Fun Family Photoshoot Ideas for Summer | Arlington Heights Family Photographer

Have you ever considered taking family photos and not doing them at the park? Don't get me wrong—I LOVE photographing families at some of my favorite outdoor locations around Arlington Heights and the Chicago suburbs. But sometimes the best moments happen when families are doing something they genuinely enjoy together. The family photos featured in this blog post are from a documentary family session that took place at a local summer carnival and it was such a cute and fun idea!

This family spent their photo session playing carnival games, sharing snacks, laughing together, and making memories. We stopped in front of the carousel for a few portraits, watched the kids try their luck at the game booths, and captured plenty of candid moments throughout the evening. The entire session felt relaxed because the focus was on having fun together and that's when some of my favorite family photos happen.

Why a Carnival Makes a Fun Summer Family Photoshoot

This carnival session had something happening around every corner. The excitement of choosing a game. The anticipation of winning a prize. The colorful lights and rides. Sharing snacks together between attractions. The carousel created a beautiful backdrop for a few family portraits, but some of my favorite images were the moments in between. The kids were sharing laughs together and their parents watched them play. Those are the moments that tell a story. Years from now, they'll remember spending a summer evening together at the carnival.

Other Fun Family Photoshoot Ideas Around Arlington Heights and the Chicago Suburbs

If a carnival isn't your family's thing, there are so many other ways to create a documentary family photo session in Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Mt. Prospect, and beyond that feels personal and unique. Summer is the perfect time to think beyond the traditional family portrait.

Here are some ideas for a documentary family photoshoot this summer:

• An ice cream outing at your favorite local shop

• A backyard BBQ - yummy food, playing yard games, and spending time together at home

• For families with younger children, sprinklers, splash pads, or even a kiddie pool can make for an incredibly fun summer session. Kids get to play while parents get authentic photos of this season of life.

• Exploring local festivals

• Walking through downtown Arlington Heights

• Playing at the park

• Having picnics

• Spending time together at places that are meaningful to them.

The best location is usually one that reflects your family's personality.

The Best Photos Capture Your Family Authentically

When families look back on their photos, they talk about the memories remember how little their kids were. They remember the little giggle and the activities they enjoyed doing together. That's why I always encourage families to think about experiences rather than poses. Whether we're photographing a family at a carnival in Arlington Heights, an ice cream shop in Buffalo Grove, a local festival in the Northwest Suburbs, or a backyard gathering at home, the goal is the same - to capture your family as you are right now.

Planning a Summer Family Session?

If you're looking for a documentary family photographer in Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Palatine, Mount Prospect, Buffalo Grove, Rolling Meadows, or anywhere in the Chicago suburbs, don't be afraid to think outside the box. Some of the most memorable family photos come from doing something your family already loves and those experiences often become just as meaningful as the photographs themselves.

Contact Jessica

Jessica M. Photography is an Arlington Heights, IL family photographer. She services the Northwest Suburbs including Mount Prospect, Palatine, Long Grove, Northbrook, Glenview, Northbrook, Buffalo Grove, Park Ridge, Schaumburg, and more!