3 Tips for Gorgeous Summer Family Photos | Angie Englerth Photography

3 Tips for Gorgeous Summer Family Photos

Summer is a great time for family photos…longer days, glowing sunsets, and everyone’s in a more relaxed, playful mood. Whether you’re planning a session on the beach, in a grassy field, or in your own backyard, these three simple tips will help your family look and feel amazing in your photos.

1. Choose Light, Airy Clothing

Summer light is soft and golden. Your outfits should match that vibe! Think light colors, soft neutrals, and pastels like blush, ivory, sky blue, or sage green. These tones photograph beautifully and keep the focus on your faces and connection, not busy patterns.

Style tip: Avoid logos and neon colors (they reflect weirdly in sunlight). Linen, cotton, and other breathable fabrics are perfect for keeping cool and comfortable.

2. Coordinate, Don’t Match

Gone are the days of everyone in identical white shirts and jeans. Instead, aim for coordinating outfits that blend together in a natural way. Pick a soft color palette, then mix and match textures and layers within that scheme.

Style tip: Start with mom’s outfit first…something she feels beautiful and comfortable in! Then build the rest of the family’s wardrobe around that.

3. Embrace Barefoot, Windy Hair, and Play

Summer photos are about capturing joy, not perfection. If the kids kick off their shoes, or if the wind catches your hair just right…that’s the magic. Some of the most beautiful images happen when families are relaxed and just enjoying the moment together.

Style tip: Let the kids bring something fun! Bubbles, a straw hat, or a favorite summer book can add a playful touch and help them feel at ease.

Ready to Book Your Summer Session?

My calendar is now open through September, and these golden summer evenings are already filling up. Let’s create something beautiful and full of joy for your family this season.

📅 Book Your Session Here

Have questions about what to wear? I’m happy to help you plan your outfits!

Extended Family Session in the Greenhouse | Lancaster Family Photographer | Angie Englerth

Extended Family Session in the Greenhouse

I never got around to posting this blog last year so why not now?!

Sam reached out to me many months in advance about setting up this session. I thought it was a wonderful idea and looked forward to the day it finally came. The date arrived and….it rained. When you have so many people scheduled to meet, it’s nearly impossible to reschedule so we looked at some creative options and ended up in the beautiful greenhouse of Reiff’s! I asked Sam some questions about her session. See what she has to say and then check out a bunch of fun favorites from the session!

What was your favorite part about our session together?

All of it! Ive worked with Angie a few times now and its been great each time. She really takes the time to understand what we want and adds some of her own flare too! With this session we had over 20 people including 9 kids and she was extremely accommodating with everyone. Our session was supposed to be outside and of course it rained. It was going to be way too difficult to try and reschedule with everyone so with a few hours before the session we switched to an indoor greenhouse that neither of us had been to before and the pictures turned out amazing! (So FYI anyone looking for a unique backdrop for photos... check out local greenhouses!!)

Do you have a favorite photo from your session? If so, which one?

Honestly there are so many. We were lucky enough to include both my husband's side or the family as well as mine. This is the only time we have ever done anything like this. We have individual family pictures as well as a huge group photo! I'm so glad we did it. I cant wait until my son is older to appreciate memories like this. Life is so short and constantly changing. I will forever cherish the memories at this stage of our lives.

What would be your advice to someone considering booking with AEP?

Do it! Angie is great. The photos are great. Everything is great. Did I mention she's great?

Have we done a session together before? If so, why did you decide to book another?

I have done a mini Christmas session, a maternity session, and a newborn session. I first found Angie when I was looking for a photographer for my maternity shoot. I wanted something that was all inclusive. (I'm typically a sweatpants, no makeup, hair in a bun kinda girl). So I wanted something that I could just show up and look fabulous. I was intrigued by Angie's wardrobe selection and she was able to hook me up with someone to do my hair, and another to do my makeup! She even let us use her studio prior to the photos. Her ability to accommodate exactly what I was looking for is the reason I come back for more!

What is your best advice to other moms regarding this age?

Soak it in. Take your time. Get this pictures done. I feel like especially moms are so used to being behind the camera. Sometimes its hard for moms to get in the pictures if they are always the ones taking them. You'll never get this time back. Go to Angie. Be present and be in the photos and you'll be oh so thankful you did.


Now for the part you came for….the photos!

Limited Edition Wildflower Mini Sessions – A Unique Opportunity for Magical Family Photos

Spring is in the air, and that means it’s time for one of my absolute favorite photography events of the year – Limited Edition Wildflower Mini Sessions! As a Lancaster family photographer, I’m always on the lookout for breathtaking backdrops, and this wildflower field is simply magical. With golden-hour light filtering through the blooms, it’s the perfect setting for capturing joyful, love-filled moments with your family.

Why You’ll Love Wildflower Minis

Imagine twirling with your little one in a sea of wildflowers, laughter filling the air as I capture the pure, unfiltered love between you. These sessions are all about fun, play, and connection—no stiff poses, just genuine moments frozen in time. Whether it’s giggles, snuggles, or sweet stolen kisses, this setting creates the dreamiest images that you’ll treasure forever.

Limited Spots – Book Now!

To ensure every family gets the absolute best lighting and experience, I’m offering only five Wildflower Mini Session spots this year. The golden hour light is what makes these sessions truly magical, and I want to make sure everyone gets that perfect glow! Because these sessions are so limited, they always book up quickly—so don’t wait!

Session Details:

• Date: Thursday, June 5

• Location: Stunning wildflower lookout field in Ronks, PA

• Session Length: 20 minutes

• Includes: 5 professionally edited digital images with the option to upgrade

• Price: $250

If you’ve been searching for a Lancaster, PA photographer to capture your family’s love in a truly breathtaking setting, this is your sign to book a Wildflower Mini Session!

Click here to grab your spot before they’re gone!

I can’t wait to create something beautiful with you in this dreamy field of flowers!

What to Wear for Family Photos | Fall Edition

Dressing for photos is always tricky! I put together a few insiration boards for you as a starting point to plan your family’s wardrobe for your family photo session.

Focus on coordinating, not matching!

Start by choosing a color scheme of 2-3 colors. I recommend choosing mom’s outfit first and building the wardrobe around that. Choose something you love, but also are comfortable in! When you’re comfortable, it shows and you’ll be much more relaxed for your session!

Other things to note: Save the graphics and logos for another time! Also avoid busy patterns. The best way to “spice” up your wardrobe a bit is to incorporate different textures!

Here are five fun wardrobes to start your planning for your Fall family photos! And if you’re looking for a photographer, I’m your girl!

Everything is linked below! Enjoy!

Warm Spices

Womens dress. Toddler Dress. Boys sweater. Boys Jeans. Mens Sweater. Mens Jeans.

Soft and Fun

Womens dress. Boys top. Boys bottoms. Girls dress. Mens sweater. Mens pants.

Super Casual

Womens sweater. Mens polo. Mens jeans. Boys bodysuit. Boys pants. Girls jumpsuit.

Boho Dream

Girls dress. Girls sweater. Womens lace dress. Baby boys overall set. Mens top. Mens bottoms.

Muted tones

Womens floral skirt. Womens tan top. Brown cardigan. Girls yellow jumpsuit. Navy one piece for baby.

What to Wear for Family Photos | Spring Edition

Dressing for photos is always tricky! I put together a few insiration boards for you as a starting point to plan your family’s wardrobe for your family photo session.

Focus on coordinating, not matching!

Start by choosing a color scheme of 2-3 colors. I recommend choosing mom’s outfit first and building the wardrobe around that. Choose something you love, but also are comfortable in! When you’re comfortable, it shows and you’ll be much more relaxed for your session!

Other things to note: Save the graphics and logos for another time! Also avoid busy patterns. The best way to “spice” up your wardrobe a bit is to incorporate different textures!

Here are five fun wardrobes to start your planning for your Spring family photos! And if you’re looking for a photographer, I’m your girl!

Everything is linked below! Enjoy!

Creamy Neutrals

Womens tan dress. Mens Linen shirt. Mens Jeans. Mens Jacket. Boys Brown shirt. Boys Ecru Jeans. Girls overalls. Girls jacket.

Spring Blooms

Boys salmon top. Boys Ecru Jeans. Girls floral dress. Girls denim jacket. Womens cream dress. Mens shirt. Mens shorts.

Mellow Yellow

Womens yellow dress. Baby overalls. Baby Yellow bodysuit. Girls yellow dress. Tan shirt. Mens cargo pants.

Going Green

Green Womens Dress. Womens Denim Jacket. Green shirt. Boys Jean Shorts. Mens plaid shirt. Mens jeans. Girls white dress.

Muted tones

Womens floral skirt. Womens tan top. Brown cardigan. Girls yellow jumpsuit. Navy one piece for baby.

Kantner Family 2021 | Lancaster Family Photographer | Angie Englerth

Kantner Family

What a joy it has been to capture this family over the last several years! When they first told me they were moving, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t selfishly sad about it, but also, very excited for them! What a gift to these girls to get to experience life in this way!

To the Kantner family, I pray that you are settling in well to your new home and that you can enjoy the photos we’ve captured together for many more years to come!

I have to start this post with the image that started it all from the session that I first worked with this sweet family! Then sprinkle in some flashbacks to previous sessions and don’t forget their feature on the Love What Matters blog! Then the latest (and hopefully not last!) session with them!

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Lisa & Keana | Mommy & Me {Dream Lighting} Event 2020

Mommy & Keana

Lisa first came to me when she was pregnant with Keana. We have worked together for her maternity, newborn and many milestone and family sessions. One thing I have treasured is that Lisa came to my first Mommy & Me {Dream Lighting} Event without really knowing what to expect and has since returned to every event. It is so fun to watch Keana grow up right in front of the camera and even more so to watch their mommy/daughter relationship blossom!

First, look at this fun throwback to see all of Lisa and Keana’s Mommy & Me Sessions to date. Then, of course some favorites from this year’s session!

Kanter Family | Lancaster Family Photographer | Angie Englerth

Kanter Family

It’s been way too long since I have blogged a session so I’m just going to jump back in! Hopefully I can catch up and share all the fun sessions we’ve had around here lately! Starting with the Kanter family! We had such a fun session and while all the girls weren’t always 100% into it, we made sure to take lots of “breaks” for play!