Ideal locations for an outdoor family photoshoot in Leeds

If you’d like to know more about my popular outdoor family photoshoot opportunities in Leeds, York and Harrogate, then this article is for you.

I’m going to reveal locations we have in the area that are perfect for outdoor family photography, and I’ll share some examples of relaxed family portraits from recent shoots.

I hope that these give you an idea of what’s possible should you fancy an outdoor family photoshoot of your own.

Related reading: Why book a professional family photoshoot?

Whether you’re high-energy, adventurous types who are always on the move, or find joy in peaceful woodland walks, your family portrait session can be tailored to suit. 

The best family photos are the ones where the interaction between you is natural, so the advice that I give all my families once we’re on location is to just try and forget that I’m even there!

Ideal outdoor locations for an outdoor family photoshoot

The most suitable outdoor locations for family photographs include:

1) Woodland

I love to explore local woodlands with my family clients. These are particularly great if we can find paths for you all to walk along.

I’ll capture you chatting and perhaps holding hands as you stroll along the path together, with the leaves and shrubbery of the woodland as your backdrop. Foliage creates lovely dark areas which are ideal for portraits.

2) Riverside

There’s lots of scope along the banks of a river for some interesting family portraits.  If you and the kids are feeling up to it, you could all even dip your toes in and walk in the water. I do love a paddle!

My local riverside in Boston Spa is wonderful, and it changes from season to season.

Along the banks of the river in springtime, there's usually an abundance of pretty flowers and flowering plants such as wild garlic. Then, later in the year, the riverside is a delight as the lush greenery transforms into shades of burnt oranges, reds, ambers and golds as autumn sets in. It's absolutely gorgeous! 

3) Open fields

Wide-open spaces are great for family photographs. Young children love to run, after all.

I can capture you and the family having races, or coming together after they’ve run around you and let off some steam! The exhilaration will add some colour to their cheeks and bring out those lovely natural smiles.

4) Ruins

Craggy old ruins are another wonderful backdrop for an outdoor family photoshoot. They add visual interest and create lots of opportunities for exploring, climbing and having fun.

I know a couple of spots in Yorkshire that we can explore together, and discover all the nooks and crannies. In my experience, children love going on an adventure much more than they love sitting still! 

5) Tree-lined avenues 

Another feature that creates beautiful images is a good old line of trees.

Paths that are lined on either side with cherry blossom or pines, or any other species add an extra interest to your photographs, and of course, lots of scope for play, running in and out of the trees, or playing hide and seek.

There is something really stunning about the lines created by the trees - it works perfectly for family photographs, leading your eye to the spot where you or your children walking along, or sat playing. 

Related reading: Celebrate your nearest and dearest with a large family group photoshoot

Why is the location for an outdoor family photoshoot so important?

When planning an outdoor family photo session, location is one of the key decisions. That’s because the backdrop to your photos will impact the overall look and feel of the portraits and play a part in the storytelling aspect of the shoot.

If you have a favourite park, woodland or riverside walk which you’d like me to incorporate into your family portraits, no problem! I look forward to hearing about it and to making your outdoor family photos all the more meaningful for you.

Related reading: How to prepare for a family photoshoot

Fun outdoor family portrait sessions

If this is the year that you intend to finally get around to booking an outdoor family photoshoot, then I hope you’ll be in touch soon. Contact me for more information or to make a booking.

When you book me as your outdoor family photographer, we’ll be sure to have fun and create some beautiful family portraits together!

Andrea