Summer is the perfect season for spontaneous adventures and memorable family moments. As a mom, capturing these precious times with your children is invaluable. Here are some fantastic, unplanned photo ops to help you document the essence of summer with your family.
1. Golden Hour at the Beach…(Yes, Alcova counts…for those of us in Central Wyoming)
The Magic of Sunsets and Sunrises
The beach during golden hour offers a mesmerizing backdrop with soft, warm hues. Take your kids for a sunset walk or an early morning playtime. The light is perfect, and the moments are serene.
Tip: Capture your children playing or exploring against the setting sun for dramatic and beautiful silhouettes.
2. Backyard BBQs
Candid Moments with Loved Ones
Summer BBQs are filled with laughter, delicious food, and vibrant colors. Snap candid shots of your family enjoying themselves. The natural interactions and expressions will make for heartwarming photos.
Tip: Focus on details like kids helping with the grill, colorful salads, and refreshing drinks to tell a story.
3. Flower Fields and Gardens
Blooms and Butterflies
Fields of wildflowers burst with color during summer. These locations offer endless possibilities for close-ups of your children among the flowers, buzzing bees, and fluttering butterflies.
4. Street Festivals and Parades
Capturing the Energy of Summer Celebrations
Local festivals and parades are brimming with vibrant costumes, lively performances, and a bustling atmosphere. Capture the essence of community and joy in these lively settings with your family.
Tip: Look for unique angles and perspectives to stand out from the crowd, and focus on your children’s reactions.
5. Hiking Adventures
Nature’s Grandeur
Summer is a great time for hiking with your family, offering stunning vistas, lush greenery, and waterfalls. Bring your camera along to capture those breathtaking landscape shots and intimate family moments.
6. Road Trips
The Open Road and Unexpected Finds
A summer road trip can lead to unexpected photo ops like quirky roadside attractions, expansive fields, or picturesque small towns. Keep your camera handy for spontaneous stops with your family.
Tip: Document the journey with a mix of landscape shots and candid moments of your kids enjoying the trip.
7. Farmers’ Markets
A Feast for the Senses
Farmers’ markets are a sensory overload with colorful produce, handmade goods, and bustling activity. Capture the vibrant colors and the interaction between vendors and your kids.
Tip: Get close-up shots of the produce and wide shots to capture your children exploring the market’s atmosphere.
8. Water Sports and Activities
Action and Fun in the Sun
Beaches and lakes are hubs for water activities like tubing, paddleboarding, and kayaking. Capture the dynamic motion and excitement as your kids try out these fun activities.
Tip: Use a fast shutter speed to freeze the action and get sharp, clear images.
9. Camping Trips
Starry Nights and Cozy Campfires
Summer camping trips offer unique photo ops from star-studded night skies to cozy campfire scenes. The contrast between the darkness of the night and the warm glow of the fire can create stunning images of your family.
Tip: Experiment with long exposure shots for star trails and firelight photography.
10. City Parks and Picnics
Urban Green Spaces
Even in the heart of the city, parks offer lush green spaces perfect for a summer picnic. Capture candid moments of your kids relaxing, playing, and enjoying the outdoors.
Tip: Use natural light to your advantage and capture the candid joy of your children.
Summer is a treasure trove of spontaneous photo opportunities for families. From the serene beauty of nature to the lively energy of festivals and parades, there are countless moments waiting to be captured. Grab your camera, step outside with your kids, and let the season inspire your creativity. Happy shooting!
leave a comment