Planning Your Perfect Summer Family Photoshoot
It is hard to decide which season is the best to visit Park City, Utah. Each season has its own beauty; however, summer is one of my favorites for photo sessions. As a Park City Photographer, I am lucky to experience all of the seasons. I get so excited when the snow melts enough and the canyon gates open up to some of my favorite locations! Every time I finish a session in some of these areas, I just want to stay and enjoy the scenery afterward. Here are a few things to think about while planning your photo session in Park City, along with some links for inspiration: Here, Here, and Here!
5 Tips for Perfect Summer Family Photos
First: Decide where you want to display your photos in your home after the session. This will help you determine what time of year to plan your session. Will the green mountain tops look good in your home, or would a field by one of the rivers or reservoirs better suit your home?
Second: Do you have little ones that go to bed early? If so, you will want to schedule your session toward the end of August when it gets darker a bit earlier. In July, it doesn’t get dark until after 9:00 pm, depending on the location, and most sessions start around 7:00 or 7:30 pm. If your little ones won’t last that late, let me know when you are booking, and I can give you location options that work earlier in the day.
Third: Most sessions in the summer take place right at dinner time. Lots of families will go out to eat after the session to celebrate. Consider a small dinner right before too, which will keep everyone happy during the session! Just don’t wear your nice outfits to dinner! 😉
Fourth: Outfits for summer sessions are the most fun to pick out. In other seasons, I love when clients choose soft neutral colors, but during the summer, don’t be afraid to add some beautiful strong colors and prints. For family sessions, always start with the mom’s outfit! It should be a rule that the mom (or bride) gets a brand-new outfit for the session. They deserve to look and feel their best! A variety of fabric textures and patterns add visual interest to your photos, and flowy dresses always look amazing on a green mountaintop! If you need inspiration, here are a few dresses I have been eyeing from Madewell and Doen!
Fifth: It’s very common for clients to tell me how stressful it can be to plan family photos. I always hope every couple or family has a great experience, but I understand why the preparations might be stressful. Some varying factors include choosing outfits, doing hair and makeup, hoping for good weather, ensuring everyone is on their best behavior, and hoping the husband or fiancé will smile. 😉
My best advice is to come with a positive outlook and be prepared to have an enjoyable time. Your kids (and partner) will match your stress level. If you get upset and frustrated, they will not respond positively. Be prepared to pivot and accept change. It will always work out! It is my job as a local photographer in Park City to create images for you to cherish, and some of my favorite photos end up being the ones where everyone is not smiling at the camera at the same time. A sweet example is when a parent pauses to comfort a child. Tender interactions like those become a visual reminder of how special our children are to us.
I hope these tips help you plan your summer photo session in Park City. Send me an email to schedule your summer session—July and August are some of my busiest months and fill up quickly!
Favorite Things in Park City
Food
(Because isn’t that why we all travel??) Whenever I visit a new city, I look up their best Thai restaurants first and then where to go for authentic Mexican food. I love Glynn Thai in Kimball Junction. For a quick bite, El Chubascos is delicious!
There are two great Mediterranean options as well—Vessel Kitchen and Nosh are so good.
We have loved Fuego Bistro and Pizzeria for pizza and pasta.
Five 5eeds is a must for breakfast, brunch, or lunch.
Outdoor Adventures
When we have time in Park City, we love to explore the trails. Blood Lake Trail is a great hike for kids, as well as any of the new trails in Wasatch State Park or the Empire Pass area.
Summer Concerts
One of my favorite things! Park City always has a great lineup of concerts all over town. Deer Valley Resort and The Canyons both have amazing performances throughout the summer.
Favorite Hotels in the Area
Park City is one of my favorite places, and I hope you enjoy your trip! If you’d like to fit in a photo session while you visit, contact me to book your date with a photographer in Park City!
