If you’ve ever watched The Sandlot and felt a wave of sweet, summer nostalgia hit you right in the heart, you’re not alone. It’s one of those movies that brings you back to the days of scraped knees, street baseball, and staying out till the porch light came on.

For my family, summer movie traditions are a real thing. My husband and I count down to the holidays just to queue up White Christmas and Scrooged, but come baseball season... it’s all about those summertime baseball movies including The Sandlot. This year, with our daughter freshly six and our son a mighty four, we decided it was time to introduce them to this childhood classic. Let’s just say between the fireworks scene and our pre-bedtime cuddles during the scary dog chase, it was love at first "you're killin' me, Smalls!"

That’s when the idea sparked: what if we brought a little Sandlot magic to life in the form of a just-for-fun photo session? Only this time… the girls are taking over the sandlot! So I gathered some of my daughter’s equally baseball-loving friends, got my camera ready, roped in some nostalgic props (like an actual wooden bat and, yes, a Squints glasses moment), and created something kind of amazing.

A cheerful group huddles together on sandy ground under green trees in a casual outdoor photo session.

Summer tends to slow down a bit for photography here in Wisconsin, and instead of seeing that as a lull, I’ve started to treat it as a blessing. It’s my chance to refill the creative well, to stretch beyond the typical mini sessions and full family shoots and ask, “What would make this fun again?” This Sandlot girls session hit that sweet spot!

Not only did it let me play with storytelling in a way that’s totally aligned with how I approach family photography (more giggles than posing, more dirt than perfection!) but it reminded me just how powerful photos can be when we lean into play. These weren’t just portraits of kids looking at the camera. They were kids becoming characters. They were friendships frozen in time right at the tail-end of kindergarten, captured with all the messy, wonderful energy that comes with it.

If you’re a parent or fellow photographer wondering, “Could I pull off something like this?”… the answer is absolutely. Here are a few things I’ve learned from creating this Sandlot-themed photo session that might help you get inspired too!

Small white dog wearing a pink and white shirt lies on dirt ground.

A group of people stand in a line at an outdoor area while participating in some kind of activity or game.

1. Keep the Theme Loose, Not Literal

You don’t need a perfectly staged baseball diamond or exact replicas of movie costumes to pull this off. We used a dusty field, casual "play clothes," and a pair of fake glasses to channel the vibe without the stress of Pinterest-level costume design. Authentic moments always beat perfection.

2. Invite the Right Crew

I hand-picked a small group of families I knew would be on board with a little dirt, a bit of chaos, and a lot of fun. The magic happened because everyone leaned into the theme, not just the kids. One parent even brought their pup to play the role of Hercules, and let me tell you, that dog stole the show.

3. Let the Kids Run the Show (Sort Of)

We started with a few quick posed shots because I knew attention spans would be short. After that? Time to run bases, play catch, and trade turns being Squints or Bennie or Yeah-Yeah. Some of the most memorable shots came from those in-between moments when the girls were just being themselves.

4. Use Props to Spark Joy

That old bat, the shared glasses, even a baseball glove or two – none of it was extravagant, but all of it added to the mood. It gave the kids something to hold and interact with, which always helps keep things natural in front of the camera.

5. Talk Future Milestones

After sending out the galleries, some of the moms floated an idea that instantly gave me goosebumps: what if we recreated the session every few years? One for middle school, one for high school, and one final hurrah before graduation. Can you imagine? Watching these tiny slugger girls grow up before our very eyes?!

Three children wearing casual summer clothing stand together on dirt ground with green grass and trees in the background.

Two children in casual play clothes share playful moments with baseball gear on a sunny day in grassy field.

Two pairs of legs wearing pink sneakers and denim shorts stand together in sandy dirt.

Group of children kneeling in a row on dirt ground with a small light-colored dog among them.

So often we think about photos only in terms of milestones: birthdays, anniversaries, holidays. But this Sandlot session reminded me that some of the best memories come during the “in between” times, when play leads the way and storytelling flows without a plan.

As a Greendale family photographer, I’m constantly looking for ways to help families capture their real life in a meaningful, joyful way. Whether that’s a mini session in the park, an in-home lifestyle session with your toddler and your dog, or something completely off-the-wall like girls recreating a baseball movie from the ‘90s... I’m here for it!

This session wasn’t rooted in milestones. It was rooted in connection. And that’s what I love capturing most!

Happy group of campers sitting together on bleachers outdoors during summer activities.

If this idea lit a creative spark for you - whether you're dreaming up your own themed session or just want to make space for play in your next family shoot - I’d love to help bring it to life. Sessions with me are always relaxed, fun, and built around your family’s unique rhythm (and yes, I’m very dog-friendly)!

You can check out my seasonal Greendale mini photo sessions for families or reach out to chat about an idea that’s outside the box. Let’s turn your favorite stories into lasting images - just like we did at the sandlot!