Finding the Perfect Spot: How to Choose the Best Location for Your Family Photoshoot in Calgary and surrounding areas
Choosing the right location for your family photoshoot in Calgary is like choosing the perfect outfit—it sets the tone, highlights your family’s unique personality, and ensures your photos are filled with love, joy, and those little moments you’ll cherish forever. Whether you’re dreaming of a serene, nature-filled backdrop or something a little more chic and urban, the location can totally transform the vibe of your photos.
But how do you pick the perfect spot? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! In this post, I’ll walk you through the exciting (and sometimes tricky) process of selecting the ideal location that perfectly suits your family’s style, vibe, and personality. From lush green parks to the vibrant streets of downtown Calgary, we’ll explore some amazing options that will not only make your photos pop but also reflect your family’s story.
Here’s the best part: You don't need to feel overwhelmed by the options—think of this as an opportunity to bring your family’s unique flair to life in your photos! Ready to dive into the world of Calgary’s best photoshoot locations? Let’s go!
Consider the Season
Each season offers its own unique beauty for family photoshoots in Calgary.
Spring: Think blooming flowers and soft pastel colors. Spring sessions can be gorgeous at places like Bakers Park, Prince's Island Park, and Tompkins Park. But keep in mind, this season has a very small window—one typical Calgary windstorm can blow all the blossoms off the trees in an instant!
Summer: Picture lush greenery, golden hour light, and vibrant outdoor spaces. Griffith Woods, Bowness Park, Nose Hill Park, and Weasel Head Flats are great choices. If you're up for a bit of adventure, we can even head out to Drumheller, Horshoe Canyon, or Kananaskis Country. I also love capturing family moments downtown on Stephen Ave or at High Park for a more urban feel. If your family is into city skylines and urban backdrops, I’ve got you covered!
Fall: Warm autumn tones, falling leaves, and cozy vibes abound in Calgary's parks. Fish Creek Park has some hidden gems that aren’t too busy, but I especially love the light at Nose Hill. Bowness Park and the Calgary Zoo are also fantastic places to capture those beautiful fall colors.
Winter: Snowy landscapes, festive lights, and the crisp, fresh air of winter create the perfect backdrop for family photoshoots in Calgary. Edworthy Park has a cozy spot perfect for winter sessions, but I must admit, my favorites are in the mountains. I absolutely love sessions at Two Jack Lake and Vermilion Lake!
No matter the season, there are endless possibilities for creating stunning, seasonally-appropriate photos in Calgary.
Personal Connections: Making Your Family Photos Even More Meaningful
When it comes to family photos, choosing a location that holds personal meaning can elevate the experience and the photos themselves. A meaningful backdrop adds a layer of sentiment, making the images even more special for years to come. Whether it's the warmth of your home, the charm of your favorite park, or a memorable vacation spot, a personal connection to the location helps tell your family's unique story.
At Home: The Heart of Your Family
There’s something incredibly special about capturing family moments in the comfort of your own home. Home is where you create most of your memories, and it’s a place that’s naturally relaxed and intimate. Whether you’re lounging on the couch, baking together in the kitchen, or playing in the backyard, the photos taken in your home will showcase real, unposed interactions. Kids often feel more at ease in familiar settings, which makes it easier for them to relax and be themselves. These photos will reflect your family's true essence, capturing the cozy, candid moments that make your house a home.
Favorite Calgary Parks or Outdoor Locations: Nature Meets Family Fun
Outdoor locations like Griffith Woods, Fish Creek Provincial Park, or Nose Hill Park are perfect for families who love spending time outside. These spots often hold a special place in the hearts of families who enjoy outdoor activities like picnics, hiking, or simply walking the trails together. If your family enjoys exploring nature, capturing your memories in these beautiful, natural environments will give your photos a lively, vibrant feel. The lush greenery, colorful flowers, and wide-open spaces create a stunning backdrop for timeless family portraits. These parks become more than just a place—they become part of your family’s story.
Destination or Vacation Locations: Photos with a Story
If your family has a favorite vacation spot, or a destination that holds significant meaning, that location can add a unique and sentimental touch to your photos. Whether it's a beach where you’ve spent summers, a cabin in the mountains, or a place you’ve always dreamed of visiting together, these locations hold memories that are rich in emotion. Not only will the scenery be breathtaking, but the connection to the place will shine through in the photos. These types of photoshoot locations tell a deeper story, celebrating not just your family’s bond but also the adventures and experiences you’ve shared together in that special spot.
Choosing a location with personal meaning brings a whole new layer of emotion to your family photos. It helps capture your family's personality and the moments that are truly special to you—making your photos not just beautiful but also meaningful and full of memories.
Urban vs. Natural Settings: Consider what kind of vibe you want for your family’s photos.
Natural Settings: Parks, Lakes, and Nature Reserves (e.g., Two Jack Lake in Banff)
Natural settings are perfect for families who want their photos to capture the peaceful, earthy feel of the great outdoors. Locations like Two Jack Lake in Banff, Fish Creek Park, and Nose Hill Park offer a calm, serene backdrop where the beauty of nature takes center stage. These locations provide a sense of space and freedom, making it easy to capture relaxed, authentic moments. Families can enjoy the natural environment, with its wide open fields, lush trees, and tranquil water features.
What I love about nature is that it allows for a variety of shots. From wide, sweeping landscapes with towering mountains in the distance to intimate moments by a serene lake, nature offers endless possibilities. Plus, for families with young children, there’s the added benefit of plenty of space to run and play. These unstructured moments often result in some of the most natural, heartfelt photos. Nature’s beauty is ever-changing, too, offering unique backdrops throughout the year. Whether it’s the vibrant colors of fall, the soft pastels of spring blossoms, or the snow-covered mountains in winter, nature adds a timeless quality to family portraits.
Urban Settings: City Streets in Downtown Calgary or a Cozy Café
Urban settings are ideal for families looking for a more modern, dynamic backdrop that reflects the energy and vibrancy of city life. Downtown Calgary offers a mix of sleek skyscrapers, charming streets, and stylish cafés—perfect for those who want a bit of edge and personality in their photos. Whether it's the urban architecture or the hustle and bustle of city life, these settings give your photos a unique, contemporary feel.
For families who prefer an urban vibe, the streets of Calgary provide countless opportunities for creative and striking shots. I love using the vibrant cityscape as a backdrop, whether it's a colorful mural, the busy sidewalks of Stephen Ave, or a quiet corner of a café. These settings lend themselves well to capturing candid moments and the raw energy of family life in the city. It’s a great way to showcase your family’s personality in an environment that’s buzzing with life and culture.
Urban environments also allow for more flexibility in terms of timing. The convenience of being close to amenities—cafes for breaks, nearby parking, and quick access to public transit—makes it easy for families to relax and focus on enjoying the session without worrying about logistics. The variety of settings in the city, from parks to alleys to modern architecture, makes it a versatile choice for family photoshoots, especially if you’re looking for something more unique and modern.
Kids and Comfort: If you’re planning a photoshoot with young children, comfort is key.
Locations with space for kids to move around and play will make them feel at ease and more likely to relax for natural photos. Look for places that are familiar to your family, where the kids can explore and have fun during the shoot.
Practical Tips:
Planning a photoshoot can be exciting, but it’s also essential to think about the practical details to ensure everything goes smoothly. Here are a few tips to help make your session as enjoyable as possible:
Accessibility: Easy Access for Everyone
When choosing a location, especially if you're planning to bring along young children, accessibility should be a top priority. A location that’s easy to reach will help eliminate unnecessary stress, especially on the day of your shoot. Look for spots that are close to where you live, or locations that don’t require long, tiring walks to get to. If the place is a bit more remote, make sure it's stroller or wheelchair-friendly if needed. You want everyone, from little ones to grandparents, to feel comfortable getting to the location, so everyone can enjoy the shoot without any hassle.
Parking and Facilities: Convenience is Key
Having convenient parking or easy access to the location is another practical consideration. Public areas like Calgary's Nose Hill Park can be beautiful backdrops for your family photos, but they also attract a lot of visitors. Make sure there’s enough parking space nearby or that it’s easy to get to by public transport. If you’re planning to shoot at a more urban location, check if there are accessible parking lots or street parking. Also, don't forget about bathroom facilities—especially when you're with kids! Having access to restrooms nearby can be a huge lifesaver during the shoot.
Weather Considerations: Be Ready for Anything
Weather in Calgary can be unpredictable, so it’s always a good idea to have a backup plan. If you’re shooting outdoors, be prepared for any kind of weather—whether it’s rain, wind, or an unexpected cold snap. Layering clothing and bringing along items like umbrellas, sunscreen, or hats can make all the difference. If you’re concerned about the weather, it’s smart to have an indoor backup plan. Consider an indoor location like a local coffee shop, or your home, where the atmosphere can still feel relaxed and intimate. Planning ahead ensures that, no matter the weather, your family photoshoot will go off without a hitch! And not to worry if all else fails we can always reschedule!
Taking these practical tips into consideration will help make your photoshoot less stressful, allowing you to focus on the fun and joy of the session while I capture those beautiful memories!
Get in touch
Ready to capture your family’s beautiful moments? Let’s find the perfect location for your photoshoot! Reach out today to book your session or get personalized location recommendations based on your family’s style and preferences. I can’t wait to create lasting memories with you!
