Sweet One-Year Milestone South Austin Family Session | Beating the Summer Heat

This South Austin family session celebrated their little one turning one, combining at-home lifestyle moments with outdoor portraits at Mary Moore Searight Metropolitan Park.

August in Austin can be a tricky time for outdoor photoshoots. The summer sun is often intense, which is why I usually recommend scheduling family sessions in the early morning when it’s cooler and softer. Still, I know that early mornings don't always fit everyone’s schedule!

For this one-year milestone family session, we decided to split the session into two parts — one indoors at their cozy Austin home, and one outdoors at Mary Moore Searight Metropolitan Park in South Austin. I’ve found this park to be a great option for families who want easy access, plenty of shade, and a natural backdrop without needing to travel far.

We started inside their home, where the natural light in the living room created a calm and familiar environment — perfect for a little one celebrating their first birthday. Comfortable spaces usually bring out the sweetest expressions, and capturing those everyday interactions with their family felt so real and warm.

Later, we headed to Mary Moore Searight Park, and the weather surprised us in the best way. Instead of harsh summer sun, the clouds softened the light beautifully and made the temperature comfortable enough for outdoor portraits. The open fields, trails, and greenery gave us space to move, explore, and photograph both playful and relaxed family moments.

I loved documenting this Sweet One-Year Milestone Family Session in Austin. Their joy, flexibility, and the combination of indoor and outdoor locations made the experience memorable — proving that with the right timing and location, summer sessions in Austin can be absolutely lovely.

If you’re planning a summer or warm-weather photoshoot in Austin, feel free to reach out. We can always plan around the heat with shade, cooler hours, or even a split indoor/outdoor approach. Beautiful memories are still possible — even in Texas summer!

You can check another Austin family session here.

→ Mueller Lake Park session

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