For the last several years, my bread and butter has been at-home family sessions. HOWEVER. There are times when a home session just doesn’t make sense. Some families are into travel and adventure, some have outside passions they want to incorporate into their photos, some homes are under construction, and sometimes families just DON’T WANT TO HAVE TO CLEAN THE HOUSE. When it comes to family photo location ideas, parks and fields are nice, but there are SO many more unique and personal options you may not have thought of. That perfect, creative location that fits the vibe and personality of your family can really bring extra fun and life to your photos. If you’re looking for ideas that break out of the typical family photo mold, you’re in the right place!

Note on the images in this post: Since I haven’t used some of these locations YET, I’m snagging inspiration photos from other photographers I’ve found online! I’ve linked the photos to their source, so you can check them out. I’m thankful to live and work in an era that allows me to snag inspiration from other artists all over the world. ✨

Greenhouse

Photo credit: India Faith Photography of Alberta

This has been on my family photo location bucket list for a long time! If your family is into gardening, how magical would it be to capture the kiddos skipping down the aisles of your local nursery or green house 😍? The light in greenhouses is lovely, plus it’s nice and toasty in there, so even if it’s a bit chilly this time of year, this is a location that will keep everyone happy and warm.

Drive-In Movie

Photo Credit: Madeline Rose Photos of Memphis

I grew up in rural West Virginia, but our tiny little town had a very magical thing — a drive-in movie theater. The whole town basically converged there on the weekends in the summer. I have so many nostalgic childhood memories at that drive-in, so I’ve always thought it would be a magical family photo location idea.

I would LOVE to do a family session at the Drive-In theater closest to me now. If you’re local to RVA but haven’t been to the Goochland Drive-In, it’s a must-do family activity this spring! They create an efficient, friendly, and vintage-inspired atmosphere, and it’s just so fun.

Imagine loading up the back of a pick-up truck with pillows and blankets, snagging those classic drive-in theater treats, and snuggling with the kiddos under the stars. It would be so cool!

The Splash Pad or Pool

Photo credit: Me and my cute fam 😉

I know so many families who practically LIVE at the pool all summer, but it would never occur to them to use it as a location for family photos! I know not every mama would love to do a session in her swim suit, and I absolutely can relate to that 🙃, but even a splash pad environment would be so fun, and that wouldn’t necessarily need to be done in a bathing suit.

If water is your family’s happy place, reach out, and let’s get a summer pool session on the calendar!

The Beach

Photo credit: Me on a beach vacay with our besties!

No, I don’t live in a beach town, but if any RVA folks wanna rendezvous in Virginia Beach for the day to do a beach session, cover my gas, and I’m there! 😎

A Coffee Shop

Photo credit: Me and my amazing clients!

One of my favorite Saturday morning activities is taking our kiddos to a coffee shop. We always get something delicious to eat, sit and sip coffee, and have some conversation while people watching. So, a coffee shop would totally be a family photo location idea on my list.

If you’re a Richmonder, there are so many cool coffee shops that would be perfect for a family session! Blanchards and Ironclad are my current faves!

Downtown

Photo Credit: Scarlet O’Neill of Toronto

I’ve found that most RVA families have a nature vibe in mind for their family photos. But The Fan, Scott’s Addition, and VCU area are AWESOME location options too! I’ve been itching to do a family session in Shockoe — I love the urban vibe and the city scape in the background 🤩.

If you and your crew love an urban environment, keep downtown areas on your list of family photo location ideas.

Farmers Market

https://goldandgraphite.com/farmers-market-with-the-littles/Photo credit: Gold & Graphite

I LOVE farmers markets. I love the ones around Richmond, and I always try to get to one in every city I visit, as long as the timing works out. My family frequents the RVA Big Market throughout the spring and summer. If you and your kiddos love it too, consider a Farmers Market session!

The Library

Photo Credit: Me 🙂

There are some incredible libraries around Richmond, especially the newly built ones throughout Henrico County! Not only are the aesthetics of the space on point, there’s tons of window light, and if you have a family of bookworms, this could be a great place to capture you in your happy place.

Try out some new Family Photo Location Ideas!

If family photos are on your radar for this year (they should be!!), consider breaking the mold and trying something new for your session. If you did a home session last year, then a creative or unique session location around town might be a fun change. Think about your favorite spots around town, your hobbies, the passions of your kiddos, and the spaces where you have the most fun.

I’m always happy to brainstorm and talk through ideas with you! Let’s collaborate to find the perfect family photo location this year.

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