Why Summer Is the Perfect Season for Family Portraits in Littleton, CO
Who thinks about getting their family portraits taken in the summer? If you're like most people, you probably wait until the fall family photo season rolls around—just in time for golden leaves, cozy sweaters, and those all-important holiday card deadlines. And honestly? I get it! Fall is undeniably beautiful here in Littleton, Colorado. But today, I want to make the case for something a little different.
If you're looking for a session that feels relaxed, vibrant, and full of life, summer might just be the best time of year for family portraits—especially with young kids.
Why You Might Be Overlooking the Best Time for Family Photos
Fall tends to get all the attention when it comes to scheduling family photo sessions, and it's easy to see why. The leaves are changing, the air is crisp, and the holidays are right around the corner. It's a season that naturally tugs at our sense of nostalgia and tradition.
But here's what no one tells you: fall is also busy. Between back-to-school schedules, sports, extracurriculars, and preparing for the holidays, it’s not always the most relaxed time to wrangle your family into coordinated outfits and head out for portraits.
That’s why I love offering summer family portrait sessions in Littleton, CO—and why I think you’ll love them too.
5 Reasons to Book Your Family Portraits This Summer
1. Summer is FUN—and it shows in your photos
Kids are happiest when they’re having fun. And summer is full of it! Long days, barefoot adventures, and carefree evenings create the perfect atmosphere for natural, joy-filled family portraits. When everyone’s relaxed and playful, it makes for the most genuine smiles and real connection.
2. Gorgeous weather = gorgeous photos
Let's be honest: no one likes shivering in a cute sweater while pretending not to be freezing during a fall session. In the summer, the weather is warm and golden—perfect for sunset sessions where you can wear light, breezy dresses and let your kids run barefoot through the grass or sand without worry.
3. More flexibility in your schedule
With school out and many families staying closer to home, summer often offers more flexibility for booking. You’re not battling homework, bedtimes, and fall obligations—making it easier to plan a session at just the right time of day (hello, golden hour!).
4. Lush, colorful backdrops
Littleton’s parks, trails, and open spaces come alive in the summer. Everything is vibrant, trees are fully leafed out, and the sunlight is rich and golden. From rolling fields to mountain views, summer in Colorado offers endless options for stunning, outdoor family portraits.
5. Get ahead of the holiday rush
Imagine this: it’s October, and your holiday cards are already ordered, printed, and ready to mail—because you had your family portraits taken back in July. No scrambling for outfits, no last-minute sessions, and no added stress in the busiest time of year. Sounds pretty amazing, right?
What to Expect from a Summer Family Portrait Session
When you book with me, you’re getting more than just beautiful photos—you’re getting a full-service experience. From our first phone consultation to the final delivery of your artwork, I’ll guide you every step of the way.
Here’s what your session includes:
Wardrobe styling consultation, with access to my curated client closet
Help choosing the best outdoor location in Littleton, CO
A relaxed, playful session during the golden hour for soft, glowing light
In-home ordering appointment to choose your favorite images
Design and delivery of custom wall art, heirloom albums, or holiday cards
Make This Summer One to Remember
Before the school year starts back up and life gets busy again, take a moment to slow down and savor this season. Your kids are only this little once—and there’s nothing better than capturing their giggles, hugs, and sun-kissed faces in the heart of summer.
If you’re ready to book your family portraits in Littleton, CO this summer, I’d love to create something truly beautiful for your family.
📞 Now booking Summer 2026 sessions – Reach out today to schedule your consultation!
Family Portrait Photography at Anderson Apple Ranch in Emmett, ID
Capturing Timeless Memories:Why Anderson Apple Ranch is the Perfect Setting for Family Portraits
Nestled in the heart of Emmett, Idaho, Anderson Apple Ranch is a picturesque setting that offers a serene, rustic backdrop for family portrait photography. Whether it's the vibrant colors of fall foliage, the blossoms of spring, or the warm hues of a summer sunset, the ranch provides a beautiful natural environment that enhances any family portrait. The idyllic scenery of the ranch boasts vast apple orchards nestled up against a ridge. These elements create the perfect backdrop for timeless family photos, blending the tranquility of nature with the warmth of family love. Photographing in between tghe rows of apple trees offers a charming, country-style feel.
The Importance of Including Grandparents in Your Family Portrait Session
Family portrait sessions are more than just photo ops; they’re a chance to celebrate the connections between generations. Including grandparents in your session adds a layer of depth and meaning to your portraits, creating a visual record of your family’s legacy.
Grandparents hold a unique and irreplaceable role in families. Their presence in family portraits represents continuity, wisdom, and the richness of your family's story. Whether you’re capturing their laughter as they interact with their grandchildren or a quiet, intimate moment between them and their children, these photos become treasured keepsakes for future generations. It’s a wonderful way to honor them and create memories that can be passed down through time.
Outdoor family portrait sessions are more than just photos; they provide a chance to create cherished memories in a relaxed, beautiful setting. With the involvement of grandparents, these sessions become even more meaningful, weaving together the past, present, and future in every frame.
Let Kids Be Kids | Littleton Family Photographer
When it comes to photographing kids, it's important to remember that they are their own unique individuals with their own personalities, interests, and quirks! In order to capture authentic and meaningful photos, it's crucial to let them be themselves during the photo session.
When kids feel free to be who they are, they're going to be more comfortable and relaxed, and this will shine through in the photographs! This means letting them express themselves in their own way, whether that means being silly, playful, or even a little shy.
By allowing kids to be themselves, you'll not only get more genuine and natural photos, but you'll also be able to capture their true character and spirit.
These are the photos that you'll cherish for years to come, as they truly represent who your child is, right now, and the special moments you share together.
I’m a huge believer in negotiating with toddlers (and older kids too). Remember, a little bargaining with the kiddos can go a long way! :)
Capturing the essence of your family | Littleton Family Photographer
As a family photographer, I understand how important it is to capture those special moments that you share with your loved ones. Whether it’s a playful moment between siblings, a heartwarming family embrace, or a smile that lights up the room, these are the memories that you will cherish for a lifetime.
I believe that the best photographs are those that capture the essence of who you are as a family. I work closely with my clients to understand their vision, preferences, and personalities, ensuring that each session is tailored to their unique needs.
I am committed to delivering exceptional service and a great experience from the first time we connect until the final product is delivered. My focus is to create a fun, interactive experience and cherished photos that you and your family will be able to enjoy for years to come!
I look forward to working with you and your family!
Why invest in a professional photographer? | Littleton Family Photographer
Let’s agree that technology has come very far, very fast. It is crazy to think that the iPhone first came out in 2007 with a 2 megapixel camera and now the iPhone 14 now has a 48mp camera. WOAH!!!
But the problem here is… even with cameras advancing, both professional cameras and phone cameras… you will still be stuck behind the camera.
By hiring a professional photographer you are allowing yourself to get in front of the camera with your loved ones and capture gorgeous memories. Could you set up a tripod? Sure… you could but will the end results be incredible? Most likely no, and that is because you are missing that human touch…Even with the advanced focusing technology of newer cameras, you can’t easily zoom in or out or get creative angles when your camera is on a tripod. Plus, all the hassle of getting everything set up right on a tripod takes away from your time in front of the camera and your ability to connect with your family while the photos are being taken.
Also, you could have the top-of-the-line camera gear but if you aren’t fully educated and don’t know how to control the detailed settings, your photos simply won’t be as JAW-DROPPING as you want them to be.
I have poured myself into photography, including my equipment and education. I know my camera settings, I know how to manipulate light and I know how to provide an incredible experience.
I would love to document your family and create the most gorgeous memories for you to cherish for a lifetime. If you’re interested, please contact me!
The Psychological Benefits of Printed Photos | Littleton Family Portrait Photographer
Do you print photos for your children to hold and enjoy?
Did you know there is a psychological benefit to having printed photos of yourself and your family in your home? It's true! In the words of Psychologist Judy Weiser:
When a child sees a family portrait with them included in the photograph they say to themselves: "These people have me as part of what they are, that’s why I belong here. This is where I come from.”
Psychologists have researched the benefits of having self portraits on the self esteem of children.
During a 5-week study in 1975 that explored the impact of portrait photography on the self-esteem of 4th graders, Jerry Fryrear of Tulane University and Mary Ammerman found that the children who were given portraits of themselves as part of the experiment experienced a 37% increase in self‐esteem related behaviors compared to the control group (who received portraits at the end of the project). Professor Geoff Beattie, Dean of Psychological Sciences at the University of Manchester asserts: "For children, in particular, looking at photographs is part of the socializing process; learning who you are and where you fit into the family. By displaying photographs of our children at different stages of their lives, we are making a very public statement that we are proud of them.”
Did you have printed photos and photo albums to look at growing up?
Many of our parents and grandparents likely had family photos proudly displayed on their walls or neatly presented in photo albums for us to look at whenever our hearts desired. In today's world, most photos are left on electronic devices and never printed. I get it, ordering prints, creating albums and hanging photos on your walls takes time and effort - way more effort than posting on social media or scrolling through a device. Sadly, this means that many children today are growing grow up without physical photos of themselves and their family that they can touch, hold, and cherish.
Does it matter if the photos are printed or digital?
David Krauss, Licensed Psychologist and author of Phototherapy in Mental Health, argues that: “placing a family photo someplace in the home where the child can see it every day without having to turn on a device or click around on a computer to find it really hits home for that child this sense of reassurance and comfort. They have a certainty about them and a protecting quality that nurtures a child. It let’s them know where they are in the pecking order and that they are loved and cared for,” When we print photos for our children, we are giving them the opportunity to access, look back on, and enjoy their memories and favorite photos without needing our help to do so. When we print photos for our children, we are empowering them.