Why I Love Parent-Child Photography Sessions (Plus 30 Ideas of What to do During Yours!)

When this mom reached out to me, her original plan was to capture the most darling trio of her young daughter with their pony and young foal. But when we discussed the session, I asked if she would be willing to be a part of the photos--and she agreed! I am so glad that she did.

There is a special kind of magic that comes with a parent-child photo session. Here are some of the top reasons why these sessions hold a special place in my heart:

Documenting the One-on-One Interactions

While I love the energy, motion, and commotion of a family session, there is definitely a special something when we can spend an entire session focusing on one relationship between a parent and child. The exchanged glances, the moments of gentle instruction, the shared laughter and love is something that can be difficult to really draw out in the busyness of a family session, but it comes so naturally when we are working with a parent and child one-on-one.

Documenting a Shared Passion

One of the great joys of parenting is passing on the enthusiasm for something that brings you great joy. In a parent-child session, we can hone in our focus on documenting the moments of developing that shared passion together. They serve as a powerful foundation for a relationship, and it is powerful to see them documented as you live them in real time.

The Session Itself Facilitates Meaningful Time Together

Parent-child photo sessions are a fun twist on a parent-child date--the session itself facilitates a special, uninterrupted time to share between the two of you. The magic of the photos is elevated as the session allows you to relish in physical closeness with your child, delighting in his or her antics, and really sit in the uniqueness and treasure that this particular relationship is.

What to Do During Your Session?

Okay, I hear you. We don't all have a perfect mother-daughter pony duo to join us on our parent-child photo dates, right? The best part of any documentary session is that it takes what you live every day--whatever it is--and elevates it into timeless art. So you don't have a pony? Who cares!

Here are some ideas of activities that you might share with your child that would make for a breathtaking session:

1. Painting a masterpiece

2. Baking bread

3. Dancing together

4. Reading books

5. Making up stories

6. Visiting a petting zoo

7. Playing at the playground

8. Building block towers

9. Exploring in the mountains

10. Going to the aquarium

11. Creating music

12. Playing dress up

13. Cooking a meal

14. Playing with favorite dolls

15. Doing the dishes

16. Going out for ice cream

17. Building a train track

18. Working in the garden

19. Going fishing

20. Sledding and snowball fights

21. Playing soccer

22. Making cookies

23. Swimming (at a pool or a lake!)

24. Going to the library

25. Playing with play dough

26. Visiting a museum

27. Going for a bike ride

28. Drawing with sidewalk chalk

29. Climbing trees together

30. Playing with a family pet

The possibilities are truly endless! It doesn't have to be complicated at all, and if you have something else in mind, that's great! I would love to hear all about it.

Ready to talk details on the session of your dreams? Click the button below to get in touch!