Why Spring Is the Perfect Canvas for Family Portraits
- jacquelinefoley
- Jul 24
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 25
Spring transforms familiar parks and gardens with gentle sun, crisp air, and a special glow that only this season brings. It’s the time when families naturally gravitate outdoors. This is where some of my favorite stories begin!
The Benefits of a Spring Outdoor Session
Spring offers unique advantages for family portraits:
Natural Beauty: Blossoms, greenery, and golden light create stunning, effortless backdrops.
Comfort Outdoors: Beautiful temperatures allow everyone to wear what feels best—spring dresses, light shirts, and no rush to keep warm.
Energy for Exploring: Open spaces invite running, playing, and sometimes even spinning.
Some of My Favourite Spring Locations
Here are some top spots for capturing beautiful family moments:
Fagan Park, Galston
Upper McKell Park, Brooklyn
Berowra National Park
Your own backyard filled with flowers
Lisgar Gardens, Hornsby
Kuring-gai Wildflower Garden, St Ives
How I Help Make It Effortless
Planning a family photoshoot can be overwhelming. Here’s how I simplify the process:
Personal Location Guidance: Whether you have a beloved park in mind or need inspiration, I help you find settings that matter—like Fagan Park in Galston, a cherished picnic spot chosen by the Murphy family, where the spring weather was perfect for dresses and playful comfort.
Preparation for Your Style: I offer practical advice for wardrobe choices and prepare your family for a relaxed, fun experience.
Unscripted, Joyful Interactions: Sessions are planned for fun, but the best images happen in those unplanned moments—the games, the laughter, and the spontaneous spinning.
Stories from a Family Photoshoot: Highlighting the Murphy Family
A Favourite Picnic Tradition
Last spring, the Murphy family chose Fagan Park in Galston—a special place for family picnics. The day delivered ideal spring weather. The girls twirled in airy dresses while the boys felt at ease in their light clothes. Everyone was comfortable and surrounded by familiar beauty.
From Nerves to Natural Laughter
Like many families, the Murphys arrived a little anxious, unsure how to “pose” and secretly wishing the session would be painless. Recognising this common feeling, I introduce lighthearted games and silly prompts. This approach turns nervous glances into unstoppable laughter. Soon, parents and kids were smiling genuinely—not just for the camera, but for each other.
Children, Space, and Joy
Given the wide-open fields at Fagan Park, the Murphy children couldn’t resist. They grabbed hands and spun in dizzying circles. That free-spirited moment, utterly candid, quickly became an iconic image of their session—pure family joy expressed in a single frame.
Why It’s Easier Than You Think
Capturing beautiful family moments is simpler than you might think. Here’s how:
Guided, Thoughtful Planning: We collaborate to select locations, outfits, and timing for your family’s comfort and story.
Fun, Not Forced: My prompts and activities ease pre-shoot jitters so that personalities shine and nerves disappear.
Cherished, Unrepeatable Moments: Children are encouraged to explore, play, and move organically—leading to timeless images that celebrate who you are, not just how you look.
Let’s Tell Your Family’s Story This Spring
Every spring portrait session is a partnership—your family, my approach, and one-of-a-kind results. If you want portraits as vibrant as your real-life connections, let’s create something beautiful together, just like the Murphys did. Spring is calling!
Read more about What To Expect in a photoshoot with me...
Or book your spring shoot here below !
Comments