Often when we think of family photography we think of hanging out in the autumn sun or in the dog days of summer, when it’s hot and bright long into the evening. But did you know that your family photo session doesn’t have to be in the fall or summer?

That’s the beauty of in-home photography!

It’s inside, so we can have an amazing photo session even when it’s -30 outside.

In fact, I think those sessions are extra special as they are cozy and are full of what your family actually does in your home. Plus, winter photo sessions are unique are most likely going to have a such a different feel that photos you may have had in the past.

But, if you’re sitting there intrigued by the idea, but can’t figure out what we’d do in the winter that would be interesting, here are a few ideas to get you started. 

Play music! I’m not at all musically inclined so I’m always so impressed when instruments get pulled out and a family gets musical together. This is also an amazing way to get into the moment and forget that the camera is even on you.

Eat ice cream. Because really, why not???

Hang out in your playroom and take a pretend grocery shopping trip.

Go outside! If you’re up for it, then I’m up for it! Let’s bundle up and head outside, even if it’s just for a few minutes. We live with this weather a good 6 months of the year, so we can embrace it and make memories in the snow and winter sun.

Jump around! One of my favourite things to do is to document the things that babies are into right at this moment. Before you know it they’ll be too big for the Jolly Jumper and will be jumping all on their own.

Have a tea party. I have actively participated in my fair share (hundreds) of tea parties with my own girls and this can be a great way to get everyone sitting down and together while still keeping a toddler interested.

Jump on the bed. If you give me the ok to let your kids jump on the bed, you can bet that it’ll happen sometime during your family photo session.

Play a board game. This is an excellent option with older kids and can be a great way to ease into your photo session.

Play with the dogs (or cat, or hamsters, or guinea pigs, or lizards, or birds – yes, all of this has happened during photo sessions I’ve done!).

Wrestle! If this is what you love to do when you’re stuck inside then I’m happy to be there and document it for you! Believe it or not, one day your kids won’t want to wrestle you.

Read books. This is my favourite way to get a little one to sit still  – even if it’s only for 3 minutes.

Play Bed Tag. Ok, it doesn’t have to involve this exact type of leaping from bed-to-bed-type-of-Tag, but if it’s a cool game that your family does then let’s do it!

Measure an elk head. Haha!

But no, really. If you happen to have an elk head in your living room on the day of your photo session, you can bet that we’re going to spend some time hanging out with it, measuring it, assessing the antlers, etc.

(And yes, this really happened and it was amazing – it was also 100% unplanned!)

Crawling practice. Let’s get down on the floor and practice those skills!

Build block towers. Then knock them down over and over and over again.

Cook a pretend meal at the play kitchen.

Then make a real meal in your real kitchen!

Chin ups. Or really, any other fun indoor physical activity your kids like to do.

Play trains – include using Dad as a bridge.

I hope that gives you a few ideas to get you thinking about having your own Edmonton family photo session indoors during the winter?

Ready to get the ball rolling on your own session? Shoot me a message and we’ll make it happen!