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The Magic of Adventure Family Sessions with Sara Turk Photography

By Jessica Sweeney, Publisher, Macaroni KID Athens April 1, 2025

There's a lot of pressure that comes with family photo sessions because, let's be honest, we just want to capture that one good photo where everyone is smiling at the same time. What we're truly  hoping for is documentation of the moments we enjoy most with our children when there isn't camera around -- all of the laughter they bring us, the snuggles, and glimpses into their little personalities. If we're trying to capture that joy, shouldn't we recreate it naturally doing the things they love? Let me introduce you to Sara Turk, owner of Sara Turk Photography, who focuses on telling your family's unique story through candid photography and connection.

Sara understands that it's the subtle moments captured that you'll look back on fondly. Not necessarily the perfectly posed smiles. Learn about the adventurous, creative sessions offered that can help you feel like you're right back in that special moment every time you look at your photos.

🎁 Be sure to check out this year's Mother's Day Giveaway at the bottom of this article where one Athens-local mom and enter to  win a FREE 30-minute photo session from Sara Turk Photography!


Active, Creative Vision
Sara loves offering adventure family sessions because they turn photos into an experience -- one that feels like childhood magic. What if a family session felt more like an afternoon of exploration? Gathering moss, building fairy houses, and discovering treasures in the woods.

Or maybe a rainy day adventure? Umbrellas in hand, boots splashing through puddles, laughter filling the air.

Families could even spread out a blanket in a meadow, sharing snacks and stories as the sun sets.

These are just some ideas of what a session could look like. All focused on movement, connection, and real moments worth remembering. The best part? Your photos will be completely unique to your family's own interests and favorite activities. Chances are that if you can envision the idea, it can be done!




Tips to Help You Prepare
Sara Turk Photography offers a detailed Family Welcome Guide  for all clients who book a photo session. It includes a styling guide with suggestions of clothing stores to browse for some photo-friendly ensembles and accessories, along with advice for preparing your children, and a list of frequently asked questions. Take a look at Sara's top 3 FAQ's to help you prepare for your session ahead of time:

1. What should I wear? 
Begin by picking a palette of 3 or 4 colors. Let this be your starting point. When putting together your palette, think in terms of color tones. Earth tones and neutrals are perfect. Think deeper blues, forest green, rust, mustard, deep teal, burnt orange, and mauve. Skip the big prints and patterns because they can be a bit distracting -- try to aim for one lightly patterned outfit at most.

Layers are a great way to add depth and variety to your outfits. During the colder months, a sweater with a flannel underneath paired with a vest or statement necklace adds so much dimension to your images! Even during the spring and summer seasons, adding layers with a tank top and cute cardigan, or by throwing a denim jacket over a dress, can enhance posing and movement. I recommend starting with mom's outfit and building your family's wardrobe around it.


2. Where is the best place for family photos?  
Choose a location that fits in with who you are as a family. If some of your family members are shy, then you might not want to choose a very public spot. In home sessions can offer the advantage of comfort, connection, and familiarity to your surroundings and make for intimate, cozy photographs. 

Interested in an in-home session but don't feel like tidying up in preparation for a photographer to visit? Sara also offers bookings at her personal Home Studio which provides a "homey" esthetic filled with natural light and boho vibes.
 
3. What is the best time of day for a photo session?  
The best time for outdoor sessions is called the Golden Hour and that's about 1-2 hours before sunset. You will have a perfect golden light around you and will warm everything in frame. For indoor sessions, the best time is usually between 9am and 1pm, when the natural light is available to come through your home windows.


Online Journal
It's always helpful when your photographer is a fellow mom who "gets" your vision. Sara is an Athens-local mother of three who has had a lot of practice helping families navigate the newborn schedules and tricky toddler years. On the Sara Turk Photography website, you will find helpful Journal entries with topics focused on new parenthood and advice on how to take pictures of those precious moments in your own home

Click here to browse recent entries.

Connect and Book A Session
Ready to learn more and book your family's photo session? Use the buttons below to view the latest social media updates and vision board ideas. On the website, visitors can view pricing details and reach out to Sara to be able to work together and create a plan designed specially for you and your loved ones.

 
 


Mother's Day Giveaway: 
Win a 30-Minute Photo Session from Sara Turk Photography
Enter to win beginning Friday, April 18th through Friday, May 9th!
Click the image below to learn more and to enter.