snack Schedules
Happy kids make for happy photos. The best time for summer family photos isn’t just about the light, it’s also about when your little ones feel their best. If your toddler melts down at 6 p.m. every night, we probably don’t want to shoot at 6:15. I’ll work with you to find a time that fits your family’s rhythm.
Think about when your kids are usually rested, fed, and ready to play. Morning sessions can be a win if your crew is up early and full of energy. Evening sessions work well too, as long as there’s some downtime (and maybe an early dinner) before we start. When we plan around your real life, everything just flows better.
Add a Personal Touch to Your Summer Family Photos
The little things you bring to your session can make your summer family photos feel even more you. These personal touches don’t have to be big or fancy, they just need to mean something to your family. These details help tell your story. They turn your session into a memory, not just a photo shoot.
Here are a few simple ideas to bring along:
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A favorite blanket – perfect for sitting in the grass or snuggling up together.
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A well-loved toy or stuffed animal – especially helpful for shy kiddos who need something familiar.
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Books you love reading as a family – great for quiet, connected moments.
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Bubbles, kites, or sidewalk chalk – playful and full of movement.
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Your family pet – because they’re part of the story too.
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A beloved outfit or costume – yes, the superhero cape absolutely counts.
And don’t overthink it. “Personal” doesn’t mean perfect or styled, it just means real. If your kid shows up in mismatched socks and glitter on their cheeks, let’s go with it. That’s exactly the kind of memory worth saving.
Trust Your Photographer
You don’t have to do it all. Really. Once we’ve picked a time, location, and talked through the little details, your only job is to show up and be yourselves. I’ll guide you when it helps, watch for the good light, and follow the laughter. The best summer family photos happen when you let go of the pressure and just enjoy the moment.
If someone needs a break, we pause. If things get wild (they probably will), we lean in. I’ve photographed enough families to know that the imperfect moments often turn out to be the most beautiful ones.
Still on the fence about booking summer family photos? If you need a few more reasons to say yes, check out my blog post Why You Should Get Family Photos Every Year—it’s packed with honest, gentle reminders about why these moments matter so much.
Making the Most of Your Summer Family Photos
Summer only lasts so long, but the memories you make during it? Those stay. Whether your session is full of big belly laughs, quiet snuggles, or wild barefoot races through the grass, your summer family photos should feel like your life—real, messy, and full of love.
If this spoke to you and you’re dreaming about summer family photos that feel honest and full of life, I’d love to connect. If you’re in the Twin Cities area (or beyond), let’s make it happen! You can browse my portfolio to see more of the moments I’ve captured, reach out to book your session, or follow along on Instagram for everyday inspiration and behind-the-scenes peeks.
And if you’re tired of forcing smiles and begging your kids to “just look at the camera,” grab my free guide: Say Goodbye to Fake Smiles in Photos! It’s full of simple tips to help you get real, natural expressions (without bribing!).
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