Sneak Peek: No-Bummer Summer Giveaway

I’m hosting a HUGE giveaway this month

Like $1170 worth huge.

If you’ve got school-age kids you know May is insanity. Every year I imagine myself coming up with a simple routine so our summer days have some loose structure and a good balance of relaxation, fun, and brain stimulation.

My point of failure is waiting until May to do this.

I always forget May is Field Day, end of school parties, Kindergarten Tea, probably a Mother’s Day function (crap… I need Mother’s Day gifts…) and at least 5 themed dress up days.

What does this have to do with my Giveaway?

Well, I minimized my expectations and picked out just a couple, easily repeatable things that can be a go-to when we need a break from the usual (whatever that turns out to be…). AND I put them together to make up the grand prize for my giveaway so I can share with one of YOU! Plus, I added a prize from me because, why not? It’s my giveaway. lol.

WITHOUT MORE ADO, THE PRIZES

🍦 A $50 gift card to Golly G's ice cream.

A frozen treat on a hot summer day is a no-brainer. I usually have my deep freezer stocked with ice pops and ice cream sandwiches but I buy the cheap stuff so they can share with the neighbor kids. Sometimes we just need to get out of the house and go somewhere different and that’s when I make a trip to Golly G’s. Mmm. It’s a local favorite for a reason! I LOVE their themed flavor menus, they are so fun! But I’m usually picking something heavy on the chocolate side. 😋

☀ A 20-play Sunshine Pass to Sunny Day Studio

Another place to play was a must for us. I can only take “I’m bored!” so many times. And to give my older two credit, I have to say “later” to a lot of their ideas still just because of the two year old. The front and backyards are great but I like to have something special up my sleeve to bribe my kids with and Sunny Day is IT. You can play ALLLLL summer long with their Sunshine Play Pass! They have 10 and 20 trip options and you can share it between siblings, other family members and friends too. It’s PERFECT for a cousin visit. Designed for ages 18 months - 6 years, your kids can make messes and explore toys they don’t have at home. Older kids are free but still, my 9 year old finds plenty to do and loves playing with the littles.

📷 and last, but not least, a FULL, one hour family session with yours truly :)

I can read your mind: “Family photos in the summer? EW!” and I FEEL that. 🥵 BUT, you don’t have to have your session outside, and you don’t even have to have it during summer! I bet that just knowing you’ve got your family session on the calendar is going to make relaxing a whole lot easier. But if you do want an outdoor family session in summer, I may have an alternative that will make it more comfortable…. but that’s for another time!

❔ BONUS!!

Sorry, this one I’ll ONLY be revealing on Instagram. Give me follow over there to see the announcement! @meganlacyphotographytn

HOW TO ENTER

The “No-Bummer Summer Giveaway” goes live Monday, May 13, 2024 at 8pm! If you want to be sure you get the reminder e-mail, make SURE you’re on my email list. You can signup here: EMAIL SIGNUP

That email will have a link to enter. Plus, entries submitted in the first hour get an EXTRA entry so you can double your chances to win!

Good Luck!

4 Family Session Locations in Clarksville, TN

As the old real estate adage goes, “Location, location, location!”

In my opinion, the “where” of your family session should be a personal choice. The location you choose can highlight facets of your family’s personality, and add even more layers of memories for future-you to look back on fondly.

PSST… I made you a location quiz! Scroll down to the very end if you want to skip the reading! 👇

As you plan your next session, here are some location types to consider.

Personal + outrageously convenient.

1. YOUR HOME

Not just for newborn sessions, your home is the heart of your life. There are SO many pros to using your own home for your family portraits, but here are just a few:

🚽 It is convenient! No drive time, no wrinkling outfits or changing at the location. The bathroom is handy. The kitchen is handy (hello, snacks!).

💛 Everyone is already comfortable there. This is extra helpful if you have a sensitive or shy member of the family.

🐾 It’s easy to include the furry family members.

🖼 It is already a reflection of your family! Your style, important mementos, family heirlooms, etc., are all within reach.

You may be thinking your house would have to be spotless. THAT IS A LIE (she says in an Umbridge-like voice). I don’t even know what spotless looks like anymore—I don’t expect you to make that miracle happen.

We will only use 2 or 3 rooms anyway. Plus, the outdoors is still an option. The photograph below was taken in this family’s yard where they spend a lot of their time together.

Just because we’re at home, doesn’t mean we have to stay indoors.

2. THE GREAT OUTDOORS

The world is always a beautiful backdrop for family portraits. It can be soft, dramatic, or even minimal. Choosing to have an outdoor session comes with endless possibilities but should still play up some of your family’s uniqueness and be practical if possible.

When you’re trying to come up with a specific spot, here are some things to think about:

🌲 Where do you go as a family when you spend time outdoors?

❤️ Is there a spot that is sentimental to you? Like where you got engaged or went on your first date?

🚘 Is there parking nearby or are we hiking a bit?

🛟 Is anyone afraid of, or, can’t be trusted around water?

🪨 Is one of your munchkins a runner/climber/etc. where safety is a concern?

🌡 What is the weather like around the time of the session? Does that make being outside less appealing?

🛋 Does your home have decor that would work with or against the look or color palette of the location?

The creek at Rotary Park in Clarksville is beautiful at sunset.

3. DOWNTOWN CLARKSVILLE

Who doesn’t love a stroll down main street? Heading downtown makes your city part of your story!

These are favorite sessions of mine because we always work in some of your favorite haunts and probably use little tucked away nooks and crannies you haven’t noticed before.

It’s also the perfect opportunity to work in a fun activity, like a family ice cream date, giving your session oodles of variety and a nice bribe for the kids!

Downtown Clarksville can be on display, or we can just use industrial elements and textures.

4. SOMEWHERE NEW

The romance of travel has always come through art. Literature, painting, music, and of course, photography. It’s inspirational to experience new things and if that is something you like to do as a family, it should absolutely be in your family portraits!

Alternatively, consistently visiting the same place regularly— like a cabin in the woods, or a favorite beach— is an excellent reason to use that for your family session location as well.

Bonus: YOU don’t have to take all the photos which means less stress, or at least less to do, and no one is left out because they’re behind the camera!

Core Memory made.

So, which one are you choosing for your next session? Let me know in the comments!

Are you still at a loss? Or maybe ALL of them sound good? The Family Session Location Quiz will help you to figure out where your next session should be! Enter your info below and you’ll get the Location Quiz sent to your inbox!

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