What Happens During An Adventure Family Photo Session?

My sessions are fun and full of adventure, but hearing that can sometimes leave people wondering what actually happens at your adventure family photo session. Here are some things to expect during a typical session with me. And if you’re curious about the entire process, I have a blog explaining it all from booking to gallery delivery.

What is an Adventure Family Session?

An adventure family photo session is an experience that feels more like a fun family outing than a traditional photo shoot. We meet at a beautiful location (might be rocky riverbeds, mountain views, wildflower fields, or the Oregon Coast), and from there, you’ll play, explore, cuddle, and just enjoy being together. I’ll guide you with gentle prompts, but nothing is stiff or overly posed. Instead, I focus on capturing the real stuff: the goofy faces, windblown hair, spontaneous piggyback rides, and all the sweet, messy, love-filled moments in between. These sessions are about connection, not perfection, and they give you the space to slow down and actually feel the joy of your family just as you are.

Even though it’s called an “adventure session,” that doesn’t mean you’ll be hiking for miles or climbing a mountain to get great photos. Most of my locations are a 0–15 minute walk from the parking area, and I always take into account your family’s needs when choosing the right spot. I’ve carefully scouted places that are beautiful, easy to access, and have fun features for kids to explore: like water to splash in, logs to balance on, or wide open space to run. I’ll send you a location guide ahead of time so you know exactly what to expect, and we’ll choose a place that fits your comfort level. The focus is on creating a laid-back, fun experience, not an exhausting trek.

When you arrive for your family photos

When I get there, I usually send a text if I don’t see you. You can feel free to text me if you get there first, also! If you’re borrowing any clothing from my client closet, then I’ll set up my changing tent so you can change (or you are welcome to change in your car if you’d rather). Once everyone is ready, you can follow me for a fun family adventure (oh, and some photos (and maybe video), too 😉).

As we walk to our first spot, we get to know each other a bit better. I will chat with the kids, too, unless there’s a shy one that needs a little time to warm up to me. Sometimes hearing their parents chat to me is all they need to start feeling more comfortable.

The start of your family photo session

I’ll start the session out by sneaking in a posed shot of everyone looking at the camera as long as the kids are feeling up to it (and in that case I’ll try again later). Once that is out of the way, we can play! I’ll give you lots of games to play and things to do that will get your family interacting and having fun. If you can truly focus on your family and really be in the moment with them, that is when the best photos are created.

Once you’re feeling comfortable…

Once you are feeling a bit more comfortable, I’ll give your family space to do your own thing. I want you to do what comes naturally, whether that’s playing and being silly or having a calm moment together. Sometimes I’ll give you some ideas to choose from so you aren’t sitting there wondering what to do. Or I might suggest that you and your family play in a specific area and tell you a few things you might do over there. Then I will step back and see what unfolds. If I notice something that I want to change, I’ll let you know. For example, if dad is walking with a small child and his body is blocking the child, I’ll ask him to put them on the other side of him. Mostly I want you to do what feels right to you and there will be plenty of opportunities for me to capture natural connections, smiles, and laughter.

Exploring and interacting with nature

Depending on the location and the ages of your child(ren), I might have you explore a certain area, throw rocks in the water, climb boulders, look for flowers or leaves, etc. I usually leave it up to the kids to decide what to do because they are basically the boss of this whole thing, and if they’re happy, everyone is happy!

Cuddling with your family

Another thing I will probably do is ask you to all cuddle on a blanket or on the ground if it isn’t wet or full of stickers. It gets you all on the same level and gives you the opportunity to soak up some sweet hugs from your babies. As with all things, if your child isn’t into it, we will scrap this idea and go run wild. Lol.

Can we do something unique?

If you have a unique idea you’d like to try out during your family photos, I am open to it! Maybe your kids play instruments and you want to incorporate them into your session (that is what I did for my own family photos one year!), or you want to bring a picnic basket and have a picnic, or you’d like to splash in a creek the entire session. Whatever it is, I want to hear about it and see if I can help you make it happen!

What kind of families do I work with?

The types of families that I work with don’t take themselves too seriously. They like being outside in nature, they might be avid hikers and tent campers, or they might just enjoy an evening stroll through the park. They aren’t afraid of their kids getting a little dirty or concerned with every hair and item of clothing being in the perfect place. They embrace connection over perfection.

Their goal for the session is not to get a bunch of posed images of everyone smiling at the camera, but rather to capture the love that their family has for each other. The goofiness. The adventure. The joy.

If that sounds like you, I’d love to be your family photographer!

How can we book a family adventure session?

I schedule sessions all year long but can get booked up pretty quickly from spring through fall. I take very limited amounts of weekend bookings so if you can make a weekday work, I would suggest it (plus, there are usually less people around!). I’m based out of Portland, Oregon but I travel all over for sessions so send me a message and let me know what you’re envisioning for your family photos! You can also book directly online.