our favorite summer session

Here we are in the dead of Winter dreaming about Summer. Today’s blog is a throwback to one of our favorite summer shoots ever! It’s kind of like cheating because this family was a model family that posed for us during one of our past photographer retreats. One of the reasons we love it so much is because we were able to have this family come out dressed in playful summer attire and give them a little picnic situation and a few pointers and it was pure magic!

Hopefully this inspires you for your photo session with us too. It doesn’t take much to put yourself in a similar set up. Here are a few pointers to have your session turn out like this one.

1. Don’t get too dressed up. Unless you are going for that vibe, it’s always better to dress ultra casual and comfy. It will give the look at you are there doing something in nature as oppose to trying to hard. The Smoky Mountains offer the best backdrop and the photos will always turn out better if you are tying to blend in with it instead of standing out. Plus, you don’t want to look out of place you want to look comfy.
2. Try not to stress. Especially about how your kids are going to behave and PLEASE do not force them to look at the camera. Remember, you aren’t paying professional photographers for no good reason. You do not need to run the shoot. Trust that your photographer is going to capture sweet moments in between. There is a time for “look and smile at the camera” and your photographer knows when that is so try hard to relax. It’s almost guaranteed that your kids will relax too.
3. Be true to yourself. Think outside of the box. What are some things that come natural to your family? Do you guys like to read? Bring along some books and a blanket. Do you guys like to listeen to music? Throw in some earbuds and listen together. Are you guys active? Chase each other or throw the football together.