Sunrise Milestone Session | Austin Family Photographer
There’s something really special about getting to photograph people through so many different seasons of life. This sunrise milestone session felt especially full circle for me because Melanie and I go way back.
Years ago, I photographed her boudoir session, then later her engagement photos with her now husband. For that session, we explored murals around Austin and ended the night at Mount Bonnell with the prettiest light. And now here we are, documenting their baby girl turning one. Honestly? The best thing ever to get to document the moments of your life.
We met up at a local Round Rock park right after sunrise.
The evening light in Summers typically are way too late for most tiny humans’ bedtimes, so we opted for morning instead! And somehow we lucked out with one of those rare cool mornings. The grass was still soft with morning dew, the trees were glowingggg in the early light, and the whole park felt calm and quiet while the day slowly started waking up around us. Couldn’t ask for a better setting as an Austin family photographer.
Tiny Moments That Feel Really Big to Us Moms
Their little one absolutely stole the show. She had the best mix of giant gummy grins, and serious little baby stares. One second she was cuddled into her mom’s shoulder and the next she was pointing at everything around her like she had very important business to attend to. I mean… pointing is her newest skill and honestly, it was adorable.
As a parent myself, milestone sessions always hit a little differently for me. That first year moves so fast. One minute they’re tiny newborns curled up on your chest for a contact nap, and then suddenly they’re sitting, crawling, walking, babbling, pointing, and showing off these huge little personalities. It’s beautiful and chaotic all at the same time.
And in the middle of all the sleep deprivation and diaper changes, it’s easy to forget just how many changes happen such a short amount of time. That’s why I love documenting this stage so much.
Sunrise Milestone Sessions are Magical:
This session was so laid back, and we had the most gorgeous lighting. I so appreciate when my families are down to wake up at the crack of dawn and head out to the park for photos. There’s something really special about these morning photos!
Also, Melanie styled everyone perfectly for the morning. Their daughter wore the cutest blush tulle dress with a delicate floral headband. And Mel brought the cutest little birthday hat for a few photos. As a mom, she chose a flowy green floral dress with a cropped cream jacket that photographed so beautifully in the sunrise light. Dad kept things simple and classic in neutral tones, which tied everything together without feeling too “matchy”, ya know!?
Before every session I send my clients a style guide, and we chat through:
Color palettes and what shades/hues to avoid
Where to shop (with specific links to outfits that photograph well)
How to mix patterns without things getting chaotic
How to use textures to elevateeeee the sh*t outta your photos!
All the styling that brings family photos together cohesively. This prep is such an important part of getting photos you love!
Holding Onto This Season of Life
Sessions like this are such a good reminder that photo sessions don’t have to be complicated to document your life. You really just need your people, a little good light, a little intentional styling… and space to be together. (well, and me there as the third wheel with my camera haha)
I will say, getting to document this family again after all these years honestly meant so much to me.
Watching clients grow into parents and seeing their little families take shape will never stop feeling surreal in the best way.
After I delivered this sunrise milestone session gallery, Melanie texted me this (and made my day!):
I’ll forever be honored to be the family photographer for all my clients. When you book with me over and over, it’s really so damn special to be able to capture as your family changes & grows. Can’t quite put it into words! But i’m grateful!!