Welcome!
If you’re here, that means you’re officially on my email list and already thinking about next year’s memories. Which I’m so excited about! Spring and summer carry a special kind of magic that asks us to slow down. To breathe a little deeper. And let the light sink in.
Whether your session is filled with movement, quiet tenderness, or the in-between glances you never want to forget, this guide is here to help you prepare with ease and intention.
My hope is that it makes your session feel simple, inspired, and true to you – and that you walk into your photos feeling held, supported, and excited for what we’ll create together.
I’m so grateful you’re here. Let’s get into it!
Why Spring & Summer Are Kinda Awesome
There’s something about this time of year. Long golden hours, blooms in the fields, water that feels like relief, barefoot adventures, kids being kids, and a pace that finally softens. These seasons are made for honest storytelling… where your family or partnership simply gets to be itself.
This guide gathers my favorite locations, wardrobe inspiration, pro tips, and fun session ideas to help you dream up the session that feels most like you.
Locational Magic (a.k.a where we can go)
Wildflower Fields
This is what spring is all about! Soft color, open air, and the feeling that spring is waking up right beneath your feet. And nothing beats a dog prancing through a field of flowers.
If you’ve been craving something soft, organic, and full of color without feeling crowded or hectic, wildflowers are one of the sweetest ways to welcome spring.
If you’re dreaming of florals without the pressure of finding the perfect bluebonnet patch, these wildflower fields are a gentle, naturally beautiful option. I use a handful of spots across Montgomery and Spring, and each one offers a different rhythm of color. Pinks, yellows, soft oranges, and the occasional pop of bluebonnets mingled in rather than taking center stage.
Peak blooms typically appear from mid to late March through April, but nature has her own timeline. Weather can shift things earlier or later, fuller or softer, and bloom windows sometimes move unexpectedly. Because of that, wildflower sessions work best when you’re able to stay a little flexible, willing to pivot timing, or lean into whatever the season gives us.
Why it’s a favorite:
✧ soft backdrops
✧ beautiful movement and texture when the wind picks up
✧ perfect for couples, families, and dogs who are looking for colorful photos
✧ overcast days are still beautiful
Things to keep in mind:
✧ blooms vary every year, no two seasons look the same
✧ timing is weather-dependent, so flexibility is key
✧ these locations are often quieter than popular bluebonnet fields, which means more privacy and calmer sessions
✧ long grasses + flowers = some bugs, so closed-toe shoes for walking in/out are a good idea
Creek & Forest Spots
These are cool, quiet, and made for folks who want to splash, play, and not worry about crowds. Who wouldn’t want that here in Texas? Creek sessions are a personal favorite of mine in the warmer months and can be such a fun and unique way to document the season.
Across Spring, The Woodlands, and Huntsville are tucked-away creeks with shaded trails. Cool, quiet, and perfect for privacy.
Each creek has a varying walking time to get to the creek itself. Times vary, but it’s good to note if you and any others at your session will be up for a little walk. The pro here is that the trails to the creeks are well shaded. Even still, I always recommend having water on hand during summer sessions. You can also bring things like cooling towels, portable fans, sunscreen, bug spray, and any other summertime essentials.
Why They’re Great:
✧ Natural shade throughout
✧ Cool water
✧ Minimal crowds
✧ Kids and dog friendly
Best For:
– Nature lovers
– Kids (and dogs!) who want to splash
– Those who don’t mind a little walk to get to the creek itself
Galveston-Specific Locations
Big skies. Wide water. Boardwalk nostalgia. Galveston brings so much variety that we can shape your session into anything you want. Dreamy, playful, romantic, adventurous.
Beach by Pleasure Pier (Sunrise Only)
Soft sand, endless water, and the pier in the distance. A calmer version of the boardwalk energy.
I offer this spot exclusively in the mornings since the evenings get far too crowded. If you’re an early riser, let’s do the thing. Nothing beats an empty beach in the morning, and I promise it’s worth the early start time.
Best For:
– Soft morning sessions
– Folks wanting connection and play
– Epic sunrises
Tips:
✧ Sunrise = pastel skies + empty beach
✧ Bring a sand-friendly blanket
Pleasure Pier
Bright colors, nostalgic lights, and the hum of the boardwalk. Perfect for couples and families who want a lively, story-rich session with movement and texture.
Another creative way to capture summer! My advice here would be to let kiddos know expectations ahead of time. Will you be purchasing game tickets and playing a couple of games or riding rides? Are you getting some sweet treats together? Establishing this ahead of time can help set them up for success and prevent meltdowns.
Best For:
– Playful couples
– Families who don't mind a little bustle & play
– Saturated color + evening glow
Things To Note:
✧ Weekday sessions = fewer crowds
✧ Bring a light layer, the wind can pick up in the evenings
The Strand
Historic charm, textured brick, and pastel storefronts – a coastal downtown full of character.
Best For:
– Folks looking for an urban feel near the water
– Those who love exploring
– Variety in backdrops
Tips:
✧ Early-mid morning for soft light (early afternoon works well on overcast days!)
✧ Bonus: coffee at MOD + photos = the perfect morning
East Beach
Wide, breezy, more peaceful – a quiet stretch with room to run and breathe.
Best For:
– Folks who love the beach
– Active families, couples & dogs
– Movement-heavy sessions
Tips:
✧ Less crowded than the beaches by the pier, but still busier in peak summer
✧ Great for warm golden hours
✧ Weekday evenings are the best bet for the fewest crowds
Make a Day of It!
Listen, I know that Galveston is a bit of a drive for all of us. My advice? Skip the hustle and bustle of ensuring you leave before afternoon traffic to the beach, and plan to make a day out of it all.
Here are some recommendations I have (that we could even include as part of your session!):
Breakfast at Sunflower Café • Moody Gardens • The Aquarium • Arcade time on the pier • A stroll along the seawall with ice cream in hand
Other Session Ideas (That Don’t Need An Overcrowded Beach or Perfect Wildflower Field)
Backyard Water Play
Sprinklers. Cold fruit. Popsicles. Water balloons. Nothing staged, just real joy.
Boat Ride or Lake Visit
Canyon Lake, Lake Conroe, or any smaller private lake. Think sun hats, bare feet, cool water, and that soft glow bouncing off the surface.
Studio Sessions
Bright, air-conditioned, and flexible for mid-day timing.
Studio options:
The Creative Photographer & Houston Warehouse Studios are two of my favorites to work at!
A Day-in-the-Life Adventure
Arcade, museum, bookstore, your favorite cafe, your home – anywhere you already make memories.
If you have an idea, big or small, I’d love to help dream it up with you.
Okay, now let’s talk wardrobe.
What you wear plays such an important part in how your story photographs. The right wardrobe adds movement, softness, and soul. This helps your images feel elevated without ever feeling forced. I always say “better-than-average clothing” is the sweet spot: pieces that feel like you, but a little more intentional, a little more thoughtful. Whether we’re shooting in the sunshine, at home, or doing something playful with the pups, these choices help everything come together beautifully.
My Wardrobe Philosophy
Clothing should support the moment, not distract from it. Think:
☾ Movement-friendly fabrics
☾ Soft, earthy tones
☾ Pieces that feel comfortable, not stiff
☾ Minimal patterns, no large logos
☾ For pups: neutral bandanas or simple harnesses
Overall vibe:
Light, breathable, movement-friendly, and cohesive without matching.
For Adults:
– Linen & cotton
– Flowy dresses / relaxed button-downs
– Neutrals + soft summer colors (sage, terracotta, pastels)
For Kids:
– Comfy, flexible, quick-drying
– Avoid logos and neon
– Bring backups if water is involved
For Dogs:
– Quick-dry collars
– A lightweight bandana if you want a pop of color
– Long leash in case the location requires it
Session Tips for Warm Weather
Every season brings its own little quirks, and I want you to feel completely prepared. Not stressed. Spring loves to surprise us with soft blooms and soft mud, and summer shows up with sunshine, heat, and all the reasons to get a little messy in the best way. I’ve learned what helps sessions flow naturally, and I’m sharing it all with you here.
Think of this as me walking you through everything I’d tell a friend before their session. A few simple tips, a little mindset shift, and suddenly you’re not thinking about the camera anymore. You’re just having fun, being present, and letting our time together unfold. That’s where the real magic lives, and I’m so excited to create that with you.
Tips for Spring
☾ Pack a light layer
☾ Bring a neutral / clear umbrella if rain is possible
☾ Expect a little wind (but don’t worry, it photographs beautifully)
☾ Wear shoes with traction if the ground is soft
Summer
☾ Bring water for everyone (including pups)
☾ Cooling towels help during hotter evenings
☾ Touch-up powder for shine
☾ For long hair: consider humidity-friendly styles
☾ For dogs: bring treats, a collapsible bowl, and check ground temps on arrival
☾ Sunrise sessions can be a great option to beat the heat
The overview:
✧ Sunrise is your friend – soft light, empty spaces, cooler temps
✧ Pack water, snacks, and maybe extra clothes
✧ Embrace getting wet / sandy / messy
✧ Let kids (and dogs!) lead, the best photos come from play
Let’s Dream Up Your Stories For 2026
Whether you’re imagining a salty beach morning, romping through a flower field, a creek adventure, or a documentary-style outing, I’d love to help you create something unforgettable.
Thank you again for being here! I hope this guide offered some guidance for the upcoming seasons.