One of my favorite places to photograph families during the summer are lavender fields. The pastels and rows of lavender combined with the dreamy light make them an ideal place to frolic around with your kids and significant other while I capture every moment.

This year I had the pleasure of photographing families at Carriage House Lavender in Sherwood, Oregon. Dave, the owner, is so kind and accommodating and you can tell he takes pride in his property and everything it has to offer. One huge benefit of booking your lavender field family photos with me here is that we won’t have to work around handfuls of other photographers, as Dave makes sure to schedule only a couple photographers at one time. This makes the entire experience relaxing (have I mentioned the smell of lavender as you walk around the property is instantly relaxing?) and fun, which is something I aim for in all my sessions.

Family laughing in lavender field in Sherwood, Oregon

WHAT To EXPECT DURING YOUR LAVENDER FIELD family PHOTOS

It’s no secret that along with lavender comes bumble bees! Do your best to reassure any kids who are afraid of them that the bees don’t have any interest in them and only want to enjoy the beautiful flowers just like they do. The bees are usually never a problem and are soon forgotten about after a few minutes.

Another thing to keep in mind is that we are using someone’s private property, and I always want to be as respectful of that as possible. As tempting as it may be, please don't pick the lavender. Dave has some available for purchase that you can use during your photoshoot or just to take home after. There is also an amazing store on site full of wonderful lavender products that you won’t want to miss out on browsing through after your session!

whEN Is the best time to book my photoshoot?

Lavender season usually runs late June through the end of July here in the Pacific Northwest. I have found that the best time to book a photoshoot is mid-July when the blooms are at their peak. As we all know, weather can be unpredictable and a wet spring can lead to the timing changing a bit (as can an unusually dry spring), but for the most part I have found July (specifically mid July) to be the sweet spot.

what should i wear for MY lavender field family Photos?

Because planning outfits is one of the most stressful parts of getting ready for a photoshoot, I have put together a blog specifically dedicated to this topic. You can check it out here. As a special service to all my families, I offer customized mood boards and outfit selection assistance upon request at no additional charge. Having someone to bounce ideas and questions off of comes in super handy when it comes to choosing what you are going to wear!

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willamette valley lavender festival

If you are like me and can’t get enough of all things lavender during the month of July, make it a day and stop by the Willamette Valley Lavender Festival in Newberg, Oregon at the Chehalem Cultural Center. Here you will find a lively celebration of all things lavender, including art, food and some amazing vendors that are selling unique and hand made products.

how to book your lavender field family photos

Every summer I offer Lavender Field Mini Sessions - these are a great way to get a few photos in a short amount of time, and are perfect for this type of location. Get on my mailing list (scroll to the bottom of the page to sign up) to be the first to know when these dates are released. My mailing list gets first dibs on mini session dates and times, and they tend to fill up quickly. If mini sessions aren’t for you and you are looking for something else, contact me and we will chat about booking you a full session!