Jim found me on Google when he was looking for Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge family photos. Jim is actually a photographer himself! He does mostly events, sports, and landscapes, but said he found my work and knew I knew how to work all the light, posing, and editing. He was VERY complimentary of my photography skills and abilities and definitely made me feel like a rockstar!
Jim and his wife Kasey live in Oklahoma City with their three girls, Mollie, Aria, and Luna. They came down to the wildlife refuge because they wanted the natural beauty of the Wichita Mountains in their family photos. Below I’m recapping the Horinek family’s session, but head here if you want more details about my family photography!
What the Horinek Family Wore for Their Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge Family Photos
Kasey put together everyone’s outfits and was really nervous because they had never had family photographs before. I quickly put that worry to rest because they looked absolutely well put together and well dressed!
Kasey wore a gorgeous long-sleeve dark teal dress with a belt. Jim wore jeans, a white T-shirt, and a red, orange, and mustard plaid overshirt. Aria wore a cream short-sleeve maxi dress, Luna wore a sleeveless gold dress, and Mollie wore jeans with a burgundy shirt.
I knew my warm editing style with a tad bit of moodiness and vibrance was going to further enhance their outfits.
Golden Hour at Quanah Parker Lake Dam
We started out on one side of the Quanah Parker Lake Dam, and that’s where we got most of our golden hour sun. At the very beginning, Jim told me, “Good luck on manual.” I said, “I always shoot on manual,” and he was like, “Oh wow, that’s pretty cool—even with families?”
YEP! I just leave my settings high enough, specifically my shutter speed and F-stop, so unless I purposely want blur on the people, it doesn’t happen. If a photographer doesn’t at least know how to shoot on manual and be comfortable in most settings, then you’re really not worth your salt. Now, with something like sports photography, I can understand how you would need to be on auto, so I’ll give you that.
The girls were super easy to photograph. It took me a little bit to warm up tween Mollie, but I figured it out once I used the standard jokes that I run and everybody made fun of dad. That got a big ol’ smile out of her!
Family Photos During Blue Hour
We ended up on the other side of the dam and finished during blue hour. At the end of the session, we let the girls climb around the rocks.
That made for a couple of really beautifully colored images with a tiny little piece of moon. It was the perfect way to finish their Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge Family Photos!
Top Lawton Parks for Family Photos
There are so many more great places to shoot in Lawton! I also love to shoot family portraits at:
- Elmer Thomas Park – Lake Helen, picnic areas, and plenty of outdoor park space.
- Lake Lawtonka – Lake views at the foot of Mount Scott near the Wichita Mountains.
- Lake Ellsworth – Miles of shoreline, swimming areas, picnic spots, and water views.
- Greer Park – An updated Lawton park with a playground, shade coverings, and splash pad.
- Lee West Park – A neighborhood park with a recently renovated playground.
Nearby Options:
- Medicine Park – A historic cobblestone town surrounded by natural beauty near the Wichita Mountains.
- Great Plains State Park – Rocky mountain foothills, hiking trails, granite boulders, and Tom Steed Lake.
There are plenty of options if you want outdoor family photos in Lawton!
Ready to Book Your family photos at Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge?
If you’re looking forWichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge Family Photos and want that natural beauty of the Wichita Mountains, I’d love to photograph your family! Whether we start in golden hour, finish in blue hour, or let your kiddos climb around on the rocks, we can make your session feel like your family.
Sarah Creal is a family, maternity, newborn, and birth photographer serving Richmond, Virginia and Lawton, Oklahoma. With 10+ years in business and 95 five-star reviews, she is known for relaxed, connected photography and her ability to work with children and families of different needs. Sarah was also an occupational therapist for 25 years and is a member of Professional Photographers of America and the American Occupational Therapy Association.
