Backyard Story Sessions

A slow summer offering

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.

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

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 might start on the porch while you sip something cold and your dog circles curiously around the camera. We might wander through the yard, 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.

The goal is simple.

To document your life as it is unfolding right now.

Session Details

Backyard Story Sessions will take place throughout June and July.

To keep this experience intentional and personal, I am opening only four sessions for the entire summer.

Each session includes:

• a relaxed 60 minute session at your home or backyard
• space for couples, families, and dog parents
• gentle guidance when needed with plenty of room for natural moments
• a storytelling gallery that reflects the pace and feeling of your time together

These sessions are designed for people who want photographs that feel honest, comfortable, and rooted in the spaces they love most.

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 Small 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.

If something about this session type resonates with you, I would love to hear from you.

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 learn more or be first to know when the summer dates are released, you are warmly invited to join the interest list below.

I will personally reach out when booking opens and share the next steps.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my backyard is not “perfect” or very large?

Your backyard does not need to be perfect.

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.

When I arrive, I naturally look for the best light and the small details that tell your story. The goal is never perfection. The goal is documenting the life that already exists in your space.

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.

This time of day brings softer light, cooler temperatures, and a slower rhythm that works beautifully for both people and pets.

Evening sessions also allow us to capture that gentle golden light as it moves through your yard and settles into the evening. No one wants harsh shadows or to be out when the sun is at its highest point!

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 whenever possible. We also move at a relaxed pace and can step inside for a few moments if needed.

Many families like to incorporate small summer comforts such as cold drinks on the porch, sitting in shaded areas, or letting kids and dogs play naturally rather than forcing constant movement.

The goal is always comfort first.

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.

Whether your dog runs joyful laps through the yard or prefers to stay close beside you, we will work at their pace and include them in a way that feels natural.

How should we prepare our backyard for the session?

Preparation is simple!

Most families 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.