When people start planning family photos, this is usually the first question:
“Where should we go?”
And most of the time, the instinct is to look for the prettiest place.
A field of flowers. A perfect row of trees. That one spot everyone seems to use.
But here’s what I’ve learned after doing this for years: the “prettiest” location doesn’t always give you the best photos.
The Best Location Is the One That Works for Your Family
Not every family needs the same thing.
A wide open field might look beautiful…
But if you have a toddler who runs in every direction, it can feel stressful fast.
A busy park might photograph well…
But if your kids get overwhelmed easily, it can shut everything down.
A location only works if your family can actually relax there.
Because the best photos come from:
movement
connection
moments that aren’t forced
Not from standing in the “perfect” spot.
Think About Your Kids First (Always)
This is the biggest factor, and it’s the one people skip most often.
Ask yourself:
Do my kids need space to move?
Do you need bathrooms nearby? Easy parking?
Do they warm up slowly?
How far are you willing to travel?
Do they do better in quieter environments?
Is there a space that has special significance to your family (ie a park you spend a lot of time at, etc)
Is it easier and less stressful to do this in your front or backyard and have the convenience of home close by?
So sometimes the answer is open space + fewer distractions. Or if your kids love to explore, you might want a park with paths, rocks, or variety can keep things flowing
The goal isn’t to control them.
It’s to set them up in a place where they can just be themselves.
Light Matters More Than the Background
This is one of those behind-the-scenes things that makes a huge difference.
Soft, even light will always photograph better than a “pretty” spot with harsh sun or deep shadows.
That’s why I tend to choose locations that have:
some shade
open sky nearby
flexibility to move around
So we’re not locked into one exact spot.
Variety > One Perfect Spot
A location that gives us options is always better than one that looks amazing from one angle.
I’m always looking for places that have:
open space
a little greenery
maybe a path or structure nearby (bridge, walkway, etc)
That way we can:
shift if kids need a reset
change things up without overthinking it
keep the session moving naturally
Comfort Changes Everything
This is the part that doesn’t show up in photos—but you can feel it in them.
If you’re worried about:
crowds
parking
whether your kids will “behave”
It shows.
And it changes the whole tone of the session.
The right location should feel:
easy
manageable
low pressure
That’s when people settle in—and that’s when the best moments happen.
You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone
Most of the time, my clients don’t come in with a location picked out.
We figure it out together based on:
your kids
your personalities
the kind of feel you want
Because there isn’t one “best” place; there’s just the place that works best for you.
If You’re Still Not Sure Where to Go
I put together a a page with some of my favorite spots here:
Or we can keep it simple and I’ll recommend a few options that fit your family.
A Quick Thought Before You Decide
It’s easy to get caught up in finding the “perfect” location.
But the photos you’ll actually love later?
They won’t be about the background.
They’ll be about:
the way your kids leaned into you
how everyone relaxed halfway through
the little moments you didn’t plan
The location just helps make that easier.