As a North Shore photographer, I’ve learned that the secret to natural, joyful portraits isn’t perfect posing-it’s interaction. I want REAL moments. With younger kids it’s easier because small children are almost never performing. They freely show the full range of their emotions. Still, oftentimes they are a little shy and uncomfortable with meeting a stranger and being photographed. Teens can be trickier because they are so aware of their surroundings and how they look. My favorite way to relax EVERYONE and to bring about REAL interaction that we all want photographed is to give an activity for families to do together. I’ve photographed kids doing cartwheels at the beach, climbing rocks, and jumping on their beds. As a North Shore photographer, these are always my favorite images. They bring about the most genuine moments and laughs.

This is where it gets personal- what do you love doing with your family and/or significant other? Despite what you may think, you don’t have to be young or have young children to have a playful photography session. To help, I’ve broken it down into two lists – one for families of younger kids and one for families with older kids.

Interactive ideas for younger kids

1. Have dad giver the kids a ride in the wheelbarrow
2. Visit a farm
3. Go apple picking in an orchard
4. Have a picnic
5. Play in the leaves
6. Go sledding
7. Bake cookies or bread together
8. Make a fort
9. Race matchbox cars
10. Make paper airplanes
11. Jump on the bed
12. Dance
13. Play at the beach
14. Fly a kite at Coolidge Reservation
15. Release butterflies
16. Run down a hill
17. Play in the sprinkler
18. Bubbles
19. Pick flowers
20. Swing on the hammock or swing
21. Make a Flower crown
22. Watering flowers around the house
23. Family game of tag

Interactive ideas for older kids/teens

1. Throw the football or kick a soccer ball at the beach
2. Roast marshmallows on the campfire
3. Explore some ruins or a historic site like The Crane Estate
4. Go biking on The Minute Man Trail
5. Play in the snow as a family
6. Walk around in the city of Newburyport
7. Play a guitar or musical instrument
8. Have a family basketball game
9. Capture your kids skateboarding
10. Climb the rocks at Wingaersheek Beach
11. Play with your dog
12. Go to The Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary and feed the birds
13. Play in the backyard pool
14. Give the dog a bath in the backyard
15. Document a family ice cream outing
16. Fishing off a pier
17. Family day on a lake- jumping into the lake

If you are looking for a North Shore photographer to capture your family interacting and having FUN together, pick one to three of the activities above and book here!