Sun-Drenched Golden Hour: The Merritt Family Session in Austin

Family of four posing in a golden field, parents in black outfits with two young boys in matching orange shirts.

Chasing the Sunset in Central Texas


There is nothing quite like the warm, radiant glow of a Central Texas sunset, and my evening with the Merritt family was absolute magic. When prepping for a family session, my ultimate goal is simple: step away from stiff, rigid posing and create a relaxed space where everyone can just be themselves. The Merritt's brought the perfect energy, allowing us to capture a gallery filled with deep warmth, real laughter, and genuine connection.

Outfits That Pop Against Texas Fields


I always tell my clients that wardrobe coordination makes a massive difference in the final look of a gallery, and the Merritt family absolutely crushed it. Mom and dad wore classic, rich black outfits which perfectly grounded the image and brought out the rich shadows in my editing style. To break it up, the boys wore coordinating warm, earthy ochre tees. Against the backdrop of the pale, sunlit field grasses, this color palette creates a striking, timeless contrast that feels both elevated and effortless.

A happy family of four poses outdoors in a golden field, with parents holding two young boys in orange shirts.

Letting Kids Showcase Their True Personalities


If you are a mom stressing that your little ones won't sit still or smile perfectly for the camera—please don't worry! My favorite moments are always the unscripted ones. When we let children play, explore, and show off their true, goofy personalities, we get authentic, joyful expressions that you can't force with a static pose. Your session with Memories by Jennifer Ely will feel less like a strict photoshoot and more like a fun evening exploring a local trail together.

Two young brothers in matching orange shirts and blue shorts sit together on stone steps, sharing a sweet embrace outdoors.
A smiling couple poses outdoors, woman in black ruffled dress with earrings, man in Watson and Sons snapback cap embracing her.
A couple in black outfits poses together by a wooden fence surrounded by lush greenery at sunset.
A cheerful young boy with a gap-toothed smile poses for a black and white portrait photograph.
Pregnant woman in black dress holds hands with two young boys in matching orange shirts on a tree-lined path.
Happy couple embracing outdoors, woman laughing joyfully as man kisses her cheek among green foliage.
Two young boys in matching orange shirts and blue shorts walk along a winding garden path surrounded by lush green grass.
Adorable toddler boy in an orange t-shirt smiling at the camera near a sunlit water background.
A happy toddler in an orange shirt and blue shorts runs on green grass during a family outdoor photo session.
A young boy in an orange shirt and blue shorts plays near a wooden fence in a grassy field.
Young boy in an orange t-shirt eating a red berry outdoors with green trees in the background.
A loving family of four poses on a lakeside dock, with two boys in orange shirts and their parents.
A happy family of four poses together under a large tree near a river for a portrait.
A smiling blonde woman in a black dress holds hands with a toddler boy in an orange shirt outdoors.
A father playfully wraps his arms around two young boys in matching orange shirts outdoors.
Two children in orange shirts run toward their smiling parents on a lush green park path.