Why Slow Summer Memories Matter
The summer moments we think we’ll always remember are often the quietest ones.
The stack of library books on the couch. Wet towels by the pool. Crumbs from baking cookies together. Paint-covered hands. Blanket forts in the living room.
The ordinary little pieces of childhood somehow become the moments we miss most.
As a mom myself, I’ve realized something lately: summer changes when your children grow up. You stop counting the days of summers and start really noticing everything that was summer.
You notice the way the couch looks empty because they aren’t curled up with a book. The way kitchen is missing the laughter when they were covered in flour. The way they used to create entire worlds from couch cushions and blankets. The way childhood slowly shifted right in front of you.
That’s what inspired Slow Summer Stories.
Not mini sessions. Not perfectly posed portraits. But emotional storytelling sessions centered around the beautiful, ordinary moments that make up childhood.
These sessions are intentionally slow, nostalgic, and connection-focused. The goal isn’t perfection. The goal is remembering.
Only six sessions will be offered this summer — one of each concept.
The Concepts:
Poolside & Popsicles
Not “pool photos.” Childhood summer memories.
This session focuses on the feeling of Arizona summers whether in a pool or running through the sprinklers: wet hair, popsicles, pool towels, swimsuits drying in the sun, laughter and cannonballs, the rhythm of summer afternoons or early evenings.
These sessions are relaxed, nostalgic, and full of motion and connection.
Messy Art Afternoon
Messy hands. Paint-covered fingers. Creative chaos.
This session celebrates the beauty of creating without worrying about perfection.
Think: poster paints, crayons and sketches, paint-covered hands, giggles at the kitchen table, documentary-style moments.
These images feel playful, colorful, and beautifully real.
Baking Together
The little hands don’t stay little forever.
This session captures the joy of baking together: flour-covered counters, pouring ingredients, sneaking cookie dough tastes, warm kitchen light, tiny moments between parents and children
The kind of photos that feel like memories the second you look at them.
Table Tent Day
The heart of this entire series.
Because children can create magic out of ordinary things: Blankets. A Kitchen Table. Flashlights. Books. Stuffed animals.
This session captures imagination, creativity, and the tiny worlds children build inside your home.
It’s playful. Nostalgic. Emotional. And honestly? Probably the one that’s going to make moms cry later.
Candy Summer Birthday
Sticky fingers. Sprinkles everywhere. The magic of being little on your birthday. There’s something especially nostalgic about summer birthdays. This session is designed to feel like childhood summer birthdays used to feel — playful, colorful, carefree, and full of wonderful candy.
Think: candy jars and lollipops, party hats, gummy bears, bubble gum, giggles between bites of candy.
These images feel joyful, nostalgic, and bursting with childhood magic.
The Magic Hidden in Everyday Summer Moments
These sessions are:
- lightly guided
- connection-focused
- emotional and relaxed
- documentary-inspired
- centered around real interaction
Your children do not need to sit still. They do not need to perform. They do not need to be “perfect.” The just need to be kids.
Q & A
Q. What should we wear?
A. Soft neutrals, simple textures, and comfortable clothing photograph beautifully for these sessions. But honestly each one should say every day average moment with your children.
Q. Are these posed?
A. These sessions are lightly guided, but the focus is on real interaction and storytelling rather than stiff posing.
Q. Can we customize the activity?
Absolutely. The concepts are meant to inspire storytelling, but I want your session to reflect your family and your children.
Q. Where do sessions take place?
A. It depends on the session. Ice Cream run will depend on where you family gets ice cream and approval from the location. Pool side and popsciles will be in your own backyard. Messy Art Afternoons and Baking Together will be right in your own home. Indoor Table Camping can be at my house or yours. The Candy Birthday Story will be at a studio downtown Pheonix. Some will take place in your home for a relaxed and authentic feel such as baking day, art day, sprinklers or swimming but indoor table camping concepts will be in my livingroom. The ice cream day will be based on where your family usually gets ice cream and the approval of the shop.
Q. Are these for all ages?
A. Yes. These sessions work beautifully for toddlers, young children, tweens, and even some teens.
Q. What if my kids are wild?
A. Then they’re probably perfect for this.
Truly. Children are not supposed to sit still and smile on command for an hour. These sessions are built around movement, connection, creativity, and real-life moments.
Creating Slow Summer Memories With Your Kids Session Details
- Limited Summer Storytelling Series
- My goal Only ONE session per concept available
- Summer 2026
- West Valley Phoenix, Arizona
These sessions are intentionally limited to keep the experience personal, creative, and fully customized.
Ready to Remember This Slow Summer?
If these moments matter to you too, I would love to help tell your family’s story.
Contact me directly through my email: Kim VanOs Photography Email
Kim VanOs Photography Kim VanOs Photography Website
Your Friendly Neighborhood Photographer – Kim
