A Pleasant Lake Family Session in North Oaks

Sunshine, Smiles, and Sister Shenanigans

There are summer evenings when the light just hits differently—soft, golden, warm. That kind of light deserves to be bottled up. But since I haven’t figured out how to do that yet, photographing families at Pleasant Lake in North Oaks is the next best thing. As a North Oaks family photographer, I spend a lot of time scouting locations that feel magical but aren’t overrun with crowds or chaos. Pleasant Lake is one of those hidden gems that checks all the boxes.

This summer session was with a family of six: two older girls, two younger girls, and their sweet, easygoing parents. It was full of laughter, dancing in the dirt paths, spontaneous hugs, and just enough goofiness to make it fun. Basically, it was everything I love about summer sessions wrapped into one beautiful evening.

Why Pleasant Lake is Such a Dreamy Spot

Let’s start with the obvious: Pleasant Lake is absolutely lovely. Nestled in North Oaks, it offers a peaceful, tree-lined path that feels like a storybook trail. There’s a sense of calm the moment you step out of the car. The towering trees, filtered sunlight, and winding trails make it feel both cozy and expansive at the same time.

And here’s the thing—it’s not exactly a spot that’s on everyone’s radar. Maybe it’s the quiet nature of North Oaks, or maybe it’s because you actually have to be a North Oaks resident to use the trails and access the lake (yep, it’s one of those hidden local gems). Luckily, this family is a North Oaks family, so we got to take full advantage of the magic.

And also lucky? I live in North Oaks too. So if you're not a resident but are dreaming of a session in this beautiful spot, you can be my guest—literally. I’m happy to host sessions here for families who don’t live in the area.

If you’re searching for a North Oaks family photographer, this is exactly the kind of location I love to suggest—a spot that feels natural, genuine, and photogenic without trying too hard. Pleasant Lake delivers on all of that and more.

Why Summer Is a Secret Weapon for Family Photos

Everyone always thinks of fall when it comes to family photos, and don’t get me wrong—fall is great. The colors, the cozy outfits, the pumpkin spice everything. But here's the deal: once fall hits, everything moves at lightning speed. Between school, sports, holidays, and the sun setting earlier every week, trying to fit in a photo session starts to feel like a game of calendar Tetris.

Summer? Summer is where it’s at.

For this session, we had long, golden-hour light that just went on and on. The kids were still in that sweet summer rhythm—no one was cranky from being rushed home after school, and the vibe was relaxed and happy. Plus, when you're working with four kids, that relaxed energy is everything.

If you're trying to figure out the best time to book your own summer session, the Minnesota DNR sunrise and sunset calendar is super helpful. You can literally look up golden hour for any day of the year and plan around that gorgeous evening light.

As your friendly North Oaks family photographer, I can’t recommend summer sessions enough. They’re laid-back, glowy, and just a whole lot easier to plan around.

A Family of Six, Four Sisters, Infinite Sweetness

Let’s talk about this family. The older sisters were calm, kind, and patient—total big sister energy. The younger two were absolutely bursting with personality. At one point, they hugged so hard they both almost toppled over, which, yes, made the final gallery because it was adorable.

Their outfits were soft and summery—light blues, whites, and coordinating florals that added just the right touch of movement and detail. The floral pattern helped break up the color palette in such a lovely way, especially against the natural greenery and filtered light at Pleasant Lake. It all came together beautifully.

That’s the thing about these sessions—we keep it relaxed. I bring the plan and the camera, you bring your people. We chase the good light, laugh a lot, and capture both the smiling-at-the-camera photos and the wild-card real-life ones that end up being everyone’s favorites.

This Pleasant Lake family session had that dreamy, effortless summer energy—and it absolutely shows in every frame.

What It’s Like to Work With Me

If we haven’t met yet, hi! I’m Michele, a North Oaks family photographer with over 15 years of experience capturing everything from brand-new babies to big, beautiful family crews like this one.

My sessions are child-led, which means we embrace the chaos instead of fighting it. Want to twirl in the path? Go for it. Need to stop for a snack? Totally fine. Some of the best photos happen in the in-between moments, when no one is trying too hard.

I gently guide things along, helping with poses when needed, but mostly I just want everyone to feel like they can breathe. No forced smiles. No stiff poses. Just relaxed, real, joy-filled photos.

This Pleasant Lake family session was the perfect example of what I hope all my sessions feel like: playful, authentic, and full of connection.

Don’t Wait for Fall

Here’s the truth: by the time fall rolls around, everyone’s calendars are packed. School is in full swing, activities multiply, and before you know it, we’re trying to squeeze in sessions after work while racing the sunset.

Summer, though? Summer gives us room. We can schedule later in the evening, enjoy the golden light, and actually relax. Plus, it’s the perfect time to capture those barefoot, sun-kissed memories before the backpacks and bus stops return.

So if you’ve been thinking about booking a session, consider this your sign. Let’s make some summer magic at Pleasant Lake or one of my other favorite hidden gems. Whether you’ve got a crew of six or a toddler tornado, we’ll make it fun.

I’m Michele, your friendly North Oaks family photographer, and I’d love to photograph your story.

What do you think? Would your crew thrive in a Pleasant Lake family session too? Drop me a comment below and let me know!