One of the first questions I get after a family books their session is:

"Where should we take our photos?"

The good news is there isn't a wrong answer. The best location is one that fits your family's personality. Whether you love wide open fields, wooded trails, or want to document your family's favorite tradition, your session should feel like you.

Here are some of my favorite locations for family sessions, plus one option that many families overlook.

🌿 Grant Park


If you're looking for a location with lots of variety, Grant Park is one of my favorites.

You'll find:

  • Beautiful wooded trails
  • Tall grasses
  • Small creek
  • Large wooden bridges
  • Natural scenery that changes beautifully throughout the seasons

One of the biggest perks is that families can make an evening out of it. There's a small playground nearby where the kids can play after your session, making it feel more like a family outing than a photo shoot.

Perfect for:

  • Young families
  • Adventurous kids
  • Fall colors
  • Summer wildflowers


Smiling young boy in a light blue polo shirt leaning against a rustic wooden bridge railing outdoors.
Three young boys in coordinating blue and khaki outfits pose together on a bridge surrounded by lush green trees.
A happy family of five poses on a wooden bridge surrounded by lush green trees, with a pregnant mother in a sage dress.
A couple kisses their smiling toddler on a wooden bridge surrounded by lush green trees.
Family of five smiling together on a blanket in a wildflower meadow during a summer outdoor photo session.
Family of five enjoying a picnic in a wildflower meadow, with mom reaching out to toddler son on a sunny day.
Woman in sage green midi dress standing in wildflower field with yellow and white blooms.
Pregnant woman in green dress with husband and two young boys in a lush outdoor field during a maternity photo session.
Three young boys sitting on rocks splashing their feet in a shallow creek surrounded by lush green trees.
Three young boys sitting on rocks by a creek, smiling, with bare feet in the water.
Smiling blonde boy in white shirt and khaki shorts leaning against a rustic bridge railing outdoors.
Smiling toddler boy in blue linen shirt and shorts with brown sandals standing on a bridge outdoors.

🌾 Cox Arboretum


.Cox Arboretum is one of the easiest locations to access and offers a little bit of everything.

You'll find:

  • Beautiful landscaping
  • Open grassy areas
  • Pond views
  • Gazebos
  • Paved walking paths
  • Public restrooms
  • A playground nearby

Because everything is close together, it's a wonderful choice for grandparents, toddlers, or anyone who prefers minimal walking.

Perfect for:

  • Multi-generational family sessions
  • Spring blooms
  • Families with little ones
  • Dressier outfits


Family of three smiling on a blanket in a sunlit autumn field, parents embracing young boy in green sweater.
Family of three sitting on blanket in autumn field, parents smiling with toddler in green outfit, golden sunset.
A young family swings their toddler between them in a sunlit autumn field surrounded by golden trees.
A young boy holds hands with his pregnant mother and father during a fall family portrait session outdoors.
Pregnant woman in brown dress poses with husband in plaid shirt and young son on brick path in sunny park.
A young boy in a teal sweater hugs a pregnant woman's belly outdoors on a brick path in warm golden light.
A smiling young boy in a green sweater and brown pants sits on a stone wall in an autumn park setting.
Young boy in green sweater smiling and clapping hands outdoors in a park during autumn.
A smiling mother holds her young son outdoors in a sunlit field during a warm family portrait session.
A happy young boy in a green sweater and brown pants runs through a golden autumn field outdoors.

☀️ Germantown


If you're dreaming of glowing sunset photos, Germantown is hard to beat.

This location offers:

  • Open fields
  • Tall golden grasses
  • Marsh and wetland scenery
  • Wide open skies
  • Incredible golden hour light

The simplicity of this location keeps the focus on your family while creating warm, timeless images.

Perfect for:

  • Sunset sessions
  • Maternity photos
  • Families wanting a natural, rustic look


Happy young family with baby boy smiling outdoors in golden autumn light among green trees.
Young family with baby and brown dog sitting on blanket outdoors during golden hour in autumn setting.
Young family with baby and fluffy brown dog sitting on blanket outdoors, smiling and enjoying time together.
A happy young family with a baby enjoys a golden sunset in a field, the father kissing the mother's cheek.
Black and white photo of smiling parents holding their baby outdoors in tall grass.
A happy young couple laughs together outdoors at golden hour while cradling their newborn baby in a sunlit forest setting.
A smiling man holds a baby in a sunny golden field, both wearing casual clothes in a warm autumn outdoor setting.
Couple lying on white lace blanket in golden field, looking into wicker basket at sunset.
A young family sits on a blanket outdoors, with their baby resting in a large woven basket during a golden hour photo session.
Silhouette of parents lifting baby at sunset in a field, golden hour family portrait.
Mother in blue dress holding baby at golden hour sunset in tall grass field.

🍦 Choose a Meaningful Location

Sometimes the best location isn't a park at all.

Your family's story deserves to be documented where life actually happens.

Some ideas include:

  • An ice cream date at your favorite local shop
  • Baking cookies together at home
  • A picnic at your favorite park
  • Playing in your own backyard
  • Visiting the family farm
  • Fishing together
  • Picking apples or pumpkins
  • A local flower farm
  • Your favorite hiking trail
  • Saturday morning pancakes in the kitchen

These sessions are relaxed, authentic, and filled with genuine moments. Kids often feel more comfortable in familiar places, which means more natural smiles and less pressure.

Years from now, these everyday memories often become the most treasured photographs.

Happy family of four enjoying ice cream cones under a striped umbrella on a sunny day outdoors.
Two young children sharing an ice cream cone at an outdoor picnic table on a sunny day.
A woman feeds her bearded boyfriend french fries while sitting outdoors on a sunny day, both smiling and relaxed.
A couple shares a romantic kiss while holding frozen drinks on a bench outdoors.
Two women socializing at outdoor picnic tables under blue and white striped umbrellas on a sunny patio.
Two smiling children, a boy and girl, sit together on a stone bench at a sunny outdoor playground.
A smiling couple sits on a bench as two young children approach holding frozen treats.
Family sitting on front porch steps of white suburban home, enjoying sunny day together in lush green yard.
Happy family of four sitting on front porch steps, parents smiling at young children in summer outfits.
Vintage black and white photo of children playing with a large dog in a suburban yard near a white fence.
Family of four with two dogs posing on lawn in front of white ranch-style home for a portrait photo.
Family with two dogs sitting on grass in front of white ranch home for a portrait photo.
Happy family of four holding hands walking on sidewalk past a home with a for sale sign on a sunny day.

Which Location Is Right for You?

If you're unsure where to go, don't worry! I'll help you choose a location based on:

  • The season
  • Your family's style
  • The ages of your children
  • How much walking you're comfortable with
  • The overall look you want for your photos

Every family is different, and your session should reflect what makes yours unique.

Whether we're exploring the trails at Grant Park, chasing golden light in Germantown, wandering through Cox Arboretum, or capturing your family making memories over ice cream or in your own backyard, we'll create images that feel natural, joyful, and true to your family.

Ready to plan your family session? I'd love to help you choose the perfect location and create photos your family will treasure for years to come.



Book Your Family Session Here