Top 2 Locations for Beautiful Family Portraits in Kingston Ontario
So it’s been forever and a day since your family last had pictures taken (or maybe it’s just been a year) and you know how important it is to capture your children right now before they grow up even more (they change daily, don’t they?)! They will only be this little for such a short time and before you know it, they’ll be off to high school and it may feel like it’s impossible to get them in a family photo between jobs and school commitments. There is no better reason to get family portraits taken while you still have the chance (and while your kids still listen to you lol)!
You’ve probably started looking around for a family photographer and seeing the different styles that they offer (from candid lifestyle, posed to a combination of both) and you are also thinking about what would be a great location for your family! There seems to be so much to think about! The best thing about hiring a professional photographer is that we often have great location ideas for your family photos.
In Kingston, Ontario, you will find an abundance of scenic locations to take family photos. Whether you're looking for a park, an urban area, the country, a garden, or a lakefront, Kingston has got you covered. In this blog post, we'll explore the best locations for family photos in Kingston, Ontario, and highlight the top two locations - Lake Ontario Park and Lemoine Point Park.
Lake Ontario Park: A waterfront oasis
Lake Ontario Park is a stunning location situated in Kingston's west end. With over 260 acres of parkland (which you will not be able to walk during your session lol), this location offers a range of breathtaking scenery perfect for family photos. The park offers access to Lake Ontario and is bordered by a collection of giant rock slabs great for standing on, making it an excellent location for lakeside photoshoots. The picturesque backdrop of the lake (especially at sunset) and the lush greenery surrounding it provide a perfect setting for family photos. Here are some ideas for family photos at Lake Ontario Park:
The Rocks surrounding the lake
The rocks on the shoreline provide an excellent backdrop for photos of your family either looking out to the water, feeding the local ducks or snuggling on the ground. We definitely want to think of safety while on these rocks so we generally only photograph the full family, or a parent with children so that children are not by themselves on the rocks even though they are big and flat and easy to walk along. It’s a great location for couple portraits or maternity photos as well. It can be windy so you’ll need to be okay with that wind swept hair look - which makes your pictures a little more exciting, especially for parent portraits. If it’s a calm day then it’s the perfect spot for a sunset portrait which is my very favourite time for photographing by the lake as it has the best light of the day but they are also great spots for pictures during the day when the sun is bright too as long as you plan your poses around the sun’s position!
The Paved Walking trails along the lake
The park's walking trails are perfect for capturing candid and posed photos of your family in nature. Especially with the trails being paved, it makes a great spot for those with different abilities who may be using a cane or wheelchair, though I will caution that the trails can be hilly so you’d want to stick closer to the top of the hill if you have mobility issues (and honestly I would pick a different park if you had mobility issues or are heavily pregnant with walking complications as this one is the least friendly one for that).
The paved trails do make gorgeous portraits winding through the trees and going off path too around the trails. It’s great for young kids so that parents can kneel or sit down with them in the middle of the pathways for a family photo. A few times a year there is a bike race that goes through so if that happens on your session date you’ll be happy to know there are so many parts to this park that you’ll still love the portraits you create there.
Off the trail there is also some secret steps that work great for family photos or individual portraits of your kids. My clients especially love these portraits in black and white!
The First Nations Spirit Garden
Manidoo Ogitigan" ("Spirit Garden") by Terence Radford unveiled in Lake Ontario Park just a few years ago now and it is seriously beautiful! The big rocks are perfect for family sitting portraits and the sunlight that comes from behind it through the trees near sunset makes it one of the perfect spots for family portraits. As it is a respectful place honouring the First Nations with 430 natural flowers and shrubbery originally found in the area, you will have to watch that your children don’t pick any of the greenery. But at different times of year there are different flowers growing there that will add a bright burst of colour in the background of your photos.
There’s a secret staircase near here that is hidden and makes a great location for sunset portraits with the light filtering through the trees too!
The Rail Fence near the park entrance
This is my favourite part of the park which I know will sound weird but it has the most yummy golden sunset light shining through the trees and it has been my go to spot for family portraits for years. In the summer you do have to worry about the occasional campers in their tents as they have a few spots along the fence for overnight campers and there are some events that take place (like the dog trick show which is pretty fun to watch). But if you get it to yourself it’s a pretty magical location.
Lemoine Point Park: A natural wonderland
Lemoine Point Park is a hidden gem located on the west side of Kingston. This park is known for its lush greenery and natural beauty. The park is situated on the shores of Collins Bay on Lake Ontario and offers stunning waterfront views, making it an ideal location for family photos. Lemoine Point Park has an extensive network of trails that wind through the park, providing amazing backdrops for your family photos. This park is definitely my favourite and my client’s favourite park for beautiful family photos anytime of the year (though I try to avoid Winter portraits as I’m a baby in the cold lol). Here are some location ideas for family photos at Lemoine Point Park that I think you’ll love:
Rocky Beach with the best sunsets
The rocky beach is an excellent spot for family photos with the water in the background, especially at sunset. It means every session is different and sometimes you even have a few ducks who show up! I would usually never recommend actually going into the water as the muck along the edges from the ducks wouldn’t be fun to wade through but if you are adventurous which some of my clients have been, then I say jump in. Again, it’s not designated as a swimming beach so use caution and maybe keep your sandels on. But to have the large amount of water in the background, is worth the walk to this location and is usually one I recommend doing at the end of your photoshoot (then you’ll be able to take the regular tree trail back to the parking lot or follow the path along the shoreline back).
Gorgeous trails in the forest surrounded by cheeky squirrels
The park's trails are perfect for capturing candid shots of your family enjoying nature, posing on trail and with the forest behind you and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by all of the wildlife around you. Often the squirrels and chipmunks will walk right up to you as this trail is famous for being able to feed the animals right out of your hand. You’ll see sunflower seeds and trail mix for these tiny furry creatures at designated spots and you’ll see lots of family’s from Kingston enjoying this fun pass time while you are getting your picture taken. This path can be quite busy with mostly walkers but also the occasional biker but generally people are very kind and will move out of the way for your picture. Just have patience as this area is the most popular area at Lemoine Point so is busy all year round (but especially in the Fall as the colours are gorgeous). I recommend choosing to come here during the week whenever possible for your session as the weekends are quite nuts really on finding a parking spot!
Look Out Points along the rocky shoreline - if it’s good for the ducks it must be good for you!
The park's lookout points offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape and provide a great backdrop for family photos. And depending on the time of year you are going you may have a lot of rocky shoreline to step on or the water may be right up to the trail. Either way presents itself with stunning spots for pictures. I find that the main treed trail is quite busy but along the shoreline you have ample time to get pictures without other families around you. Again the ducks may or may not be interested in you but it makes for a fun background.
Beautiful big trees filter through beautiful light or add interest on a stormy day
This park is full of hidden gems when it comes to spots that you wouldn’t think would be the best place to take a portrait and then pleasantly surprise you. I have some favourites that you see a lot in my photographs but any photographer should be able to find some scenic areas for you if they are looking for the light. I have a special fondness for this one large pine tree and in another spot a Willow tree that never disappoints.
Fields that offer something different in each season
In between the treed trails you’ll find big open spaces and some manicured trails through fields that give visual interest around you while letting you and your family be the star. The fields are great for those big sweeping landscape photos and for the more intimate walking portraits. Depending on the time of day that you go, you’ll be able to move around the fields and get different backdrops. I always recommend sessions take place 2 hours before sunset for the best light!
Tips for taking great family photos
Now that we've explored the best locations for family photos in Kingston, Ontario, let's go over some tips for taking the perfect family photos:
Plan ahead: Choose the location and the time of day that works best for your family. Make sure everyone is dressed appropriately for the weather (layers are great) and knows what to expect (including on if there is a bathroom available or not). When it comes to taking family photos, preparation is key. Before you head out to your chosen location, be sure to plan out the details of your photoshoot. It's also important to communicate with your family and ensure everyone knows what to expect behaviour wise if you have young children, during the photoshoot.
Bring props: Props can add personality and fun to your family photos. Consider bringing a blanket to sit on or snuggle up in or bubbles if you think your child won’t cooperate. If you're planning on taking photos with young children, it's important to be patient and flexible. Kids can be unpredictable, so it's a good idea to have a few backup plans in case things don't go as expected. Bringing along non-messy snacks (goldfish crackers are great), toys, or other distractions can help keep kids engaged and happy during the photoshoot.
Get creative: Think outside the box and come up with unique poses and photo ideas. Encourage your family to have fun so you get genuine smiles - it definitely helps if you have a photographer that acts silly sometimes (like I do!). For example, you could try a jumping shot, where everyone jumps in the air at the same time, or a group hug shot, where everyone gathers in for a tight embrace. Another fun idea is to capture candid moments of your family enjoying the location and each other's company.
Other locations in Kingston that make great backdrops for your family photos
In addition to the top three locations we've already covered, Kingston offers many other beautiful locations for family photos. The city has a rich history and is home to many historic sites and buildings, such as the Kingston City Hall, the Kingston Penitentiary, and the Fort Henry National Historic Site. These locations offer a unique backdrop for family photos and are perfect for families interested in capturing a historical feel.
Kingston's downtown area also offers a range of stunning locations for family photos. The city's Market Square, located in the heart of downtown, is a popular spot for photos. The square offers a unique and vibrant backdrop with its limestone buildings and bustling atmosphere. Another great location in downtown Kingston is Confederation Park, which is home to a beautiful fountain and plenty of green space.
In addition to the locations mentioned above, there are several other parks and nature reserves in Kingston that are perfect for family photos. Some other notable locations include Grass Creek Park, Gould Lake Conservation Area, Babcock Mill and Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area.
Finally, don't forget to have fun! Family photos are all about capturing the memories and enjoying the moment with your loved ones. So, relax, have fun, and enjoy the experience of creating lasting memories with your family.
So if you are planning a photoshoot for your family, Kingston, Ontario, offers a range of stunning locations for family photos. From the waterfront oasis of Lake Ontario Park to the natural wonderland of Lemoine Point Park, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you're looking for a park, a garden, or a historic site, Kingston has got you covered. By following these tips and being creative and flexible, you can capture beautiful and lasting memories with your family.
Think you may be interested in booking a family photoshoot for your family in Kingston, Ontario? Hey, I do that! Get in touch with me and we’ll start planning your family’s photoshoot in Lemoine Point Park or Lake Ontario Park or one of the other great locations that Kingston and the surrounding area has to offer!