Back to School, But Don’t Forget the Milestones

We all know the feeling. August hits and everything shifts. The stores fill up with backpacks and pencil cases. Calendars start to fill. Suddenly, summer feels like it's slipping away faster than we thought.

Back-to-school season brings a lot of excitement. It also brings a new level of busyness that can make you feel like you’re sprinting just to keep up. But in the middle of buying school shoes and organizing schedules, I want to encourage you to hit pause for a second.

Because these days? They're milestones.

They’re not just about a new grade or a fresh haircut. They’re about watching your child step into a new version of themselves. Whether it’s the first day of kindergarten, the leap to high school, or the last year before graduation, these moments matter. And they’re worth remembering.

The Little Things You’ll Miss Later

I’ve worked with families for years, and the one thing I hear all the time is this: “I wish we had taken more pictures.” Not just on big occasions, but during the regular in-between stages. The gap-toothed grins. The oversized backpacks. The look of pure pride when they zip up their jacket all by themselves.

Those are the photos you’ll be glad to have.

The beauty of back-to-school sessions is that they don’t have to be complicated. They can be quick, casual, and still full of personality. A quick shoot in the backyard. A walk to the bus stop. Even a few updated sibling shots in that little bit of sunlight before the day gets started.

It’s about creating something to hold onto before this phase becomes a memory.

For the Kids Who Are Growing Up Too Fast

If you’ve got a teenager, you probably already know how fast things are moving. One minute you’re buying their first pair of runners. The next, you’re shopping for grad suits and dresses.

I offer portrait sessions for teens and high school students that are relaxed, modern, and actually fun. No stiff poses. No fake smiles. Just real photos that capture who they are right now. These work great for teens starting high school or entering their final year. They’re not just for school albums—they’re for celebrating them.

If your teen is heading into their grad year, we can also plan ahead for a senior session that feels like them. Outdoors, on location, or even with their hobbies included. You’ll never regret having great photos of this age.

Let’s Talk About the Parents Too

You’ve spent all summer running around. Now you’re juggling school emails, lunch prep, and trying to remember who still needs new shoes. I see you.

And I also think you deserve to be in the photo.

This time of year is a great reminder that you are part of the story too. Whether it’s a quick family session before school starts or a couple of updated portraits with the kids, let’s make sure you’re not always behind the camera. You’ll want to look back at this one day too.

Here’s What I Recommend for August

If you’re thinking about booking a session but feel like time is tight, here are a few ideas that work well this time of year:

• Back-to-school mini sessions for individuals, siblings or friend groups

• Quick family sessions before fall routines take over

• Teen portrait updates for growing kids

• Early grad photo planning for 2026 grads

These are relaxed, fun, and done with the goal of making everyone feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera.

Ready to Book? Let's Celebrate This Milestone Together.

August is full of movement. It’s easy to go into planning mode and skip over how much life is changing right in front of you. But I’ve seen firsthand how meaningful it is when families take the time to capture it.

You don’t need the perfect outfit or the perfect day. You just need to show up—and let me do the rest.

Let’s mark this new school year with photos you’ll be proud to look back on. I’d love to help you remember it just as it was.

📩 To book your session, send me an email or give me a call. I’d love to chat and help you find the perfect time and place.

📧 Email: [email protected]

📞 Call or text: 604-644-4194

Let’s celebrate this milestone the way it deserves—with joy, meaning, and photos that will last a lifetime.