I'm a huge fan of doing family photos at park locations because there's just something so much more relaxed about being outdoors than sitting in a stiff studio with a fake backdrop. When you're outside, everyone breathes a little easier. The kids have room to move, the light does most of the heavy lifting for you, and honestly, the photos just feel a lot more like "you."
But let's be real for a second—getting the whole crew together, dressed, and coordinated while trying to make sure no one is mid-meltdown can be a bit of a marathon. If you've ever tried to wrangle a toddler while your spouse is checking their watch and you're worried about the humidity ruining your hair, you know what I mean. The good news is that parks are incredibly forgiving. Even if things feel a little chaotic in the moment, that natural backdrop has a way of making everything look intentional and beautiful.
Finding the right spot in the greenery
Not all parks are created equal when it comes to photography. You might have a favorite local spot where you walk the dog, but that doesn't always mean it's the best place for a photo session. When you're looking for a spot, you want to think about variety. A big open field is gorgeous, but if that's all you have, your photos might start to feel a little one-note after twenty minutes.
I always look for parks that have a mix of "textures." Think big oak trees with low-hanging branches, some stone pathways, maybe a wooden bridge, or even just a patch of tall, golden grass. These little changes in the environment allow you to get a bunch of different looks without having to hike three miles to a new location. It also gives the kids things to interact with. Sitting on a big rock is way more interesting to a five-year-old than just standing in a line and being told to "look at the camera."
Also, keep an eye out for what's happening in the background. A park with a giant playground is great for an after-shoot reward, but if it's right in the frame, you're going to have a lot of random kids in neon shirts in the back of your family portraits. Aim for areas that feel a bit more secluded so you don't feel like you're performing for a crowd of strangers.
Timing your shoot for that glowy light
If you take one thing away from this, let it be about the timing. You've probably heard of "golden hour," and I promise it's not just some buzzword photographers use to sound fancy. It's that hour just before sunset when the sun is low, the light is soft, and everything looks like it's been dipped in honey.
If you try to do your family photos at park settings at noon, you're going to be fighting some pretty harsh shadows. High-noon sun creates "raccoon eyes" and makes everyone squint. Plus, it's usually the hottest part of the day, and nothing kills the mood faster than everyone getting sweaty and cranky.
If you have really little kids who hit their "witching hour" right around sunset, don't worry. You can also aim for early morning, right after sunrise. The light is just as pretty, the park is usually empty, and the kids are often in a much better mood after breakfast than they are right before dinner. It's all about finding that balance between the best light and your family's actual rhythm.
What to wear (and what to definitely skip)
The question of what to wear is usually the biggest stressor for parents. We've all seen those photos from the 90s where everyone is wearing matching white t-shirts and jeans. Please, for the love of your future self, don't do that.
Instead of matching, aim for coordinating. Pick a color palette—maybe blues, creams, and mustard yellow—and let everyone work within that. You want a mix of colors and textures that look good together but don't look like a uniform. It feels more organic and lets everyone's personality pop a bit more.
Comfort is actually the most important thing. If your daughter hates itchy lace, don't make her wear it. If your son feels stiff in a button-down, a nice soft henley or a well-fitted sweater works just as well. When people feel comfortable in their clothes, they move more naturally. Also, consider your footwear! You're at a park, so there will be grass, dirt, and maybe a little mud. Stilettos are probably going to sink into the turf, so maybe opt for cute boots, flats, or even some clean, stylish sneakers.
Keeping the energy up for the little ones
Let's talk about the kids. Most children view a photo session as a weird chore where they have to stay still and smile on command. That's a recipe for "fake smiles" or total shut-downs. The trick to getting great family photos at park locations is to make it feel like a fun outing rather than a photoshoot.
I always tell parents to bring "bribes," but let's call them "incentives." Smart snacks like marshmallows or crackers are great because they don't stain clothes or get stuck in teeth like chocolate or lollipops might. And don't be afraid to let them run! Sometimes the best shots are the ones where the kids are just being kids—chasing each other through the grass or looking at a cool bug they found.
If the kids start to get restless, take a break. Let them play for five minutes while the photographer gets some shots of just the parents. It lowers the pressure and usually results in much more genuine smiles when you bring everyone back together.
Focusing on the candid moments over the stiff poses
While it's always nice to have at least one photo where everyone is looking at the camera and smiling, those usually aren't the ones people end up framing. The photos that really pull at your heartstrings are the ones where you're laughing at something your partner said, or you're looking down at your child with a genuine smile.
Don't be afraid to move. Walk together, hold hands, have a little tickle fight, or sit on a blanket and just hang out. A good photographer will guide you into "poses" that feel like natural actions. Instead of "stand there and smile," they might say "whisper a secret into your brother's ear." Those prompts create real reactions, and that's what makes a photo feel alive.
It's also okay if everything isn't perfect. If the wind blows your hair across your face or your toddler has a grass stain on their knee by the end of the session, embrace it. That's the reality of family life, and years from now, those little details are going to be the things you remember most fondly.
A few final things to keep in your bag
Before you head out for your family photos at park day, there are a few "just in case" items that can really save the day. First off, bring a nice neutral blanket. It gives you a clean place to sit so you don't get grass stains on your outfits right at the start.
Second, pack some wet wipes and a small hairbrush. Between snacks and running around, things can get a little messy. A quick wipe-down or a quick brush-through can fix a lot of small issues before they become permanent memories in your photos.
Lastly, bring some water. Being outside and moving around can make everyone thirsty, and a quick water break can be a good "reset" if the energy starts to dip. Just make sure to keep the bottle out of the shots!
At the end of the day, the best part about taking photos in a park is that you're creating a memory together. If you go into it with the mindset that you're just going to have a fun hour outside with your favorite people, it'll show in the results. The park provides the backdrop, but your family provides the heart. Just relax, have a little fun, and let the scenery do the rest.