There are families you grow alongside as a photographer—the ones you’ve watched evolve from new parents holding a swaddled newborn to seasoned pros chasing toddlers through the grass. The Vazquez family is one of those stories for me. I’ve photographed them for four (holy cow!) years now. Every time we meet, it’s a reminder of how quickly childhood changes. These summer family photos in the charming Village of River Forest were a perfect depiction of this playful stage of life.

The last time we met, the Vazquez crew had a brand-new baby in their arms (peep Sam’s adorable newborn session). And big brother Ben was figuring out his new role in the wildest, sweetest way. Now, Ben is four (prime time for imaginary play), and Sam—who I swear was a tiny burrito in his mama’s arms five minutes ago—is almost two and running like the world’s his stage.

This year’s session took us to their neighborhood park in River Forest Village, only a short walk from home. Big brother Ben and sweet Sam had energy to spare and ear-to-ear smiles that came and went between running, climbing, and laughing. Seeing them race across the playground as brothers was surreal in the best way.

A Neighborhood Park That Feels Like Home

The Vazquezes live in one of those classic River Forest neighborhoods lined with old oaks, gorgeous homes, and wide sidewalks. This is the type of neighborhood where kids know every crack in the pavement on the way to the park. Their chosen spot was only two blocks away. So, we took our time walking there and let the boys explore along the way. The park had all the essentials: soft shade from the trees, open space for running, and playground structures that became the perfect stage for silly candid shots.

It was a hot summer morning, but Mom came fully prepared. Both boys were well-fed and hydrated. She had her trusty handheld fan to keep everyone cool between swings and slides. Those small bits of preparation made such a difference in keeping everyone comfortable and happy. I always encourage families to think about the weather and comfort ahead of time.

Photographing Real Life (and Real Little Kids)

If there’s one thing I’ve learned over years of photographing families, it’s that young kids don’t perform on cue—which is what makes family photos special. Rather than asking them to “smile at the camera,” I focus on letting them play and interact naturally. (Does “Say cheese!” ever really work?)

With Ben and Sam, that meant lots of running, tickling, and chasing games. We blew raspberries, had races across the field, and climbed up low branches that made them feel like superheroes. One of my favorite parts of every family session is the “cuddle puddle”—a family snuggle pile that’s full of movement, laughter, and pure connection. It’s never perfectly posed, but it always feels authentic.

We were lucky to have Grandma Martha join in on these summer family photos, too. After all, summer and grandparents go to together like peanut butter and jelly. She helped wrangle the boys (a true superpower) and hopped in for a few portraits. I’m so glad she did, because grandparent photos are often the ones families treasure most years down the road. From the boys’ bursts of laughter to quiet moments like Sam slipping his little hand into his grandma’s, the session felt like a snapshot of this wonderfully fleeting chapter of family life. Those tiny gestures are everything.

Make the Most of Your Family Session

A family session isn’t only about the kids, though they tend to take center stage. I always make time for a few extra combinations: parents together, each parent with the kids, grandparents, and even siblings alone. Those smaller groupings tell a more complete story of your family dynamic.

It can feel like a rare opportunity when everyone’s dressed up and out of the house together, so take advantage of it! The Vazquez session flowed from playful, candid shots to quieter, more connected moments between Mom and Dad while Grandma entertained the boys nearby. Those quick portraits of the two of them—smiling at each other, catching their breath—might not feel like the focus now, but they become cherished memories of the early parenting years.

Tips for Families Planning Their Own Photo Session

If you’re gearing up for some summer family photos—especially with toddlers in the mix—here are a few simple ways to set yourself up for success:

1. Choose a familiar location.

Whether it’s your backyard, your favorite park, or the playground down the street, picking a place your kids know well helps them relax and feel at ease. Familiar spaces often lead to more genuine smiles and less stress for everyone. (They’ll also be more familiar with your rules for that space, so you’ll feel less stressed about trying to rein them in throughout the session. I want genuine, relaxed smiles from you, too!)

2. Plan for comfort first.

Hot or cold, kids always seem to take notice of any slight weather change. Bring water, snacks, wipes, and anything that helps them stay comfortable (a fan, a blanket, or favorite toys). If your session runs long, those small comforts can keep everyone happy and engaged. Although at the park, the adults are usually more affected by the weather than the kids.

3. Don’t expect perfection—embrace play.

The best photos often happen between the poses. Let your kids run, jump, or giggle mid-tickle. Your photographer will know how to capture the joy in movement and the connections that unfold naturally. You’d be surprised what magic can come from (what feels like) chaos.

4. Include extended family if you can.

Inviting grandparents or other close family members can turn your session into a multi-generational experience. Not only do they help wrangle little ones, but you’ll also capture meaningful relationships that kids will cherish as they grow. Teens can be surprisingly sentimental, and they’ll appreciate having these photos with their special people.

5. Sneak in a few couple photos.

Even a quick five minutes while the kids are distracted is worth it. Parenting is a team effort, and those photos together—amid all the life that’s happening—become beautiful reminders of the love at the center of your family.

A Season Worth Framing

As we wrapped up these summer family photos at their River Forest park, Ben and Sam ran back to the swings for one last ride. Mom and Dad laughed, Grandma smiled, and I packed up my camera, knowing these fleeting years are the ones worth documenting. Because someday, those messy, joy-filled photos will transport them right back to this season—snacks, fans, giggles, and all.

No matter the season—spring, summer, fall, or winter; babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and beyond—this one deserves your attention. Immortalize all the precious details through photography. You’ll be so glad you did.

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