A Summer Evening at Cutler Botanic Gardens with the VanVorce Family

There’s something special about summer evenings in Binghamton—the light lingers just a little longer, the air feels warm and calm, and everything seems to slow down. The VanVorce family joined me at Cutler Botanic Gardens for their family session, and it was the perfect setting to capture their love and connection.


Golden Hour Magic

We planned their session in the evening to make the most of the soft, golden light that fills the gardens at sunset. This time of day creates such a dreamy glow, and it really highlighted the joy and closeness of the VanVorce family. The kids were full of energy, exploring the space, and I was able to capture both playful candids and more posed family moments.


The Beauty of Cutler Botanic Gardens

Cutler Botanic Gardens is one of my favorite outdoor locations in Binghamton because it offers so much variety. The colorful flower beds, lush greenery, and open grassy areas give families room to play while still providing gorgeous backdrops. For the Vanvorce family, it was the perfect spot to blend natural beauty with their fun personalities.

Capturing Their Story

What stood out to me most about this session was how natural and relaxed the VanVorce family was together. From giggles during walking shots to quiet moments sitting close in the garden, their love for each other really shone through. It’s these little details—tiny hands holding onto mom’s dress, siblings laughing mid-spin—that make family sessions so meaningful.


Why Summer Sessions Are Special

Summer evenings like this remind me why outdoor family sessions are such a wonderful choice. The warm light, lush greenery, and easy-going atmosphere make it the perfect season to capture memories that feel timeless. I’m so grateful to the VanVorce family for letting me document their summer story.




Family sitting together outdoors on a grassy hill with trees in the background wearing coordinated blue outfits.
Black and white portrait of three young children sitting together on a bench in garden setting.
Two children sit close together on grassy ground under dappled sunlight in a park setting.
Scenic garden path lined with colorful blooms and greenery during sunset lighting.
Series of black and white photos showing a child lying on grass under dappled sunlight.
Joyful moment in a garden as a parent lifts a baby wearing light blue clothing against a natural backdrop of trees and flowers.
A group walks together on a garden path surrounded by flowers and trees on a sunny summer day.
Family exploring and looking at flowers together in a lush garden setting on a sunny day.
Series of color photos showing children lying on grass while laughing and playing together.
Black and white portrait of a young child wearing a white dress with a bow in their hair, smiling outdoors.
A family poses together on a paved path beside blooming hydrangea bushes and trees in a garden setting.
A small child in a light colored outfit stands barefoot near white hydrangea bushes and a white picket fence.
Child in light blue shirt standing by white porch railing outdoors with a bright smile.
A series of outdoor garden photographs showing white hydrangea bushes and landscaping along a walkway.
Three children in coordinating light blue and white outfits sit together on a wooden bench in a garden setting.
Black and white photo series showing children walking away down a garden path surrounded by trees and bushes.