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5 Quick Photo Ideas To Capture Your Kids Before Summer Ends

Tuesday, August 12, 2025 | By: Paint The Stars Photography

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Maryland Family Photographer Tips For Busy Moms

Big sister holding baby sister sitting on a flower bench playing with each other and laughing during a sunset summer photography session with Paint The Stars Photography.

By Paint the Stars Photography — Maryland’s Go-To Maternity & Family Photographer

The last days of summer in Maryland are magical — sticky ice cream smiles, barefoot adventures, and golden sunsets that seem to stretch a little longer. If you’re a busy mom, you might feel like summer has flown by in a blur of pool days, beach trips, and “Mom, I’m hungry!” moments.

Before the backpacks come out and the school bell rings, take a little time to capture these sweet, fleeting moments. Here are five quick, stress-free photo ideas you can try — no fancy equipment needed!

1. Golden Hour Magic at Your Favorite Park

The soft, warm light just before sunset is every Maryland photographer’s dream. Take your kids to your favorite local park or even your backyard about an hour before the sun sets. Let them run, play, and be silly while you snap away. That natural light will make every shot look dreamy.

Local Tip: Some great golden-hour spots near Annapolis, Severna Park, and Pasadena include Quiet Waters Park, Downs Park, and Kinder Farm Park.

Little girl wearing a floral dress and holding a flower while she stands in a river and kicks water up during a family photography session in Pasadena, MD.

2. Ice Cream or Snowball Stop

One of the easiest (and most fun) ways to get natural smiles? Hand them a cone or Maryland snowball. Capture their little hands holding it, the inevitable drips, and those huge, happy grins.

Pro Photographer Trick: Get down to their eye level for the shot.

3. Barefoot Beach Moments

If you’re near the Chesapeake Bay or a local Maryland beach, take advantage of those peaceful shoreline scenes. Snap photos of your kids collecting shells, splashing in the shallows, or walking hand-in-hand.

Local Favorites: Sandy Point State Park, Mayo Beach, or Winchester Beach at sunset.

4. Backyard Adventure

You don’t have to go anywhere fancy — your own backyard can be the perfect photo backdrop. Capture your kids on the swing set, playing with the sprinkler, or even lying in the grass looking for cloud shapes. These little moments tell the real story of summer.

View More Of My Photos Of Children and Families
Young brother and sister hugging next to the water on a beach in Annapolis, MD during a Maryland family photography session with Paint The Stars Photography.

5. Back-to-School “Then & Now” Shot

Take a photo of your child holding a picture of themselves from the first day of the last school year. It’s a fun way to see how much they’ve grown in just 12 months — and you’ll be so glad you did it in the years to come.

Want to Actually Be in the Photos?

If you’re always behind the camera, you deserve to be part of these memories too. At Paint the Stars Photography, I specialize in stress-free Maryland family photography sessions that capture your family’s true personalities — no stiff poses, no forced smiles.

Now booking end-of-summer & early fall family sessions in Annapolis, Pasadena, Severna Park, and surrounding Maryland areas. If you'd prefer an indoor studio session we can do that too!  I'm located in Pasadena, MD.  Limited spots remain before school is in full swing!

 Contact ME Here to reserve your session.

Learn More About My Photography
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  • Home
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