Chasing the Light: An Early Spring Family Session
Golden hour showed up for this one. The sun was low, the grass was green, and these five were completely in their element at Cedar Hill State Park. This early spring family session reminded us why we love shooting outdoors with young kids. You don’t have to choreograph anything. You just let them go.
The In-Between Is Where It Happens
We say it all the time: the best frames almost never come from the posed ones. They come from the chase, the spin, the moment a kid flops into the grass and everyone cracks up. That’s what happened here, over and over. The older two were running circles around us while the baby grinned from Mom’s hip, and we just stayed ready.
Cedar Hill gave us everything we needed. Split-rail fences, open fields, a few old structures with character, and light that just kept getting better as the evening went on. We shot wide for the big landscape stuff and pulled in tight when the quiet moments happened. A forehead touch between Mom and her daughter. Dad hoisting his son onto his back. Those are the ones that end up on the wall.
If you’re considering family photos at Cedar Hill, early spring is the sweet spot. The wildflowers are just starting, the heat hasn’t set in yet, and the park isn’t packed. We had room to wander, and this family took full advantage. The kids explored. The parents relaxed. And honestly, that’s when we do our best work.
One of our favorite frames from the entire evening is the last one: Dad and his youngest, black and white, just a quiet kiss on the cheek. No posing, no direction. Just a dad being a dad. That’s what our family sessions are really about.
When is the best time of year for family photos at Cedar Hill State Park?
Early spring is one of our favorites. The wildflowers are starting to bloom, the light is warm without the summer heat, and the park is less crowded. Late fall works beautifully too, but spring gives you that fresh green palette that’s hard to beat.
How do I book a family session with Twig & Olive?
Just reach out through our contact page and tell us a little about your family and where you’d like to shoot. We’ll handle the rest, from timing the light to picking the best spot at the park.
