A family photography session can be so much more than awkward poses and forced smiles. Your session is a great excuse to have valuable bonding time with your family and most importantly – have a lot of fun! If you’re currently in planning mode for your 2021 session, below are 5 outdoor activities that will enhance your family photography and add that special hint of magic you’ve been looking for! After 15 years of capturing candid documentary moments, I can promise that adding elements of personalization to your session is guaranteed to bring out the smiles – no prompting needed.
5 Outdoor Activities That Will Enhance Your Family Photography Sessions:
1. Bring Your Pets
When you read this you might be thinking pets as in cats and dogs, but I mean ANY pets! Yes, that’s right. Bunny rabbits, horses, chickens…you name it! Our pets are just as much a part of our families as anyone else, so why not bring them along? No one ever said posing with animals was easy, but we often aren’t looking for perfection, we are looking for those real moments. Get ready for a whole lot of silly moments and plenty fur baby snuggles!
Here’s a little inspiration for you, love me some bunnies!
Lucic Family Lifestyle Photography
Edmonton Lifestyle Photography – Family Portraits at the Horse Stable
2. Bubbles!
Bubbles never fail to bring out the giggles during family photography sessions. Not to mention they catch the light in the most beautiful ways and add little rainbows to your photographs! Bubbles are the perfect way to add a little whimsy to your photography session and get every family member smiling.
I loved photographing these adorable families with bubbles over the years 🙂
Little Lennon – Edmonton Family Photographer
Isla – Edmonton Family Photography
3. Go Fly A Kite
Flying kites isn’t just something that takes place in Mary Poppins! In fact, it is the perfect activity for a family photography lifestyle session. There will always be something so magical about seeing a kite soaring through the air, lifted effortlessly on a gust of wind…I just love incorporating kites into outdoor family sessions. Whether you make your own or pick one up from a toy store the sense of wonder and fun they create is just the same. Running, chasing, and looking up into the sky, your family will be documented perfectly in the carefree moments kites create.
Check out these examples of my sessions with a kite, so much fun with your family on a windy day!
Edmonton Family Photographer – Family Session in Invermere
The Bischoff Family – Edmonton Photography
4. Have A Campfire
Did someone say s’mores? What about mini pizzas? There is really no limit to all of the delicious treats you can cook on a campfire! Campfires are an awesome way to incorporate tasty treats into an outdoor family photography session, not to mention the light of the fire gives off the perfect amount of extra glow as the sun goes down. From foodies to outdoor enthusiasts alike this outdoor activity is sure to bring everyone in the family together for a bit of fun and make the most of your lifestyle family photography session.
Here’s some sweet families enjoying a fire from my portfolio, makes me want to roast marshmallow right now!
Packford Family – Edmonton Family Photography
Family Photography in the Rockies
5. Play In Some Water
Whether it’s a mountain lake, prairie river, or tropical ocean hopping in some water is a great way to add a sense of playfulness to your family photography session. The opportunities really are endless – especially if you aren’t afraid to get a little wet! Splash, jump, throw rocks, and maybe (if you’re brave) jump off a dock! For young and old alike choosing a shoot location with water is an awesome way to get in touch with your inner child and explore nature.
I’m always up for playing in some water, as the following pictures from my blog show. Ocean, lakes or backyard pool, any water is fine by me!
Scade Family in Honduras – Edmonton Lifestyle Photographer
Yuricek Family – Kananaskis Family Photography
