5 Reasons To Schedule a Summer Photo Session in Des Moines

As a professional high school senior and family portrait photographer in Des Moines, I’ve learned that timing can make a world of difference when it comes to scheduling your photo session. 

With vibrant colors, warm weather, and a relaxed pace, a summer photo session in Des Moines offers unique opportunities for creating stunning portraits that you’ll love for years to come.

Reasons to book a summer photo session in Des Moines

1. Vivid, Natural Backdrops

One of the standout advantages of summer photography is the abundance of natural beauty. From lush green parks and blooming flower gardens to golden fields and serene lakes, summer’s landscapes provide an array of backdrops that elevate your photos.

Outdoor settings allow families to be captured in an authentic and organic way. Picture your family walking hand in hand on a sunlit trail, relaxing on a beach with sparkling water in the background, or playing in a meadow bursting with wildflowers. These vibrant surroundings add depth, color, and life to your portraits, making them as timeless as they are visually stunning.

The longer daylight hours also mean we can work with the most flattering natural light—golden hour. That magical time shortly after sunrise or before sunset bathes everything in soft, warm light that enhances skin tones and creates a dreamy ambiance.

Pro Tip: June is typically the ideal month to do your session since grass is usually very green from the spring rains. However, if we experience a drought (which often happens in Iowa), by July and August those lush green grasses are brown and dry. This won’t matter as much for an urban session but definitely keep this in mind for a park/nature location.

2. A More Relaxed Family Schedule

Summer often brings a break from the usual hustle and bustle. With school out and many families taking vacations, it’s easier to find a time when everyone’s schedules align. This makes coordinating a photo session much less stressful compared to other times of the year when school, work, and extracurricular activities dominate the calendar.

The relaxed pace of summer also means families tend to be more at ease during the session itself. Children can run and play, and parents aren’t rushing from one obligation to another. This sense of ease translates beautifully into the photographs, capturing genuine smiles, laughter, and connections.

3. Wardrobe Flexibility and Comfort

Summer’s warm temperatures offer the perfect opportunity to wear light, comfortable clothing. Flowy dresses, crisp linen shirts, and casual shorts are not only comfortable but also photograph exceptionally well. These outfits can add a sense of movement and texture to your portraits, giving them a polished yet effortless look.

Summer’s fashion palette also leans into bright, cheerful colors and soft pastels that complement natural backdrops beautifully. Whether you’re aiming for coordinated outfits or a mix of individual styles, summer gives you the flexibility to experiment with looks that suit your family’s personality and the setting.

4. Create and Capture Memories

Summer is a season of connection and adventure. Whether it’s a family picnic or a day at the Iowa State Fair, these moments are rich with emotion and meaning. Scheduling a family photo session in the summer allows you to incorporate these activities into your portraits, blending posed shots with candid moments.

Additionally, summer sessions can be a fun experience for the whole family. Incorporating elements like props (think picnic blankets, bicycles, or even your child’s favorite toy) or interactive activities (blowing bubbles, flying kites) keeps everyone engaged and ensures the session feels less like a chore and more like a memorable family outing.

5. Timely Prints, Gifts, and Yearbook Images

Planning a photo session in the summer means you’ll have your images ready well before the holiday season. This gives you ample time to use your portraits for custom holiday cards, photo gifts, or even wall art to update your home decor.

With the photos completed in summer, you can avoid the last-minute rush and enjoy the process of selecting and ordering prints, albums, or other keepsakes. Plus, the vibrant tones of summer portraits can bring warmth and joy to your holiday greetings, standing out in the best possible way.

High school seniors who do their session in the summer will have their yearbook image in plenty of time for the school’s submission deadline, and won’t have to rush to get grad cards ordered and sent off to your guest list.  Plus, you’ll get to enjoy your images for your entire senior year instead of just 2nd semester by waiting until late fall…and being super stressed to get your image submitted before the deadline while also trying to keep up with studying for final exams!

Tips for a Successful Summer Photo Session in Des Moines

• Timing is Everything: Early morning or late evening sessions not only provide the best lighting but also help avoid the midday heat.

• Stay Hydrated: As your photographer, I always bring a cooler filled with cold bottled water to your session, along with a selection of non-messy snacks for both adults and kids. It’s no fun to be hangry at a photo session! Always feel free to bring your own snacks and beverages, but this is a service that I provide to my clients.

• Dress for the Weather: Choose breathable fabrics and consider layering for unpredictable temperature changes.

• Communicate Your Vision: Share your ideas and preferences with your photographer in advance to ensure the session reflects your family’s unique personality. All of my clients receive a complimentary Style & Concept Consultation where we plan all of the details of your session, including location, outfits, and groupings that you want captured, so that your vision comes to life. Then, I will assist you in selecting beautiful professional print products for your home so that you can enjoy your portraits every day, no scrolling social media required!

Summer Photo Session Des Moines

Summer is more than just a season; it’s an opportunity to celebrate your family’s journey.  A summer photo session lets you embrace the beauty of the outdoors, take advantage of a more relaxed schedule, and capture moments that you’ll treasure for years to come. Click below to learn more about the Session Experience.

If you’re ready to have a fun and stress-free experience and beautiful artwork for your home, there’s no better time than now to book your family’s summer photo session in Des Moines. Contact me today to plan a session that shows your family's love and special connection. Summer doesn’t last forever, but the experience and portraits will.