10 Activities to Do During Your Family Photoshoot Outdoors
If you have booked a family session outdoors, you might be wondering what on earth you are meant to do while I am there with my camera. The truth is, you do not need to do anything special. But I know it helps to have a few ideas in your back pocket so you do not feel like you are standing around thinking, “what now?”
The best outdoor family sessions are the ones where you lean into play and connection. Your kids will never remember being told to stand still and smile, but they will remember the time you chased them through the woods, or shared hot chocolate from a flask.
If you are still looking for inspiration, you can also have a peek at my favourite outdoor locations for family photography in Derbyshire or browse through some of my real family sessions outdoors.
Here are ten of my go to activities that work beautifully for outdoor shoots.
1. Read on a picnic blanket
Bring a blanket and a couple of books you already love. After a run around, it is so grounding to sit together and read. Those in between moments — the way your child leans into you or turns the pages — are so simple but powerful.
2. Go on a treasure hunt
Make a list before you come. A pine cone, a feather, a shiny stone. Children light up when they are on a mission, and it keeps them engaged without me ever having to pose them. Forestry centres with Gruffalo trails are brilliant for this too — think Cannock Chase or Sherwood Pines.
3. Share hot chocolate
Bring a flask, mugs, and a packet of marshmallows. Little hands wrapped around a warm cup, sticky smiles, and steam rising in the cold air; it is one of my favourite autumn and winter activities to photograph.
4. Play simple games
Instead of kites, think easy things you can do anywhere. Tag, hide and seek, or even “who can find the biggest leaf.” These games bring out genuine laughter and stop your kids from even noticing the camera.
5. Blow bubbles
Bubbles always work. Children chasing, jumping, and laughing, or just quietly watching them float away. It is such an easy way to keep them entertained while I capture all the action.
6. Go puddle jumping
If it has rained, bring wellies. Kids adore stomping in puddles and the splashes are brilliant to capture. You might get a bit wet but those muddy boots and big grins tell the real story.
7. Bring a favourite toy or teddy
You do not need to lug scooters or bikes with you. Instead, let your child bring something small and meaningful. Their favourite teddy, doll, or toy car makes them feel secure and adds personality to your photographs.
8. Have a simple picnic
It does not have to be elaborate. A few sandwiches, fruit, or even stopping for ice cream halfway through is enough. It gives you something to do together and creates natural pauses in the session.
9. Collect leaves and sticks
This one is perfect in autumn. Kids love throwing leaves into the air, comparing colours, or making little stick creations. It keeps them moving and gives me endless chances to capture natural interactions.
10. Explore your favourite spot
Whether it is your local park, the woods you always walk in, or one of my favourite Derbyshire locations, choosing somewhere meaningful always adds another layer to your photos. These are the places your children will remember, and it is so special to document them.
Final thoughts
Outdoor sessions are never about being perfect. They are about showing up as you are and enjoying time together. You do not need to stage anything or make it look like a catalogue. Just be yourselves, and let me capture the in between bits. Those are always the ones that matter most.
If you would like to see how this plays out in real life, you can look through some of my recent outdoor family shoots here. And if you are ready to book, I would love to hear from you.
