One of the first questions I get after a family books a session is:
“Where should we take our photos?”
And honestly, it's a good question.
The location sets the tone for your entire gallery. A wide-open field feels completely different from charming downtown streets. A garden gives you a different look than the Riverwalk. And sometimes the place you initially think you want isn't actually the best fit for your family.
The good news? You don't have to figure it out alone.
I photograph families throughout Naperville, Plainfield, and the surrounding western and southwest suburbs, and I've spent a lot of time finding locations that don't just look beautiful, but actually work well for family sessions.
Here's what I consider when helping families choose.
Start With How You Want Your Photos to Feel
Before choosing a specific park or location, think about the overall feeling you love.
Do you picture your family surrounded by tall grasses, trees, and lots of green?
Maybe you love beautiful gardens and architecture.
Or perhaps nature isn't really your thing and brick streets, historic buildings, charming storefronts, and a little more personality feel more like your family.
There isn't one "best" location.
The best location is the one that fits you.
For Classic + Beautiful: Cantigny
There's a reason Cantigny is such a favorite.
The gardens, trees, pathways, architecture, and seasonal color give us so much variety without needing to travel from place to place.
It's especially wonderful for families who want their gallery to feel polished and timeless while still having plenty of room for kids to move and interact.
And because there are so many different backdrops within the park, your entire gallery doesn't have to look like it was photographed in one little corner.
For Charming + Relaxed: Naperville Riverwalk
The Naperville Riverwalk gives us a completely different look.
We have the river, bridges, pathways, greenery, stonework, and downtown elements all within walking distance.
I love it for families who want photographs that feel relaxed and natural but don't necessarily want the traditional "family standing in a field" look.
There's plenty to explore, which also works beautifully for kids who do better when they're moving instead of being asked to stand still and smile.
For Nature + Room to Explore: Parks Around Naperville & Plainfield
Some of my favorite locations aren't the places everyone immediately thinks of.
Throughout Naperville, Plainfield, and the surrounding area, there are beautiful parks with trails, open fields, mature trees, creeks, prairie grasses, and seasonal color.
These are wonderful for families who want their photos to feel easy and organic.
They're also some of my favorites for younger kids because we can walk, explore, play, and let the session unfold naturally.
For Something Different: Downtown Locations
Not every family wants greenery, and I am completely here for that.
Downtown Plainfield, Lockport, Frankfort, and other nearby areas give us brick, architecture, interesting textures, alleys, storefronts, and beautiful little pockets that photograph incredibly well.
An urban location can make your gallery feel a little more modern and full of personality while still keeping the focus on your family.
They're especially fun with older kids who may be slightly less enthusiastic about frolicking through a field for family pictures. 😉
Don't Choose a Location Just Because It's Popular
This is one of the biggest things I tell families.
A beautiful location on Instagram isn't automatically the right location for your session.
I also consider:
Your children's ages
How much walking is involved
The time of year
Sunset and available light
Crowds
Accessibility
Your family's outfits and overall style
Whether your kids need space to move
The amount of variety we can create during your session
Sometimes the location you hadn't considered ends up being absolutely perfect.
And Yes, Lighting Matters
A location can look completely different depending on the time of day.
That's why I recommend specific session times instead of simply choosing whatever time is most convenient.
I'm looking at where the sun will be, where we'll have beautiful light, what areas will be usable, and how the location changes throughout the season.
It's one of those behind-the-scenes pieces you shouldn't have to worry about.
That's my job.
You Don't Have to Know the Answer
If you look through the location options and think, They're all pretty. I have absolutely no idea, that's okay.
Tell me what you love.
Tell me what you don't love.
Tell me whether your toddler runs approximately 47 miles per hour and should probably have some open space. 😂
I'll help narrow it down.
Choosing your location should be part of the fun, not another decision you're stressing over before family photos.
My goal is to help you choose a place that photographs beautifully, works well for your family, and gives us the perfect backdrop for photographs that actually feel like you.
Ready to plan your family session?
Explore my family photography sessions HERE and let's find the perfect location for your family in Naperville, Plainfield, or the surrounding suburbs.
