Today I want to share some of my favorite activities that also provide plenty of beautiful photo opportunities as well as lots of family fun.

1. Apple picking.

It can be berry picking or flower picking. Depending on a season, you can pick whatever your little ones desire the most. A trip to the apple orchard is always a great way to spend an afternoon with your family and your photographer. It's also fun for the kids. They can be involved in the process, which gives your photographer a better chance to capture these candid moments. Plus, a great bonus here, you can score those yummy organic apples from your favorite farm. And maybe even bake something even more delicious later. Which leads us to the second activity on our list.

2. Baking.

While I was growing up, the closest activity to baking I got was cleaning the dishes after. And let's face it. It sucks, especially when you are a kid. Baking together with your children can be an incredible opportunity for you to build trust by letting them do such a "grown-up" thing. The cooking process can bond your family even closer. You can introduce your little ones to the recipe from your mother or grandmother. And maybe they can continue this lovely tradition with the children of their own one day. Don't forget how much joy it is in getting messy and playful with the dough. Imagine flour everywhere! As a reward, you get to enjoy the yummy fruits of your labor.

4. Fly a kite.

Good news, kites can be flown at any time of the year as long as the wind is right. Beaches and parks are usually good locations as well as photogenic ones. I bet your kids would love this idea. And I have to admit I'm dying to shoot with a family who likes this concept. So, if you are ready to test your abilities contact me so we can set the date.

5. Drawing.

Explore your creativity here! It can be drawing, crafting, or making a project together with your kid. Discover together the power of paints and brushes. You can decorate your house after the session and maybe keep the result of your creativity in a frame as a valuable piece of art. It is also a great project for your in-home photography session on a rainy day.

5. Enjoy nature.

Pretend to be the greatest explorers and set off to your next adventure to the backyard or the nearest park. You can play with the fallen leaves (if its fall, obviously) or observe the secret life of a spider on its web. So I can take some genuine photographs in the meanwhile.

6. Picking a pumpkin.

This one is also a fall activity. I don't know anyone who picks a pumpkin for Easter. Going to the pumpkin patch It's quite similar to going to the orchard (see number 1). But it gives you a different vibe. The kids love to pick the heaviest, the ugliest/prettiest pumpkin they can only find. You can carve it later for Halloween, which brings us back to our number 5 on the list.

7. Have a fancy tea party.

You know, the one from "Alice in Wonderland". You can bring the doll tea set to your backyard and pretend your husband is a Madd Hatter. Your kid will be so happy, cause it is not even a photo session anymore but an exciting game to play.

As you see the list can go on and on. But the most important key to any successful family portrait session is the communication with your loved ones and engaging in any activity you pick.