Lafayette Family Photographer

Lafayette is one of my favorite places for family sessions because the parks here are built for families who actually want to move around. Waneka Lake has flat trails, open grass, and water that kids gravitate toward. Josephine Park and Harney-Lastoka Park give me options when I want something with more shade or playground energy. The key is giving families room to be themselves, and Lafayette delivers that.

Family Sessions in Lafayette

Here is what I have learned after years of photographing families: the best photos happen when kids forget I am there. That means I need locations where kids can run, explore, throw rocks in the water, chase each other through the grass. Lafayette parks check every one of those boxes.

I am a dad with two kids of my own, and I know what it is like to try to get everyone to hold still and smile at the same time. That is not how I work. I want your kids to be kids. If the three-year-old wants to pick up sticks and throw them in the lake, great. I am getting that shot, and it will be one of your favorites.

Where I Shoot Family Sessions in Lafayette

Waneka Lake is my most-used family location in Lafayette, and for good reason. The paved loop trail is stroller-friendly, the grass along the east side of the lake is wide and open, and the mountain backdrop gives every photo context. Late afternoon here is magic: the light comes in warm and low, the water goes soft, and families just relax into the setting.

Josephine Park is a great option when you have young kids who need a playground nearby as a reward (or bribe) for cooperating. The park has mature trees that provide shade, which is important in summer, and the grass areas give me clean backgrounds. It is a neighborhood park, so it feels comfortable and familiar rather than like a formal photo location.

Harney-Lastoka Park is another neighborhood gem. It has this mix of open grass, shade trees, and walking paths that works for families with kids of different ages. Older kids can explore while younger ones stay close, and I can move between groups easily. The park connects to trails that lead to open views if you want to walk a little.

Thomas Open Space is where I take families who want something more adventurous. The prairie trails and foothills views give you a wilder feel, and families who like to hike love it here. It is not stroller-friendly, but for families with kids who can walk on their own, it is a great option.

How Family Sessions Work With Me

I start every family session by getting down on the ground. Literally. If you have little kids, I am going to be at their level, which means I am on my knees a lot. Kids respond differently when the camera is at their height instead of looming over them. It changes the whole dynamic.

The first ten minutes are usually warm-up time. I ask parents to just walk with their kids, point things out, play. I am shooting the whole time, but I am not directing much. Once kids get comfortable with me being around, the real moments start happening. A kid reaches for a parent's hand. Someone picks up a dandelion. The littlest one makes a break for the water and everyone laughs. That is the stuff I am looking for.

We do get some organized group shots too. I know grandparents and holiday cards need those, and I am happy to do them. But I weave them into the session naturally rather than starting with stiff lineups. By the time I ask everyone to come together, they are already loose and having fun, so even the formal shots feel warm.

Timing Your Lafayette Family Session

For Lafayette, I recommend starting about 75 minutes before sunset. That gives us time to walk, warm up, and hit the best light right when everyone is most relaxed. Spring and fall are ideal because the light is warm and the temperatures are comfortable. Summer works too, but I push sessions later to avoid heat and overhead sun. Winter sessions have their own charm, especially with snow on the ground and the clean, low-angle light that Colorado does so well.

I always tell families to plan for about an hour. That is enough time to get great photos without wearing out young kids. If everyone is having fun and the light is good, I am happy to keep shooting a little longer.

Learn more about my family photography services