Summer always seems to end faster than we expect. And thanks to social media I am constantly reminded of how few summers I have with my kids while they are little.
One day you’re chasing toddlers through the sprinkler, and the next you’re buying school supplies and wondering where the last three months went.
Even as a professional photographer myself – I can honestly say, some of the most meaningful family photos aren’t taken during perfectly planned photo sessions. They’re captured in the ordinary moments, the sticky popsicle smiles, dirty little feet, messy hair, and the way your kids reach for your hand without even thinking about it.
You don’t need an expensive camera or to hire a professional photographer to preserve those memories. Your phone is more than enough.
Here are twelve simple late summer photo ideas you can recreate with your own family before the season comes to an end.
1. Have a Backyard Picnic at Golden Hour
Golden hour! The hour before sunset, is nature’s best filter.
Lay out a neutral blanket in your backyard or at a nearby park, pack a few snacks, and simply spend time together. Don’t worry about everyone looking at the camera. Instead, photograph the moments in between.
Try capturing:
- Mom laughing with the kids
- Little hands grabbing strawberries
- Dad tossing a toddler in the air
- Siblings sharing snacks
- Everyone walking away hand-in-hand
What I’d Bring:
- Neutral picnic blanket
- Woven picnic basket
- Linen dress for Mom
- Little Girl Dress
- Little Boy Outfit
- Outfit for Dad
2. Let the Kids Run Through the Sprinkler
Some of the happiest photos you’ll ever take are completely unplanned.
Turn on the sprinkler, let the kids get soaked, and simply follow them around with your phone.
Don’t ask them to smile.
Just let them play.
Look for:
- Water flying through the air
- Tiny bare feet running through the grass
- Belly laughs
- Wet curls
- Parents joining the fun
What I’d Bring:
- Oscillating sprinkler
- Bubble machine
- Turkish towels
- Neutral swim attire: for mom | for dad | for boys | for girls
3. Go Get Ice Cream
This one couldn’t be easier.
Head to your favorite local ice cream shop just before sunset.
The goal isn’t perfect photos. It’s capturing the joy.
Photograph:
- Melting cones
- Sticky fingers
- Kids sitting on the curb
- Parents sharing bites
- Walking back to the car together
What I’d Bring:
4. Visit a Sunflower Field
Sunflowers naturally give kids something to do.
Instead of telling everyone to look at the camera, encourage them to interact with the flowers.
Ask your kids:
- Can you smell this one?
- Which flower is the biggest?
- Can you hold Mom’s hand while you walk?
Those prompts create genuine moments you’ll actually want to remember.
What I’d Bring:
- Flowy maxi dress
- Baby romper: for boys | for girls
- Woven basket
- Neutral sandals
5. Take an Evening Family Walk
Sometimes the simplest moments become the most meaningful photographs.
Leave the phones in your pocket until the sun starts getting low, then pull it out for just a few minutes.
Capture:
- Holding hands
- Piggyback rides
- Kids collecting rocks
- Walking down the sidewalk together
- Silhouettes against the sunset
What I’d Bring:
- Matching white sneakers: for littles | for mom & dad
- Neutral linen shirts: for mom | for dad | for boys | for girls
- Crossbody bag
6. Have a Watermelon Picnic
Messy memories are the best memories.
Slice up a watermelon outside and let the kids eat it however they want.
Forget about clean faces.
That’s the whole point.
Photograph:
- Watermelon juice dripping down little chins
- Tiny hands holding huge slices
- Seed-spitting contests
- Giggles between siblings
What I’d Bring:
7. Camp in the Backyard
You don’t have to drive into the mountains to create magical memories.
Pitch a tent, hang a few string lights, roast marshmallows, read bedtime stories by lantern light.
Some of the sweetest family photos happen right outside your own back door.
What I’d Bring:
8. Pick Wildflowers Together
Give each child a little basket.
Then simply tell them:
“Find the prettiest flower you can.”
Instead of posing them, photograph them while they’re searching.
Those quiet moments often become favorites.
What I’d Bring:
9. Spend Saturday Morning at the Farmers Market
Farmers markets are full of natural color and movement.
Buy fresh flowers, share pastries, carry coffee, walk slowly.
Document the morning exactly as it happens.
You’ll love these photos years from now because they capture your real life.
What I’d Bring:
10. Eat Popsicles on the Front Porch
Simple. Easy. Completely unforgettable.
Sit on the front steps together and watch the kids tell stories.
Laugh when the popsicles melt faster than they can eat them.
Sometimes that’s all it takes.
What I’d Bring:
11. Build a Blanket Fort
Summer afternoons are perfect for slowing down.
Build the biggest blanket fort you can.
Read books.
Play flashlight games.
Snuggle.
Photograph the little details:
- Tiny feet sticking out
- Kids whispering secrets
- Mom reading stories
- Flashlights glowing inside the fort
What I’d Bring:
12. End Summer with Bare Feet and Bubbles
If you only do one thing before summer ends… Blow bubbles. Seriously.
Kids naturally laugh, chase, jump, and interact.
You don’t have to direct anything.
Just follow them around with your camera.
Some of my favorite family photos have happened because someone pulled out a $20 bubble machine.
What I’d Bring:
- Bubble machine
- Bubble refill solution
- Neutral family outfits: for mom | for dad | for boys | for girls
- Bluetooth phone shutter remote
My Favorite Tips for Better Family Photos
You don’t need expensive equipment to capture beautiful memories. These simple tricks make a huge difference:
- Shoot during the hour before sunset whenever possible or right after sunset! (Golden hour and blue hour)
- Get down to your child’s eye level.
- Focus on interactions instead of smiles.
- Let kids move instead of asking them to sit still.
- Take way more photos than you think you’ll need.
- Capture the tiny details, dirty feet, tangled hair, little hands, and warm hugs.
- Don’t worry about perfection. Years from now, you won’t notice the messy hair or grass stains. You’ll simply be grateful you captured the moment.
Before Summer Ends…
Don’t wait for the “perfect” time.
The perfect outfits. The perfect weather. Or the perfect photographer.
Your children won’t remember whether the lighting was flawless. They’ll remember running through the sprinkler, eating popsicles on the porch, and picking wildflowers with you on a warm August evening.
And one day, those ordinary moments will become your favorite photographs!
SHOP THE FULL COLLECTION OF LATE SUMMER PHOTO ITEMS
Need some ideas on how to schedule your summer days with littles? Read this post!
hey there!
I'm Sarah Elrod
I'm one half of Elrod Ranch and the person you will likely hear from the most! I am the creative marketer behind our brand. I'm a photographer, social media lover, and entrepreneurship nerd.
I'm super passionate about sharing our faily story and day to day lives which is exactly what you can expect around here!
Everything from recipes I am cooking up, to the animals we have, my best hacks for raising cow kids and more!
I'm so glad you're here!
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