5 Things to Plan for an Outdoor Family Photo Shoot

A family photois a memory we hold onto for a long time. Not a perfect image, but a genuine moment. A burst of laughter, a stray strand of hair, a tender gesture.
It’s life as it is, with its little messes, its surprises, its suspended moments.

When you decide to do a photo shoot outdoors, everything changes. The air, the light, the movement. The children breathe freely, the parents relax, and nature becomes the most beautiful backdrop.
And to ensure everything flows naturally, without pressure, sometimes all it takes is a few well-thought-out details.

Here are five simple things to keep in mind to ensure your session is lively, relaxed, and full of memories.

1. A ball

A ball is the perfect companion for outdoor activities. It brings everyone together. Kids love to throw it, and adults get caught up in the fun. In just a few minutes, faces light up, movements become more relaxed, and the photos are filled with joy.

A ball is also a great way to liven up the session. It rolls across the grass, flies away in the wind, bounces off a leg. We run, we laugh, we look at each other. And I, behind my camera, capture everything that happens in those moments: the smiles, the bursts of laughter, the knowing glances.

The family photos with a balloon are often full of life. Nothing is static. Everything is movement, light, and sincerity.

Choose a simple balloon. Rubber, fabric, colorful, or pastel—whatever you like. The goal isn’t for it to steal the show, but to spark some reactions. What if the balloon gets away? It doesn’t matter. These little surprises often make for the best photo opportunities.

2. A basket for gathering seasonal treasures

The outdoor family photo shoots are the perfect opportunity to connect with the season.
In spring, the children pick daisies. In summer, they look for seashells or wildflowers. In fall, the leaves become their treasures. In winter, we gather branches and pinecones and look for animal tracks.

A small basket, a tote bag, or even a treasure box can make the walk more fun. Kids love having a mission. They walk, observe, bend down, and compare. And all the while, parents watch them with affection.

These simple moments create images full of poetry.
A hand holding a golden leaf, a focused face, a tousled braid, a basket filled with colors. These are small details, but they are what give a family photo its authenticity and emotion.

As a photographer, I like to go with the flow. I don’t direct; I just let things happen. The child shows off their discovery, the parents come over, and laughter breaks out. These are scenes that unfold naturally as we walk along.

Tip: Choose a basket that appeals to you visually, in natural tones or made of attractive wicker. Add a scarf or ribbon, and you’ll have an accessory that’s both practical and photogenic.

3. Soap bubbles

There’s something magical about soap bubbles. They float, sparkle, and gently pop. They entertain children and soothe adults.
As soon as the bubbles appear, everyone starts smiling. There are no more “poses,” no more constraints. Just play, light, and the wind.

Bubbles also have an aesthetic appeal: they catch the light. In a ray of sunlight, they take on an iridescent glow, shimmering with golden or purple hues. This adds a magical touch to a family photo, without any artificial effects or props.

The younger kids love chasing them, catching them, and then blowing on them themselves. The older kids often end up joining in too, just for fun. And I watch it all from a distance, ready to snap a photo.

Ideally, each child should have their own little bottle. This prevents arguments and keeps the fun going. And if the sun is low in the sky at the end of the day, it’s even more beautiful: the bubbles catch the last rays of sunlight and transform the scene.

Family photos with soap bubbles exude a sense of lightheartedness. They’re the kind of pictures that bring a smile to your face even long after you’ve seen them, when you look at them on a winter evening.

4. An outdoor game

Games are the key to a successful session with children. You don’t need a large field or complicated equipment: a Frisbee, a jump rope, a beach ball, an impromptu race, a set of wooden skittles… The idea is that everyone can join in, without any pressure.

When we play, we forget about the camera. Laughter takes over. The children start running, jumping, and making up their own rules. The parents follow along, get caught up in the fun, and see each other in a new light. And all of that shows in the photos.

What I love about moments like these is their spontaneity. There’s nothing to direct, nothing to stage. The light shifts, the movements flow, and emotions arise naturally.

Shooting outdoors also allows you to vary the pace. You alternate between energy and calm, movement and tenderness. It’s ideal for creating a balanced, nuanced photo essay.

A quick tip: avoid games that are too competitive. The idea is to have fun together, not to win. Cooperative games or group activities work really well: catching a ball together, building a fort, tossing leaves into the air…

Family photos taken during play have a certain authenticity, joy, and touch of whimsy about them. And that’s often where the fondest memories are made.

5. A picnic

There’s nothing quite like a picnic to wrap up a photo shoot on a gentle note. After playing, running, and laughing, we settle down on a blanket and bring out some fruit, a cake, and a drink.
This is when everyone settles in. Faces relax, conversations resume, and the children snuggle up.

A picnic is more than just a snack—it’s a time for bonding. We share, we laugh, we relax. And the photos that come out of it are full of warmth.

Family photos taken during a picnic are among the most natural. No posing, no waiting—just life. Hands passing around bread, crumbs flying, light caressing faces.

Pick a simple tablecloth, some colorful fruit, a wicker basket, and you’re all set. No need to strive for perfection. The grass stains, the laughter, the spilled orange juice… it all becomes part of the memory.

And if the session takes place in the late afternoon, it’s even more beautiful. The light turns golden, the sky slowly changes color, and everything is bathed in that peaceful atmosphere we love so much.

What really matters

These five ideas aren’t just there to fill the session. They’re there to enrich it.
They help set the stage, create momentum, and spark laughter and spontaneous gestures.
But at the heart of it all is you. The way you interact, your connections, your habits.

A family photo is, above all, a love story. Not necessarily a grand, spectacular one. But an everyday one. The kind we experience every day without always realizing it.

What I love to capture are moments like these: a glance, a hand resting on a shoulder, a quick run along the way. These seemingly insignificant moments that, when strung together, become a cherished memory.

So grab your ball, your basket, your bubbles, and your picnic. Then just go with the flow.
Breathe, play, talk, laugh. I’ll take care of the rest.

My name is Jennifer Buckle. I’m a wedding and family photographer, and if you’d like to learn more, I’m here to help.