My Favorite Las Vegas Locations for a Family Summer Session + One Cali Destination

This may be an unpopular opinion, but I 100% prefer summer for family photos over fall, even here in the desert of Las Vegas. For me, it’s relaxed energy, I love summer style and fashion, and the fact that kids are out of school make it the perfect time to update your family photos. Whether you’re dreaming of something playful, editorial, or effortlessly candid, I’ve gathered a list of my absolute favorite places to shoot family sessions during the summer months in Las Vegas, plus a surprise destination location that is a road trip away:

An Omni Lens Baby kit is my go-to for creativity during family session.

1. The White Space– Downtown Las Vegas

The White Space is a natural light studio I own in DTLV. I designed the layout and with intention specifically curated all the props. The White Space is perfect for clean, timeless family portraits—especially during those scorching Vegas days when outdoor sessions just aren’t ideal. The large windows, minimal design, and soft textures allow your family’s connection to shine without distractions. Bonus: it’s air-conditioned, comfortable, and toddler-proof.

2. Mt. Charleston – Just Outside Las Vegas

Only 45 minutes from the city, Mt. Charleston offers cooler temperatures, tall pines, and sweeping mountain views. I literally get gitty when a client mentions a session here. It’s such a dreamy escape from the desert heat and creates a completely different look for your gallery. Think cozy blankets, wildflowers, and barefoot kids running through the woods. Sometimes wild horses and deer pop. Sessions can either be stylish and elevated in the Meadows, or we can light a fire and break out the smores with your kiddos. How fun would that be? Either way, you’ll be the best time with your family and I’ll be here to document it for you. Check out a family session from Mt. Charleston HERE.

3. Your Home – Your Personal Haven

There’s something incredibly special about photographing families in their own homes. The comfort, the familiarity, the little details that tell your story—these sessions are always deeply personal. Whether it’s baking in the kitchen, playing in the living room, or snuggling on the bed, your home is full of beautiful light and love. Homes are particularity for newborn sessions, and session with toddlers. I promise that you’ll look back on these for years and years and not only love the younger faces, but your old couch, or that first family home. These are super sentimental! Check out an In-Home Family Session HERE.

A sweet personality portrait during this family session at The White Space.

4. Backyard or Pool Sessions – Playful + Personality-Packed

Summer screams pool days and popsicles. Backyard sessions are fun, relaxed, and full of personality. We can photograph your family splashing in the water, lounging poolside, or enjoying golden hour with games and snacks. These are especially great for families who want a documentary-style gallery filled with color and movement. I had Hi & Hello Photography do a backyard session for us this summer, and I feel so incredibly lucky to have such beautiful images of my family in our favorite spot where we spend so much of our time together.

5. Santa Barbara, CA – Beachy, Breezy, and Beautiful

Ok, so definitely not in Las Vegas, but just a six hour drive away. Santa Barbara is a dream location, and I’m lucky to have family there, so I love to take the kids there when I can. With stunning beaches, soft pastel skies, and Spanish-style charm, it offers a coastal vibe that’s hard to beat. So if you are thinking of a quick family getaway, and want to include getting family pics taken, I’m often there visiting family and would love to photograph yours, too.

Crayons and plexiglass give this a rainbow effect.

Ready to Book Your Summer Session?
No matter which setting speaks to you, my goal is always the same: to capture your family as you are right now. I want it to be fun, goofy, chaotic, snuggly, all of it.. Reach out to reserve your summer date—openings are limited through August, and I'd love to help you create something truly special this season.

Let me know which location feels most like you, and we’ll bring your dream session to life!

Alyssa Charboneau has been photographing families and newborns for nearly 10 years. With experience as an elementary teacher and a television journalist, Alyssa has combined her love of visual storytelling and working with kiddos. Ready to plan your newborn, family, or other session?

Why Motherhood Sessions Are the Sweetest Gift—For You, Mama

Let’s be honest—how many photos do you have of your little ones without you in them? As moms, we’re often the memory keepers. We’re snapping the candids, taking the birthday videos, and catching those “blink and you’ll miss it” toddler moments. But you deserve to be in the story too.

That’s where motherhood sessions come in—and trust me, they’re pure magic.

Recently, I had the sweetest session with a mom and her two toddler daughters at The White Space. The girls twirled in their dresses, giggled in their mama’s arms, and snuggled close.. The session was short and sweet—just the right pace for little ones (and busy mamas!). No pressure, no stiff posing. Just real moments, genuine smiles, and the love only a mother and her babies share.

These sessions aren’t about being perfect—they’re about being present.

They’re for the mama who’s always behind the camera.
For the mama who wants just one beautiful photo with her babies that she can treasure forever.
For the mama who’s doing all the things—and deserves to feel seen and celebrated.

And let’s not forget: these images become keepsakes. Not just for you, but for your children too. One day, they’ll look back and see how deeply they were loved.

So if you’ve been waiting for the “perfect time” to finally get in front of the lens, consider this your sign. A motherhood session is the most meaningful way to say: “I was there. I loved you with my whole heart. And I want to remember it forever.”

Ready to make some magic? Let’s plan a session that feels just like you—cozy, playful, beautiful, and full of heart. These can be scheduled all year long, not only around Mother’s Day.

Alyssa is a newborn and family lifestyle photographer in Las Vegas, NV. As a former news anchor and elementary school teacher, she combines storytelling and love of kiddos to bring your family portraits to life.

Las Vegas Family Photography- Yes, It’s 110 Degrees, But Let’s Have a Session- Alyssa Charboneau Photography

You read right. There are so many reasons to have a family session, in the heat of a Las Vegas summer, and I’m not crazy. Actually, I prefer to do my own family’s sessions in the summer.

First of all, let’s address the big sweaty elephant. The temperature. Let’s do an inside session!! Your home is where your memories are made and where you’ll back in pictures and remember raising your kiddos. These sessions are not just for newborn sessions. In-home sessions are really so special and intimate. Added bonus, I come to you! No need to drive across town, trying not to wrinkle outfits, stuck in traffic, etc. We’ve all been there. And yes, my family is that family that is always running late, forgetting my lip gloss, screaming at kids to hurry and buckle up. 🤦🏻‍♀️ So in-home is just so much more relaxed, not rushed, and AIR CONDITIONED!!! Click HERE for a blog post featuring an in-home session.

Studio sessions are also an option. I love this option, and have done studio sessions with my own family. A nice, crisp white background, a pop of color with furniture, lends to a classic yet modern twist on a family session. These are perfect for mini sessions, milestones, and childhood personality sessions. Also, AIR CONDITIONED!! I love to use The Gathering Place for studio sessions here in Las Vegas.

Second, you will beat the craziness of fall. Think about it, kids go back to school, sports schedules are insane, throw in dance, gymnastics, theatre, whatever your kiddos have going on. Do you really want to cram a photo session in there too? Just make sure it’s not during a Raiders game, right? So right now, kiddos are home, maybe you can schedule a weekday session, and keep those fall weekends as open as possible. Then when everyone else is rushing to find a last minute photographer and print cards, you can sit back and give yourself a pat on the back.

Third, it’s a money saver! You can take advantage of early bird sales on card printing websites. If you are wanting to frame wall art as well, summer is a great time for sales. I know a lot of photographers will offer incentives on summer sessions as well because it is typically a slower season. Also, photographers tend to increase prices for the fall season, simply because demand is so high. This is kind of a no brainer. I prefer Minted for my Christmas cards.

Fourth and last, the style of your session. This is a huge reason I love summer sessions. Personally, I don’t want to frame a photo of my family in sweaters and boots. We are spring and summer people and I want our style to reflect that. I love summer dresses (like I have a major problem with buying summer dresses), cute sandals, and bright colors. This fits our personality and our style. Are you wanting to have a more winter or fall feel for Christmas cards? Then schedule a mini with your photographer. However, when it comes to framing wall art that will hang for years to come, I want a timeless style that suits our personalities.

There you have it! Why I love summer sessions as a mom and as a photographer. So take a look at your calendar, check in with your photographer (or me 😉) and don’t sweat your families photography session. Get it?!?!

Need wardrobe inspiration? Click HERE.