How to Choose the Perfect Location for Your Family Photoshoot in Vancouver
One of the most exciting parts of planning a family photoshoot is choosing the location. At Fontaine Photography, we often get asked: “What’s the best location for family photos in Vancouver?” The truth is—there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right spot depends on your family’s style, comfort level, and the type of family portraits you want to create. Whether you love the polished look of a studio session or dream of sunset portraits by the ocean, we’re here to help you choose a setting that feels meaningful and effortless. Check out what our client said about working with our award-winning Vancouver family photographers:
“I would highly recommend Jenn as a photographer for families, portraits or special occasions. She is very professional and helps create a relaxed atmosphere. My family really enjoyed working with her.” Michelle Morgan, Lead Actress & Director on Heartland, CBC
-
1. Think About the Mood You Want to Capture
Start by asking yourself: What kind of feeling do we want from our photos? If you want something clean and timeless, a family studio session might be best. Prefer a light, nature-inspired feel? Vancouver’s beaches, gardens, and parks offer beautiful options. Want a city-chic look? Urban architecture or heritage buildings in Downtown Vancouver can add an editorial vibe.
Action step: Scroll through your photographer’s portfolio and save 3–5 images that feel like “you.” This gives us a visual starting point to match your vision.
2. Consider the Comfort and Age of Your Kids
Not every outdoor location works well for little ones. Long walks or steep trails may lead to early meltdowns. The best locations for families with young children have easy access, some open space to move, and minimal distractions. If you're bringing grandparents or extended family, accessibility matters even more. In-studio family photoshoot sessions are ideal if you want comfort, privacy, and a controlled environment, especially during cooler seasons.
Action step: Let us know who’s coming so we can suggest a location that’s safe, accessible, and fun for everyone.
3. Match the Season to the Setting
Vancouver's seasons offer a variety of backdrops from cherry blossoms in spring to golden leaves in fall. But the weather can also be unpredictable. Studio family portraits are available year-round, while outdoor family sessions require more flexibility. Spring/Summer: Stanley Park, Queen Elizabeth Park, Burnaby Mountain. Fall: Deer Lake Park, Pacific Spirit Forest, North Shore trails. Winter: Studio sessions, snowy forest paths, or cozy at-home lifestyle shoots.
Action step: Check your calendar and pick a date range. Then, we can recommend seasonal locations that will look beautiful at that time of year.
4. Add Personal Meaning
Do you have a place where your family spends weekends together? A trail you hike? A beach you always visit? Adding personal significance to your location brings more heart into your portraits. We’ve photographed families at the beach where they had their first picnic, and in the backyard of a beloved grandparent’s home.
Action step: Think about places that matter to your family story—then let’s brainstorm how to bring that into your session.
5. Let Your Photographer Be Your Guide
At Fontaine Photography, we’ve scouted dozens of outdoor family photo locations across Greater Vancouver. We know the light, the crowd levels, the best times of day to shoot, and the ideal spots for relaxed, authentic portraits. You don’t need to figure it out alone—location planning is part of your full-service experience with us.
Action step: During your consultation, we’ll discuss options, pros and cons, and help you choose a location that reflects your family’s style and story.
Ready to plan a family session that feels like you?
Whether you’re drawn to wide-open landscapes, polished studio portraits, or something totally custom, we’ll help you create family photos that are joyful, genuine, and lasting. Fontaine Photography serves families across Vancouver, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Port Moody, Maple Ridge, and the entire Greater Vancouver area. Reach out today to begin planning your perfect family portrait session with our award-winning Vancouver photographers.
Vancouver
Family Photographers
Your family is growing, changing, and creating memories—don’t let those moments slip by. Book your family portrait session with our award-winning Vancouver family photographers and let us capture the genuine connection, laughter, and love you share. Let’s create family photos you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
SERVICE AREA
Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, Burnaby, Surrey, New Westminster, Annacis Island, Port Moody, Vancouver, Maple Ridge, Anmore & Surrounding Areas
Our photo studio is conveniently located just outside of Vancouver, in Port Coquitlam.
Couples Photoshoots
Celebrate your connection with a couples photoshoot that captures the real, candid magic between you. Whether it’s playful, intimate, or somewhere in between—our couples sessions are all about telling your love story.
