BEFORE SUMMER SLIPS AWAY
A simple invitation to capture the fleeting beauty of this season— before backpacks, schedules, and the rhythm of fall return.
Every summer, I have the same vision.
A quiet porch… a soft breeze moving through the trees… a simple table set with a pitcher of fresh lemonade and a plate of homemade cookies. Nothing elaborate. Nothing overdone. Just ready. Waiting. Inviting.
I imagine friends dropping by unannounced. Sitting for a while. Talking, laughing, lingering just a little longer because everything feels easy.
I think I borrowed the idea years ago from Martha Stewart—her effortless way of elevating the everyday, her belief that hospitality didn’t have to be complicated to be meaninful. I loved that. I still do.
And every June, I tell myself… this is the summer I’ll do it.
But then life begins to fill in the spaces. And what felt so simple in June starts to feel… just slightly out of reach by July.
By August, the porch is still there. The idea is still there. But the lemonade was never made. The cookies never baked. The moments never quite happened.
And every year, I feel it—that quiet, familiar regret.
I think that’s why this resonates so deeply with me when it comes to portraits.
So many families tell me, “We’ve been meaning to…”
When things slow down. When schedules open up. When life feels a little less full.
But the truth is—life rarely slows down on its own. And the moments we thought we’d “get to” gently slip past us.
Portraits are about not letting another season pass without saying, “This mattered. This was worth remembering.”
I still love the idea of lemonade and cookies on the porch. Maybe one summer, it will happen just the way I imagine.
But I’ve learned something along the way…
The moments we long for don’t appear because we planned them perfectly.
They happen because we chose not to let them pass us by.
And that’s exactly what a portrait does.
It quietly says: This summer didn’t slip away unnoticed.
“This is why we photograph summer— not just how it looks, but how it feels.”
What to Wear for Summer Portraits (That Actually Photograph Beautifully)
“The Biggest Summer Myth…You Need a Tan.”
In truth, “sun-kissed” skin often photographs uneven and muddy. Natural skin tones reflect light beautifully and create that luminous, glowing finish you see in timeless portraits.
Suggestions for Summer…What To Wear
Light, airy COLOR palettes (creams, soft blues, sage, pale blush) Fabrics like linen, cotton, flowy textures What to avoid…busy prints, neon, heavy tans Opt for pieces that aren’t overly restrictive.
What to Wear…cont
Did you know…?
We offer styling assistance to bring valuable expertise to ensure your portraits are timeless and cohesive (and take the load off of “mom” who is usually in charge of this.)
WHY?
A. Enhance the aesthetic of your portraits
B. Boost your confidence during the shoot
C. Create a unified look especially for families
D. Be an extra pair of eyes and hands during the session.
Meet our stylist and designer, Deborah
Client Spotlight Bluegrass Confections
For many years, Wendy Jackson, her husband and two sons have been part of the Walden family, starting their journey as a client, but ending up a friend.
We’ve had the privilege of photographing her journey from maternity portraits to watching her two boys grow through the years—culminating this year with her oldest son’s senior portrait.
Along the way, we’ve also admired Wendy’s passion for baking and the beautiful meals and desserts she so often makes.
We couldn’t resist sharing one of Wendy’s favorite dinner recipes with you which you can find on the next page. We hope it inspires you to slow down, gather with the people you love, and create a few sweet memories of your own.
And there’s more…
Not only does she create wonderful dinners, but she’s also known for baking irresistible sweet treats.
You can find her creations on Facebook at Bluegrass Confections.
What makes her business truly special, however, goes far beyond the desserts. Through her work, she’s committed to empowering Black youth and student-athletes by providing employment opportunities, mentorship, and educational workshops that help pave the way to college and long-term success.
