Where to Choose for Your Family Outdoor Portrait Session: Best Locations for Beautiful Photos
Why Choose an Outdoor Family Portrait Session?
Before diving into the best spots, let’s first talk about why outdoor sessions are so popular for family portraits:
Natural Lighting: Outdoor sessions give you the benefit of natural light, which can make your family look vibrant and glowing. The soft, golden hour light (right before sunset) provides a warm, flattering look that no studio lighting can replicate.
More Space and Freedom: Unlike indoor shoots, outdoor locations offer space for children to run around, play, and interact freely. It makes for more relaxed, natural moments, which are perfect for capturing candid smiles and laughter.
Variety of Backgrounds: From lush greenery and tall trees to scenic lakes and rustic barns, the outdoors provides a range of natural backdrops that will make your photos stand out. Each location has its own unique charm.
A More Personal Connection: Outdoor family portraits allow for more meaningful and intimate photos because families are often in their natural state—whether it’s exploring the great outdoors or enjoying a quiet moment together.
Where to Choose for Your Outdoor Family Portrait Session
Now, let's dive into some fantastic outdoor locations that will help make your family portrait session unforgettable. Whether you're based in Peterborough, Whittlesey, March, or Chatteris, there are plenty of stunning outdoor spots to choose from!
1. Parks and Gardens: Perfect for Relaxed Family Photos
Parks and botanical gardens are some of the most popular choices for family photoshoots, offering a mix of open spaces and shaded areas, along with natural beauty all around.
Why it’s great:
Lush greenery, trees, and flowers offer a colorful, vibrant backdrop.
Many parks have benches, paths, and gardens, adding variety to your photos.
It’s family-friendly, especially for those with younger children, as there’s space for them to run and play.
Top Picks:
Central Park (Peterborough): With beautiful flower beds, tree-lined walkways, and open spaces, this park is perfect for a relaxed, fun family session.
Werrington Wood (Peterborough): A more tranquil spot with woodlands and nature trails, it’s ideal for a quieter, more natural family portrait experience.
2. Riverside & Lakesides: Serene and Picturesque
Riversides and lakesides offer a peaceful, calming atmosphere that works beautifully for family photoshoots. Whether you're near water or standing among trees, these natural settings provide a sense of tranquility and depth in your images.
Why it’s great:
The shimmering water and reflections add a magical, dream-like quality to your photos.
You can get creative with fun poses or even splash around in the water for more candid moments.
Top Picks:
Ferry Meadows Country Park (Peterborough): With its picturesque lakes and winding paths, this location offers plenty of space for playful family shots with a scenic view.
Portholme Meadow (March): This massive meadow has stunning views and wide-open spaces, ideal for families who want to capture both grand and intimate moments against a serene water backdrop.
3. Woodland & Forests: Magical and Timeless
If your family loves nature and adventure, a woodland or forest setting could be the perfect choice for your outdoor session. Tall trees, dappled sunlight, and mossy paths create a whimsical and timeless feel for your family photos.
Why it’s great:
The soft, filtered sunlight through the trees creates a warm, inviting atmosphere.
It’s an excellent setting for families who love a touch of adventure or magic in their photos.
Top Picks:
Nene Park (Peterborough): A fantastic spot that offers woodlands, trails, and open fields, perfect for a variety of shots.
The Fens (Whittlesey, March): For a more rugged, natural feel, the wild beauty of the Fens provides an atmospheric backdrop for family portraits.
4. Fields & Meadows: Rustic and Free-Spirited
For families who love simplicity, an open field or meadow offers the perfect backdrop. These vast, open spaces provide plenty of room for kids to run, jump, and play while giving your photos a clean, natural vibe.
Why it’s great:
Wide-open spaces create a sense of freedom and openness, great for both relaxed and playful shots.
The natural textures of grass and wildflowers bring a soft, organic element to the photos.
Top Picks:
Ferry Meadow (Peterborough)
Quiet walking trails across Whittlesey, Peterborough, March, Chatteries area
Upwood Meadows (March): A peaceful, scenic spot perfect for capturing more intimate moments with nature surrounding you.
Tips for Choosing Your Outdoor Location
Consider the Season: The season you choose can greatly influence the vibe of your photos. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and flowers, while autumn brings rich, warm colors and winter can provide a serene, crisp backdrop with snow or frosty trees.
Think About Your Family’s Personality: Do you love nature? Are you into adventure? Do you prefer something more elegant and timeless? Your family’s personality should guide your location choice.
Accessibility and Comfort: Make sure the location is easy to access, especially if you have young children or elderly family members. You want everyone to be comfortable and have fun during the session!
Time of Day Matters: For the best lighting, schedule your session during the golden hour—shortly after sunrise or before sunset. The soft, golden light will create a magical glow in your photos.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right location for your outdoor family portrait session can make all the difference in capturing the essence of your family’s personality. Whether you prefer a serene lakeside, a rustic field, or a stunning historic landmark, these locations in Whittlesey, Peterborough, March, and Chatteris are perfect for creating beautiful, timeless memories.
Ready to book your outdoor family portrait session? Let’s choose the perfect location together and capture moments that will last a lifetime!
