A Fun Summer Portrait Session at Neck Point
There is something really special about photographing kids right in that in between stage where they are not little anymore, but not fully grown up either.
Old enough to show their personality confidently, but still young enough to move through a session without overthinking every second of it.
This summer session at Neck Point Park had exactly that kind of energy from the start.
Relaxed, playful, and full of personality.
One of my favourite summer locations in Nanaimo
Neck Point works so well for summer sessions because there is so much variety without needing to travel far.
You get:
- ocean views
- rocky shoreline
- grasses and trails
- little pockets of wildflowers
- warm evening sunsets
This session ended up having such a fun mix of everything. Beach views, soft evening light, and even a patch of daisies that honestly felt like the perfect summer backdrop.
Letting personality lead the session
One thing I really love about photographing preteens and teenagers is that sessions start becoming more about personality than perfect posing.
The goal is not to make someone look older or overly polished. It is about capturing who they actually are during this stage of life. This entire session felt lighthearted and natural. Laughing between photos, moving through the trails, laying in the flowers for a few quiet moments, then running right back toward the shoreline again. Nothing felt stiff or overly serious. Which is usually when the best photos happen.
The stage that changes so quickly
I think this age gets overlooked sometimes when it comes to photos. Parents document the baby years constantly, then suddenly everyone gets older and the camera comes out less and less. But honestly, this stage matters just as much. The confidence that is starting to show up and the independence. The personality that feels more defined every year. There is something really meaningful about documenting that before it changes again.
Why sessions like this feel so natural
The best portrait sessions usually do not feel overly structured. They feel like an evening outside together with a little bit of direction when needed and lots of space to just exist naturally in the moment. That is exactly how this session felt. Warm summer air, ocean views, daisies along the trails, and someone completely comfortable being herself. It was simple in the best way.
That is really what matters most
The scenery at Neck Point was beautiful, but what made this session feel memorable was her energy.
Playful, confident, chill, and completely herself. That is always the part that makes photos feel lasting years later.
If you are looking for relaxed portrait photography on Vancouver Island that feels natural, fun, and true to who your kids actually are at this stage of life, I would love to help create something meaningful together.
