Let’s be real – sometimes we want to document our family’s everyday life, but when we think about what that could actually look like, our brains go a little… blank. 😅
But I promise you, your days are FULL of moments worth remembering. Especially in the springtime! Here in Raleigh, we’re finally breaking free from winter layers, heading outside more often, and soaking in the fresh air. And it’s in those ordinary little pockets of your week – the greenway strolls, the muddy fingers, the carefree picnics – that your family’s story is being written.
Whether you’re planning a spring photo session or just thinking about it, here are a few simple, real-life activities that are perfect to document with a candid documentary family photography session in Raleigh. Check out spring family photo ideas below!
What should we capture?
Spring Family Photo Ideas in Raleigh, NC
Candid Documentary Family Photography
1. Stroll down the greenway 🌳
Raleigh’s greenways are a treasure, and they run all throughout the city! Whether your kids are in the stroller, on scooters, or running ahead as you yell, “Wait up!!,” a walk down the greenway is full of sweet, everyday moments. These sessions naturally show movement, curiosity, and your family’s connection as you explore together.
2. Make sidewalk chalk masterpieces 🖍️
Maybe your sidewalk has layers of rainbow chalk scribbles all spring long. This simple backyard (or front porch!) activity is so true to life – and so full of personality. Whether your kids draw big suns and stick figures or just smear colors with their hands, this is the good stuff. Messy, colorful, and so unique to each artist, big & small.
3. Scooter in the driveway 🛴
Those wobbly first rides, helmet hair, and the determined “Watch this!” – YES PLEASE. Let’s document the driveway races and proud smiles from parents & kids alike. It’s not glamorous, but it’s 100% real life… and these moments deserve to be remembered.
4. Plant flowers on your patio 🌼
Planting flowers together is just quintessential “SPRING,” right? The concentration on their faces as they dig holes (or dump soil everywhere), the teamwork, the soil-crusted hands – these all add up to beautiful storytelling images you’ll treasure for years. Plus, if your kids name the plants? Even better.
5. Ride bikes in the cul-de-sac 🚲
Spring evenings in the cul-de-sac = core memory vibes. Whether your little one is pedaling with training wheels or your older kiddo is showing off tricks, there’s so much joy and movement in these simple, active moments right outside your home.
6. Swing at the playground 💨
There’s something universally sweet about a playground swing – especially with your little one’s head tossed back in laughter. Whether you’re helping them across the monkey bars or they’re zooming down the slide, playgrounds are full of real interactions and moments worth capturing.
7. Have a picnic at your favorite park 🧺
Think snacks on a cozy blanket, spilled juice boxes (oops), and siblings sneaking food off each other’s plates. It’s casual, it’s low-stress, and it’s the perfect way to slow down and connect as a family. Bonus points if you end up with messy faces and sticky fingers – those details matter, so plan your food choices accordingly. 😉
Bonus Idea: Enjoy a family tradition 🥚
Maybe your spring includes dyeing Easter eggs, planting a garden, or another tradition that brings everyone together. Whatever that looks like for your family, it’s worth documenting. These rituals are a meaningful part of your story, and they make beautiful, memory-rich images.
Want to freeze these moments in time?
These ideas are just a starting point! Your spring might look a little different, and that’s exactly the point – YOUR real life is what makes your family’s story so special.
If you’re in the Raleigh area and want to document your spring season with a laid-back, candid photo session, I’d love to help. My 30-minute spring snippet sessions are designed to capture your family as you are – no posing, no pressure, no fuss. Just connection, joy, and your real life in this season.
➡️ Click here to learn more and book your spring snippet session
Or, check out my 2-hour documentary sessions to document more of your everyday rhythms, or my Year in the Life Collection to tell your family’s story from across a 12-month time span!
Let’s turn your everyday moments into memories you’ll cherish forever.
