There’s something timeless about water. It calms us, reflects us, and anchors us. For families, it often holds personal meaning—whether it’s the lake you visit each summer, the river trail you walk in the evenings, or the quiet spot by the water where your kids first threw stones into the shallows. That’s why lakeside and riverfront sessions have become some of the most requested and cherished locations I offer.
Photographing families near water creates an entirely different energy than any other setting. The movement, the sound, the softness of the light—it’s all more relaxed. It invites real connection and natural moments. If you’re considering booking a session and wondering whether a water location is right for your family, this post will give you everything you need to know.
I’ll share why these settings work so well for family portraits, how I plan around them, what to expect during your session, and how we make sure you walk away with stunning, meaningful images that reflect your family as they are—free, connected, and completely at ease.
Why Water Works: The Feel and Flow of Outdoor Water Sessions
Water instantly shifts the mood of a photo session. It encourages presence. There’s something about standing near a lake or river that makes people naturally slow down and breathe a little deeper. It’s not about staging perfection—it’s about letting go and being in the moment. That’s exactly the kind of energy I want for your family session.
When we shoot near water, kids are instantly more engaged. They throw pebbles, splash at the edges, or get caught up chasing the ripples. Parents tend to loosen up too—there’s no need to keep everyone clean and still. The gentle movement of water mirrors the kind of motion I love to capture in families: the way you lean into each other, how your child reaches up for your hand, the way your laughter flows naturally when someone gets their toes wet.
Beyond the emotion, water brings a visual softness that’s incredibly flattering. Whether it’s the light bouncing off the surface or the misty tones of a foggy morning at the riverbank, the background supports the story without ever overpowering it.
Lakeside vs. Riverfront: What’s the Difference?
While both locations center around water, they each offer their own mood and visual aesthetic.
Lakeside sessions tend to feel wide open and expansive. Think calm water, sandy or grassy shores, and golden sunsets that reflect beautifully across the surface. These are perfect for barefoot portraits, blanket snuggles, and candid walking shots where the light leads us.
River sessions feel a little more tucked-in, a little more woodsy and intimate. We might shoot near a small footbridge, a river trail with tall grass, or even on large stones along the water’s edge. These are especially lovely for families who love a quiet, earthy vibe with texture and movement in every direction.
You don’t need to know exactly which one you want—I help guide you to the perfect location based on your family’s style, your kids’ ages, and how you want the session to feel.
Planning the Perfect Water Session
Photographing near water takes planning. We want to make sure we have the best light, a safe environment, and a location that matches your vision. I handle all of that for you, but here’s what the process typically looks like:
Once you book, I’ll ask a few questions about your ideal session. Do you imagine walking in the sand? Sitting together on a dock? Playing in the grass by the river’s edge? From there, I recommend the best location based on what you’re drawn to. I’ve scouted dozens of lake and river spots around the Twin Cities, and I know how the light works at each of them.
We usually schedule these sessions about 60–90 minutes before sunset so we can take full advantage of golden hour and catch those dreamy light reflections on the water. If your family does better in the morning, early sunrise sessions are also stunning—and often quieter if you want to avoid crowds.
I’ll also help you prep with wardrobe guidance tailored to the environment. Water sessions call for light, natural fabrics that move well and keep everyone comfortable. No shoes are totally welcome. Simple textures like linen or gauze look incredible against the water and sky.
What to Expect During the Session
These sessions are slower paced. We don’t rush. We follow your kids’ curiosity and let the natural elements guide the mood. I’ll start with some simple direction to help everyone warm up—maybe sitting together on a light blanket, walking along the shoreline, or holding hands with the water in the background.
Then we’ll let things unfold. If your toddler wants to splash? Let’s capture that joy. If your older child wants to climb a rock and shout across the lake? We’ll let them. If you and your partner want a quiet moment watching your kids explore, I’ll photograph it from a distance and let it be real.
I aim to create a space where nothing feels forced. No cheesy poses. No pressure to smile perfectly. Just time together, in a place that calms and centers you.
Client Stories: What These Sessions Really Feel Like
One of my favorite lakeside sessions last summer involved a family of five who spent the entire session barefoot. The youngest waded into the water with wide eyes while his older sisters twirled behind him in sundresses. The parents weren’t posing—they were simply present. Laughing. Holding hands. Letting the sun set while they soaked in the moment. The final gallery looked less like a photo shoot and more like an evening they would’ve wanted to have anyway.
Another family chose a quiet river spot to mark their oldest child’s transition into middle school. They brought a small bench from home and placed it by the river. It became a metaphor—watching the flow of time, honoring the changes. We didn’t talk about it during the session, but the images told the story.
These are the kinds of sessions that stay with you—not because they’re styled to perfection, but because they reflect a feeling. The kind you’ll recognize in your photos for years to come.
Who Are Water Sessions Best For?
These sessions are perfect for families who want a slower, more natural experience. If your kids love to run, explore, or need space to be themselves, water locations give them room to move while still keeping the visual focus soft and cohesive.
They’re also ideal if you want your session to feel like a memory in motion rather than a posed portrait. And if you’re celebrating something—a milestone, a birthday, even a goodbye—water has a way of grounding emotion in a gentle, beautiful way.
