My secret trick when I’m making family photos is to create an experience - give everyone something fun to do so we can capture authentic emotions and reactions. Plus, when everyone is engaged and having fun, and. it creates warm, fuzzy feelings that will be felt again when revisiting the photos from that day!

ACTIVITIES FOR YOUR NEXT FAMILY PHOTO SESSION

Plan a Picnic: This is one of my favorites. Pack some beautiful snacks (strawberries, blueberries, cheese, grapes, croissants) and everyone is happy! I'll bring a beautiful blanket and guide us to a location where the light is beautiful. You’ll sit with your family, eating, reading books, enjoying each other’s company, and we’ll get some beautiful photos without your family even really realizing photos are being made!
Go to the Art Museum: Strolling around an art museum makes for great photos and it’s enjoy. The Nasher and the NC Museum of Art in Raleigh are my favorites.
Visit the Museum of Life and Science: Children love the Museum of life and science! The butterfly garden is a nice location for photos! However, if you’re going to use this location for photos, I’d recommend a weekday when it’s not so crowded.
Hike at the Eno River: The Eno River is one of our favorite places to go. Being in nature seems to calm my son’s nervous system, so he’s happy as a clam when we’re at the river. just throwing rocks, walking along the river. This is a great spot for family connection and photos!
The Van Gogh exhibition: Check it out here!
Pizza night: The dough, the toppings, the togetherness… This makes for beautiful family moments and images!
Go out for ice cream at your favorite local spot (Eno River Farms): Scenic views, space to run, delicious homemade ice cream as a treat and beautiful sunsets.
Family art projects, like painting: Buy a big canvas before your session, then invite everyone to get messy and enjoy the process!
Go on an adventure: Plan an adventure to a lake, rent a boat: I love going to Jordan lake and rending stand up paddle boards, or a boat. Lake Crabtree is also very scenic and has boat rentals!
Strawberry picking: Eno River Farms again is great for this. Check it out here!
Feed the ducks at Duke Gardens: More information here
Rent an Airbnb: Check out this one!
Rent a pool for a few hours: You can use the pool rental app found here.