The Sorensens | Summer Family Session in Clear Lake, Iowa

The Sorenson family joined me for a beautiful summer session in Clear Lake, Iowa, and it was so fun getting to photograph them again after working together a few times before. We started the evening at one of my favorite locations, State Beach, because it offers so much variety for families. I always like to begin with a few of the classic, posed portraits right away. After photographing families for more than ten years and raising four kids of my own, I know that young kids only have so much patience for those moments.


Once we capture those important family photos, I love to give the kids space to explore and let their personalities come out. We walked the grassy paths, let the kids lead the way, and embraced all the little moments that happen when children are simply allowed to be kids. As the sun started to set, we made our way down to the beach during golden hour, which is always one of my favorite parts of a session in Clear Lake.


We finished with a few more relaxed portraits so the family had a beautiful variety to choose from, but some of my absolute favorite images always come from the moments in between, when kids are running, laughing, and dipping their little toes in the sand. The best way to end a summer session at State Beach? A spontaneous family splash party in the water. Just make sure to bring a towel for sandy feet and maybe even a change of clothes.

A joyful outdoor family photoshoot in a sun-drenched field with wooden fence during golden hour.
Natural candid moments captured of a family sitting together by a rustic wooden fence at sunset.
Family photo session showing playful interactions along a wooden fence in warm evening light.
Family members relaxing on grass next to wooden fence during golden hour photography session.
Casual outdoor family portraits with everyone wearing coordinated white and gray outfits.
Children in coordinating outfits pose together against rustic fence during sunset photography session.
Three people in matching white dresses share laughter during outdoor photo session.
Candid moments of joy captured between family members in white dresses during sunset shoot.
Golden hour family photos taken along rustic wooden fence in natural outdoor setting.
Children in matching white outfits pose along wooden fence during sunset photo session.
A family dressed in white poses together against a backdrop of sunlit trees and a rustic wooden fence.
White-clad family members walk together on a path surrounded by golden-lit trees and wildflowers.
Family strolls along a paved pathway in coordinated white outfits during golden hour.
Group portrait on a gravel path with trees creating a warm, glowing backdrop in late afternoon light.
Child in white dress smiling brightly in golden outdoor lighting.

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