Chasing The Last Bits Of Summer (And A Few Bubbles Along The Way)
Hey everyone,
School started last week, and just like that the rhythm of our days has shifted. The backpacks are in use, the early mornings are back, and the long unstructured summer days already feel like a memory. For me, this season always carries a mix of nostalgia and excitement. As a mom whose youngest is heading into his Senior year of high school, and as a photographer who gets to freeze these moments for other families, it hits a little differently every August.
I've been thinking a lot about how fast these summers disappear. One minute the kids are running through the grass with no schedule in sight, and the next they're standing a little taller in new shoes, navigating classrooms and homework again. That's why I love this particular window of time so much--even after school is underway. It's still the perfect chance to capture the leftover freedom of summer and the fresh energy of a brand-new school year--the messy hair, the big smiles, the playful spark that hasn't been completely tamed by alarm clocks yet.
Lately I've been having a blast experimenting with a couple of new toys, a bubble machine and fog machine. There's something magical about watching kids and (adults, if we're honest) light up when the bubbles start floating or when a soft fog rolls in and turns an ordinary park into something a little more dreamy. Combined with the Light Art we already do after dark, it creates these little pockets of wonder that feel pure and joyful. I've started offering bubble mini sessions as part of our Saturday evenings, and the reactions have been the best part--pure delight, giggles, and those candid moments that make the best photographs.
Speaking of Saturdays---Our Music, Mini Sessions & Light Art at Pangburn Park are still going strong every week. Karaoke and open mic, mini sessions, face painting, Light Art Portraits once the sun goes down, worship music and flag dancing (I'm always happy to teach anyone who wants to learn)--it's become this sweet, low-key community hangout. Families come, friends meet up, kids run around, and for a few hours the park just feels alive. If you haven't made it out yet, it's one of my favorite ways to end the week.
On the photography side, I've got two simple back-to-school offerings running right now to help families lock in those early-year memories without breaking the bank.
A quick 7 pose mini session for $30
Half off on ALL Senior Portrait Packages
See Details Below
They're there if you want them, but more than anything I just hope this post reminds you to slow down a little and grab a few photos while the light is still soft and the kids still have that summer-into-fall sparkle in their eyes.
Whether it's a full senior session, a playful bubble st or just showing up at the park on Saturday to hang out and mayb sing a song--there's room for all of it.
Here's to the first stretch of the school year, the fading days of summer, and all the little moments in between that are worth remembering.
See you all soon--maybe under the bubbles or the lights at Pangburn Park!
With a heart fully of love and joy,
Lizzie
Knapping Dragon Photography
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