Sunrise Session with the Berrier Family at Arbor Hills Nature Preserve

There’s something magical about sunrise sessions—soft golden light, cooler temps, and the peaceful stillness of the morning. The Berrier family chose just that for their recent family photo shoot at Arbor Hills Nature Preserve in Plano, and it couldn’t have been a more perfect choice.

As a Plano Photographer, I always love when families want to blend timeless with fun. The Berriers—parents and their two teenage boys—wanted images that felt natural and true to who they are right now. Their eldest son is off to college, and their youngest had football practice later that morning, so we met bright and early to capture this special season of life.

We kept things simple and stress-free by sticking to the easily accessible back fields near the main parking lot. These wide-open areas are a favorite of mine as a Family Photographer—the tall grass, soft foliage, and dreamy morning light created a perfect backdrop without requiring a long hike. It's a hidden gem that delivers beautiful results every time.

The boys were relaxed and easygoing (a rare treat with teens!), and the whole family brought such great energy to the shoot. We focused on candid connection, real smiles, and a few classic portraits for good measure. It’s sessions like these that remind me why I love being a DFW Photographer—getting to freeze-frame these fleeting family moments before everyone scatters off to work, school, and sports.

If you're thinking about updating your family photos, a morning session might be the perfect fit for your crew. The light is gorgeous, the parks are quiet, and you still have the whole day ahead of you. Let’s plan your own family photo shoot that’s both fun and timeless—just like the Berriers'.