06/15/2026
Summer sessions & littles.
Summer days comes with longer sunlight, which is amazing until families with littles are trying to book the perfect time. As a mom myself, I totally get naps and schedules. However, if it is possible to still stick to the evening times I highly recommend for a few reasons.
First, the heat. During mid day, heat is at its peak. You know your kids best, but think about temperament and skin reactions during the heat. During my sessions, we don't just pose and smile. We will be actively moving around throughout the location, doing walk/running prompts, being silly with movement, etc.
Second, the lighting and location. While I'm not a fan of the comparison game, when you're looking at other people's pictures they post a huge reason you love the way their photo looks is because of the lighting. Mid-day lighting outdoors is a beast on a sunny days between how it impacts the background of the photos and also how it impacts littles (even adults). Queue the "it's too bright and I can't open my eyes."
Double this impact if we are in a location with no good shade areas.
So if we're heading outdoors, the earliest I really like to start sessions is around 4pm in the summer. The heat is starting to give a little and the sun isn't at its highest point anymore. 7pm is my absolute golden time if your littles can swing it. I know I don't go home to witness the bedtime impact after (or the next morning impact), but photo wise we can roll tired cranky into sweet, cuddle looking photos.
This is also why I highly encourage families with little ones to just go with a shorter session instead of doing a full hour. Also bring the snacks, have wipes on hand, and dress in neutrals. I promise I will edit the crumbs off their face and clothes.
