Figuring out where and what to do for your annual family portraits can be nerve racking, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some fun ideas, indoors and outdoors, for your next family session. Lifestyle sessions don’t have to be stiffly posed. Having a fun activity to do can relieve camera anxiety and give you something else to focus on.
Since the weather is often not ideal here in the Capital Region, having a plan for an indoor session is also so smart. This way you don’t have to stress out checking the weather app every few hours leading up to your session.
Here are a few of my favorite places and ideas for Lifestyle Family Photos.
In Home Family Session
Pictures at home is a fun way to incorporate your home into your session. Maybe you’ll be moving soon or you just moved into your forever home. Family Portraits in home can have so many different backdrops.
- Cooking or Baking in the kitchen
- Bubble Bath for the kiddos
- Story Time / Reading books together
- Arts & Crafts
- Playing dress up / Costumes
- Pillow Fight
- Make a Fort in the living room
Fun Indoor Adventure Place
Maybe a fun family outing to the arcade, axe throwing, kids museum, your local library or bookstore, indoor gymnasium, train station or go carts could be fun for family photos.
Obviously we would need to call ahead of time to make sure they allow photos and send any insurance certificates or pay a photography fee if needed.
Book a Day in the Life Experience
Instead of your typical posed family photo session, consider booking a Day in the Life Experience where I spend a half day or a full day documenting a normal day for your family. No worrying about what you’re going to wear, if the kiddos will behave or dragging your partner to a local park for pictures. Wake up and do your normal family routine and let me create beautiful images of real moments for your family to enjoy forever.
Day in the Life Experiences can start at home for Breakfast and include any errands or family activities out in the world. No posing, no forced smiles or new wardrobes… just pure authentic family fun.
Local Parks, State Parks, Playgrounds
The Capital Region has so many stunning locations for your next Family Session. Here is a list of my favorite local and state parks we can go for your photos in Albany and surrounding areas.
I always suggest early morning sessions if you are booking on a weekend date to avoid crowds. Afternoons are totally doable, just know there will be a lot more onlookers.
Capital Region Parks & Outdoor spaces I love to photograph:
Washington Park (Downtown Albany – my backyard!)
Tivoli Lake Preserve (Albany)
Five Rivers Environmental (Delmar)
Pruyn House (Latham)
Central Park (Schenectady)
Peebles Island State Park (Cohoes)
Thatcher State Park (just South of Albany)
Windham Path (Catskills)
Mine Kill State Park (Saratoga)
Saratoga Springs State Park (Saratoga)
Congress Park (Saratoga Springs)
Moreau Lake State Park (Saratoga)
Glens Falls Parks (a variety of Parks)
Blenheim Covered Bridge (Schoharie)
Frear Park (Troy)
Sagamore (Lake George)
Kaaterskill Falls (Hunter)
Crossings of Colonie (Colonie)
Urban City Locations
If you are tired of nature and trees or it’s getting cold and the foliage has faded, you can absolutely choose a more urban location for the backdrop of your session. There are so many vibrant and adorable downtowns and hamlets all over the Capital Region. Here are just a few of my local favorites.
Empire State Plaza
Downtown Albany Murals
Rensselaer Downtown Waterfront
Downtown Schenectady
Troy Riverfront
Downtown Saratoga Springs
Downtown Glens Falls
Apple Orchards & Local Farms
The Capital Region (and Hudson Valley) has a plethora of amazing orchards and farms. With a little pre planning (and permission) we are absolutely able to document your family at a variety of these locations. For the Fall I recommend Apple Picking or Pumpkin Patches. In the Winter your favorite Christmas Tree Farm would be iconic. Gardens and State Parks are great for Spring and Summer.
The Capital Region is such a diverse and beautiful location for Family Portraits. Choosing a location for your next Family session is easy once you decide what vibe you are going for.
Tiny House Photo is a Capital Region Family Photographer offering photo session all over the Capital Region and Hudson Valley, New York. Click here if you’d like to book a Family Session!
© Tiny House Photo
Capital Region Family Photographer
