Backyard Story Sessions
Slow summer photo sessions for dog parents, families, and couples photographed in the comfort of your own home.
Three summers ago, trusted repeat clients welcomed me into their home for a session that looked a little different than the ones we had done before.
Instead of meeting at a field or a trail, they invited me into the spaces where their life actually unfolds. Their dogs padded across the kitchen tile while we said our hellos. We wandered out into the backyard where the grass was warm under bare feet and the evening light basked over the yard.
There was no rushing. No pressure to do anything, really.
Just to play and have fun.
Their dog ran loops through the yard while the toddler sprayed the hose wildly in the air. They sat together in the grass, popsicles in one hand, and petting dogs with the other. The kind of small, honest moments that often go unnoticed became the story we documented together.
When I left that evening, I knew something important had shifted.
There was a kind of magic in photographing people where their lives are already happening. In the space that hold memories, routines, laughter, and the quiet rhythm of everyday love.
Especially in the summer! Half of the time, the heat is enough to keep us inside. But those summer memories are absolutely worth documenting, and there are a ton of fun ways to do it.
Since that day, I have wanted to offer a small number of sessions each summer that honor exactly that.
This season, I am opening the door to a limited handful of Backyard Story Sessions.
The Beauty of Backyard Sessions
(Where real life already happens)
There is something deeply meaningful about documenting life in the spaces you already call home.
Your backyard might be where your dog runs full speed across the grass every morning. It might be where your kids chase bubbles barefoot in the evening light. It might be the place where you sit together at the end of the day after the world finally quiets down.
These spaces hold your real life.
Backyard sessions allow us to photograph the moments that feel most true to you.
Dogs feel safe and relaxed in familiar territory. Kids settle into play instead of feeling like they are being asked to pose. Couples move through the space naturally, the way they always do.
Instead of placing your story into a location chosen by someone else, we document it where it already belongs.
What These Sessions Feel Like
Backyard Story Sessions are slow, relaxed, and intentionally unhurried. We focus on play and connection – filling our time with activities, snacks, and lots of love.
We might start on the porch while you sip something cold and your dog circles curiously around us. Or we might dive straight into the sprinkler in the backyard, letting the light guide us as the evening settles in.
Hoses, water toys, sprinklers – those are all welcome… or, encouraged. ;)
Kids can run. Dogs can play. You can sit close together and simply exist in the space you have built together.
Some sessions may include:
• a blanket in the grass with your favorite snacks/drinks
• your dog chasing a favorite toy
• watering plants in the garden
• sitting on the porch steps as the sun lowers
• kids running barefoot through the yard
There is no pressure to perform. No expectation to create something that is not already there.
Who These Sessions Are For
Backyard sessions are especially meaningful for:
• dog parents whose dogs feel safest at home
• families who want their kids to feel relaxed and free to play
• couples who want something more personal than a traditional location session
• anyone who believes everyday life deserves to be remembered
Your home does not need to be perfect.
It only needs to be yours.
A Limited Summer Offering
Because these sessions are deeply personal and location specific, I will only be offering four Backyard Story Sessions this season.
Once those dates are filled, I will begin a small waitlist in case additional openings become available later in the summer.
Summer Session Details
Backyard Story Sessions will take place throughout June and July on select dates.
To keep this experience intentional and personal, I am opening only four sessions for the entire summer.
These sessions are designed to be simple, intentional, and easy to step into.
Each Backyard Story Session is $500 and includes up to 60 minutes of shooting time in your home or backyard. You’ll receive a gallery of 40 hand-edited images that reflect your space, your connection, and the rhythm of your everyday life.
If you find yourself wanting to hold onto more, the full gallery will be available to upgrade for $175 once your images are delivered.
Sessions are scheduled during evening hours to work with the softer light and to ease the intensity of the Houston heat. We will move at a relaxed pace, allowing for breaks when needed and space for things to unfold naturally.
For homes located outside of a 25-mile radius of Spring, Texas, a travel fee may apply. If you’re unsure, you’re always welcome to reach out and ask.
If something about this session type resonates with you, I would love to hear from you. Or, if you’re ready to book, you can snag your date completely online!
These sessions are for people who want their photos to feel like their real life. The laughter in the yard. The quiet moments on the porch. The dog who never leaves your side.
If you would like to stay in the loop about this session type, you are invited to join the interest list below. I’ll send the occasional email with news/updates or any last-minute openings.
Until then, I hope this offering simply serves as a reminder that the places where your everyday life unfolds are already full of stories worth holding onto. (Even in the thick of the Houston heat!)
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my backyard is not “perfect” or very large?
Your backyard does not need to be perfect. Or big!
Some of the most meaningful sessions happen in small, simple spaces. A patch of grass, a quiet corner of the porch, a favorite chair outside, or the place where your dog always lays in the sun can become the backdrop for beautiful moments.
What time of day do these sessions take place?
Because Houston summers can be warm and bright, most Backyard Story Sessions take place in the evening, close to sunset. This is typically 60-90 minutes before sunset.
What if it is very hot outside?
Houston summers are real, and I plan for that.
Sessions are scheduled in the cooler part of the evening, however, if conditions are unsafe to be outdoors, we’ll pivot indoors or reschedule to a safer day.
Can our dog be part of the session?
Yes!!! Dogs are always welcome!
In fact, backyard sessions are often the best environment for dogs because they are already comfortable in the space. Familiar smells and surroundings help them relax and behave naturally.
How should we prepare our backyard for the session?
Preparation is simpler than you may think! Most folks choose to tidy a few areas where we might spend time such as the porch, patio, or a favorite spot in the yard. Moving a few distractions out of view is often all that is needed.
Beyond that, the most important thing is simply showing up as yourselves. The beauty of backyard sessions is that they celebrate the life already happening in your space.