Golden Hour Mini Session | Austin Family Photographer

Spring in Austin is one of my favorite times to shoot. And this golden hour mini session is no exception. That dreamy evening light hits just right, the heat hasn’t totally taken over yet, and families are just coming out of winter hibernation with that “let’s make some memories” energy.

This session with Cydne, Ryan, and their two boys was everything I love about photographing families.

Fun and real and laid back. Yes please!

Let me start by saying: they drove down from DFW for their session. Like… packed up the car, snacks, changes of clothes, and downloaded Disney+ on the tablet…, and made a weekend out of it. I never take that for granted. As a mom, I know first-hand what it takes to get little ones out the door, let alone drive 3 hours away.

So when clients travel to me—it’s the biggest honor.

We had originally planned to shoot in the bluebonnets (because what says “Texas spring” more than that?), but as I’m sure you noticed - the blooms were running way behind this year. Instead of postponing, Cydne told me, “Let’s just keep the date and enjoy golden hour.” And I’m so glad we did. The light was incredible. Talk about warm and glowy! And the weather was just right. Not too hot, not too humid.

So yeah, this golden hour mini session was a dream evening.

They showed up in beautifully simple, earth-toned outfits. Warm neutrals, demin, textures and small prints. Their styling was effortless, and it let the focus stay exactly where it should be: on their connection. No matching costumes or forced poses. Just them, showing up as they are. I send a style guide out to alllll mini sessions that book with me, and this is exactly what I say. Go for neutrals, some textures, no matching… they hit the nail on the head for this shoot!

Cydne and Ryan are deep in the toddler trenches. Juggling full-time work and full-time parenting with their two little boys. They love every second they get together as a family. As a fellow working mom, I feel that too! Their oldest boy brought his whole personality to the session —including his beloved Spiderman shoes. And instead of trying to hide them or make him change, Cydne just smiled and said, “Let’s do it. It’s real life.”

That’s the energy I adore. No pressure to make it perfect, no stress over the ‘right’ outfits or Pinterest poses.

Just documenting this season as it actually is—joyful, chaotic, sweet, and fast.

The kind of session where we chase kids through the fields, grab the snuggles when we can, and capture all the in-between magic.

And listen: if you’re a busy mom reading this (hi, me too!), thinking ugh I really want new photos, but I can’t deal with the stress or mental load of making it happen: I see you. Imagine yourself with a golden hour mini session, and know that nothing is perfect behind the scenes and we still make magic.

All of my mini sessions are designed with you in mind. They’re short and sweet, so you can still make the birthday party after.

So whether you feel super prepared or are just running out the door to make it happen… I’ve got you. Come as you are, and I’ll make sure you leave with photos that feel like home.