Craving some beautiful family photos? Why you should consider booking a summer session!
I used to think fall was the best season for family photos. The cozy sweaters, the rich autumn colors, and the pumpkin-spiced everything—it just felt right. And don’t get me wrong, I love my fall family photos.
But last year, we made the switch to summer, and let me tell you—I fell in love.
✨ The warm golden light.
✨ The lighthearted, barefoot-in-the-grass kind of vibe.
✨ The relaxed energy of a summer evening.
Our session felt so much more natural. No stress about coordinating layers, no worrying about freezing temps or unpredictable fall weather—just pure, easygoing fun. My kids could run, laugh, and be themselves, and the result? Photos that felt completely us.
So if you’ve always thought fall was the season for family portraits, I get it. But summer? It has an effortless beauty that’s too good to overlook. Here’s why you’ll love a summer session just as much as I did—plus the best spots in Pittsburgh for your own golden-hour photoshoot!
Why Summer is the Perfect Season for Family Photos
I know what you might be thinking—family photos in the summer? Hot, humid, and buggy, right? Honestly, I think you’d be surprised at how pleasant and comfortable a summer evening session can be. The golden hour light is absolutely dreamy, and if the temps or humidity are higher than expected, summer offers the flexibility to reschedule without the stress of a packed fall calendar.
And beyond just the flexibility, there are so many reasons why summer is actually one of the best seasons for family photos…
There’s an abundance of golden hour perfection.
Summer evenings bring some of the dreamiest golden hour lighting. The long daylight hours give us more flexibility with timing, and those warm, glowing sunsets? They are a photographer’s dream for creating dreamy golden hour magic.
If you’ve ever swooned over that soft, golden glow in family portraits — it’s all about timing and the summer is the season to access an abundance of it. Although Pittsburgh weather isn’t guaranteed, the vibe of summer is much more laid back for picking and choosing a date that will be filled with sun.
Lush Greenery and Blooms Create an Effortlessly Beautiful Backdrop
Unlike the rich tones of fall and the barren look of winter, summer is full of vibrant color! Whether it’s wildflowers in bloom, deep green forests, or gardens with an ever-changing rotation of flowers, your options in the summer are limitless when it comes to gorgeous, natural backdrops.
The lush garden vibes and rich scenery create a timeless, romantic feel in your images—making them look effortlessly beautiful.
A Stress-Free Wardrobe (Because Simplicity is Key in Summer!)
If you’re like me, the idea of curating coordinated, layered outfits for fall can feel like a lot of work. But in summer? It’s so much easier!
- Breezy, comfortable outfits like flowy dresses, linen shirts, and casual styles.
- Fewer layers = less hassle when coordinating outfits!
- Lighter colors complement natural sunlight, making your images feel fresh, airy, and vibrant.
Summer outfits are breezy, effortless, and stress-free—so you can focus on having fun instead of worrying about wardrobe choices.
Warm Weather Means Comfortable (and Happy) Kiddos!
Ever tried getting kids to smile while they’re shivering in the cold? Not fun. Trust me… I know!
With summer sessions, you don’t have to worry about freezing temperatures or bundling up between shots. The warm weather allows everyone to relax, have fun, and be themselves—and that’s when the best photos happen.
- Kids can run barefoot in the grass.
- Parents don’t have to worry about jackets or layers.
- The whole experience is relaxed and all about making memories!
More Flexibility for Timing
With longer daylight hours, we have more options for session times. If you have young kids who need earlier sessions, we can find that sweet spot where the lighting is still perfect without pushing bedtime too late. Sunset sessions create those warm, glowing images, but if your little ones need an earlier session, shaded areas still provide beautiful, even light.
Less Chaos, More Availability — Summer Makes Scheduling Easier
Between school, sports, and after-school activities, fall can be hectic for families. Finding time for family photos in between soccer games, school events, and holiday prep can feel impossible.
That’s why summer is the perfect time to schedule a session!
- No school schedules to work around
- Fewer commitments = less stress
- Easier to find a time that works for everyone
With fewer packed schedules and extracurriculars, summer offers a laid-back, flexible window for planning your session. Instead of cramming it into an already busy fall schedule, you can actually enjoy the experience—without feeling like you’re squeezing it in.
Best Locations for Summer Family Photos in Pittsburgh
Here’s a list of my top 5 favorite locations for summer family photos in Pittsburgh. We are blessed with an area that offers an abundance of beautiful spaces that work well in the summer including Pittsburgh parks, nature centers, farms and more. However, these are probably the most popular ones that shine during this summer season.
Simmons Farm | McMurray, PA
If you love wildflowers, this is your spot! Simmons Farm is stunning in the summer, with endless flower fields and a relaxed, rustic feel. This space is best right before the sun sets and really peeks in late July and August. Due to some scheduling rules, it’s best to book this one in advance!
Hartwood Acres Mansion | Hampton, PA
A classic, elegant setting with a mix of stone architecture around the mansion, cute nooks, a quaint courtyard and an ever-blooming gated garden. It’s gorgeous at golden hour, and the variety of backdrops makes for a stunning gallery spread. Hartwood is a space that works well in all seasons, but if you love flowers, the garden and landscaping around the mansion are beautiful during the summer season.
Phipps Conservatory | Oakland, PA
Perfect if you want lush greenery and manicured gardens in your photos. The gardens change seasonally, making it an ever-evolving backdrop of seasonal beauty. The summer season is usually colorful and lush which pairs well with the timeless beauty of the Phipps building.
Altmyer Park | North Hills, PA
This hidden gem offers open fields, dreamy sunset views, and a peaceful setting. It’s perfect for natural, playful family photos with kids running through the fields! As a bonus, there is a park that works well as a fun incentive for the kids after the session.
(This is also the space I used for my own family photos that I loved last year!)
Fern Hollow Nature Center | Sewickley, PA
This is one of my favorite spots in the mid to later part of the year. It’s a vast open space with lots of natural greenery, an open field with tall grass and trails and access to beautiful light at sunset.
Looking for something different? Summer is a great time for adventure.
If you love the idea of a carefree, adventurous session, here are some fun ideas to make your summer photos extra special!
Creekside Adventure – Splash in the water, skip rocks, and capture playful, candid moments! Perfect for families who love the outdoors.
Ice Cream Date – Nothing says summer like an ice cream cone! A post-session ice cream stop makes for adorable (and delicious) candid moments.
Backyard Magic – Your home is already special to you, so why not capture your family right there? Whether it’s playing in the sprinkler, making s’mores, or just cuddling on the porch, at-home sessions add a meaningful, relaxed touch.
Picnic in the Park – Bring a cozy blanket, fresh fruit, and let the kids snack and giggle while capturing sweet, natural interactions.
Downtown Stroll – Love the city vibe? Walk along Pittsburgh’s North Shore, visit a coffee shop, or pose by one of the many colorful murals.
Nature Hike – If your family loves the outdoors, why not hike a scenic trail or explore a wooded overlook? It’s the perfect way to capture adventurous, relaxed moments.
Ready to Book Your Summer Family Photos?
Summer sessions fill up fast, so if you’re thinking about booking, now’s the time! Let’s chat and find the perfect location and date for your session.
Click here to request a summer session!
Summer is full of beauty, fun, and memories waiting to be captured—let’s make it happen!
