Summer is the season of sunshine, laughter, and endless family memories. Whether you’re planning big adventures or enjoying simple moments at home, there are countless ways to document this special time of year. As a mom and a photographer, I know how quickly these fleeting summer days pass—and how priceless it is to have photos to look back on.

Here are 15 summer photo ideas to inspire you to grab your camera (or your phone!) and start snapping:

Here are some of our favorite lunch and brunch spots just minutes from the studio:

Family Photo Ideas for Summer in Texas

1. Backyard Sprinkler Fun

Capture your kids running through the sprinklers or jumping over a spray of water in the backyard. Bonus points for catching the sunlight sparkling in the droplets!

2. Inside a Living Room Fort or Tent

All kids love to build a fort, let them entertain themselves grabbing all the blankets and pillows in the house. Then snap some pictures of them all laying together inside

3. Sunset Silhouettes

Take your family outside just before sunset and photograph their silhouettes against a glowing sky. Jumping poses or holding hands make for extra sweet images.

4. Ice Cream or Snow Cone Drip Moments

A special trip to get ice cream or a snow cone turns a regular summer day into something special — and don’t stress about the drips down their hands. It’s part of the memory!

5. A photo YOU are in

Please make sure that Mom gets in at least a couple pictures this summer! Hand the phone to someone else and grab your kids.

6. Nature Treasure Hunt

Bring your camera on a family walk and photograph your kids discovering flowers, bugs, or interesting rocks. Could find a new trail nearby or just go to your neighborhood park.

7. Picnic in the Park

Pack up a picnic and capture cozy moments of your family lounging on a blanket with snacks, books, and maybe even a game of cards.

9. Pool Day Splash Shots

Whether it’s the neighborhood pool or a kiddie pool in the yard, take action shots of your kids splashing, jumping in, or floating on pool toys.

10. Summer Reading Under a Tree

Photograph your kids (or the whole family) relaxing under a shady tree with a stack of books. These peaceful moments are just as important as the big adventures.

11. A summer-only friend or cousin

The once-a-year playdate or backyard reunion.

12. Family Bike Ride

Photograph your crew riding bikes together on a trail or down your street. Capture the movement and the carefree vibe of summer evenings.

13. Bubbles in the Golden Hour

Blow bubbles during golden hour (just before sunset) for magical photos with glowing bubbles floating all around.

14. Campfire S’mores Night

Take your camera out for a cozy summer night around the firepit. Focus on sticky s’mores smiles, glowing faces, and the sparks rising into the night sky.

15. The back of your child as they look out away from you

Give yourself a new perspective. This is a great photo to repeat year after year to see how big the kids are growing.

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Pro Tip: Don’t Worry About “Perfect”

The best summer photos are often the unposed, unplanned ones. Let your kids be messy, silly, and totally themselves—you’ll treasure those authentic moments most of all.

And if you’re dreaming of a professional session to capture your family this summer, I’d love to help. Contact me here.