The Best Kind of Chaos: Summer Nature Family Session
Five people, a field full of wildflowers, and the kind of golden light that makes you slow down and pay attention. This summer nature family session at Indian Springs Hiking Trail in Clarkston gave us every reason to love what we do.
Wildflowers, Dirt Paths, and Zero Stiffness
Some families show up camera-ready. This crew showed up ready to play. Dad had a kid on his back within the first five minutes, and the energy never dipped from there. We told them to just be themselves, and honestly, they didn’t need much convincing. That kind of looseness is when we do our best work.
The trail itself gave us so much variety. One minute we were in tall grass and black-eyed Susans. The next, a quiet gravel path with tree canopy filtering the light overhead. We shot wide to capture the landscape, then pulled in tight for the quiet stuff: a forehead touch between mom and daughter, dad squeezing both girls close, the baby grinning like she owned the place.
If you’re considering Indian Springs for your own family photos in Clarkston, summer is the sweet spot. The wildflowers peak in late July and August, and the trails are wide enough that little ones can wander without anyone stressing about it.
Golden Hour Did Not Disappoint
We timed this session for the last stretch of daylight, and it paid off. The warm backlight turned every flyaway hair into a little halo. It wrapped around this family in a way that made everything feel soft and cinematic. We live for that kind of light.
The closing frames were just mom and dad walking hand in hand down the path, laughing about something one of the kids said. No posing. No direction from us. Just two people who clearly like each other a lot, caught in good light. Those are the photos that end up on the wall. Check out more of our work on our family photography portfolio.
When is the best time of year for family photos at Indian Springs Hiking Trail?
Late July through mid-August is ideal. The wildflowers along the trail are at their peak, and the wide paths give families plenty of room to move. We recommend booking a golden hour session for the warmest, most flattering light.
How do I book a family session with Twig & Olive?
Start by reaching out through our contact page. Tell us a little about your family, your preferred location, and the time of year you’re thinking. We’ll handle the rest.
