A Vermont Guide to Family Photography
Looking to capture these swiftly moving family moments with special photos? Our home state is the perfect backdrop for your next family photo shoot—whether you're marking a milestone, updating holiday cards, or simply capturing the magic of everyday life. From summer greens and golden foliage to snowy wonderlands, Vermont provides a beautiful scene any season.
Need some help getting started? Here is your go-to guide for planning beautiful, authentic family photos across the Green Mountain State.
Timing Is Everything
Are you looking for family photos for your annual holiday card? Or celebrating a birthday or milestone? Many factors can come into play when choosing the best time for your family photoshoot. If you have flexibility and are planning far enough in advance, you can choose your family’s favorite season and location. Here are some inspiring moment for each season.
Summer – Golden light, swimming holes, wildflowers, blooming backyards, and creemee trips.
Fall – Leaf piles, flannel layers, apple picking, and pumpkin everything.
Winter – Snowball fights, sledding, twinkle lights, and cozy indoor moments
Spring – Blooming lilacs, baby animals, and rain boots in puddles.
Pro Tip: Golden hour (just after sunrise or before sunset) gives the dreamiest natural light.
Location. Location. Location.
Next up – figuring out where you’d like to have your family photographed. From scenic outdoor spots to small-town charm, there are plenty of bucolic backgrounds to choose from. Alternatively, sometimes the best photos happen where kids are most comfortable. Cozy couch cuddles, backyard adventures, and kitchen baking moments at home can tell the story of real life.
Here are ideas and resources to get you started!
- Farms and orchards: Rolling hills, animal friends, picking fruit, lake views, and rustic barns.
- Parks: Forest trails, meandering meadows, playgrounds, lake and river overlooks.
- Beaches: Sand in your toes, lakeside vibes, water play, and mountain views.
- Small towns and marketplaces: Think colorful storefronts, street art, white-steepled churches, covered bridges, and classic New England beauty.
- Fall Fun: Hayrides, corn mazes, pumpkin picking
- Winter fun: Ice skating, sledding, Christmas tree farms, sugarhouses
Vermont Family Photographers to Know
Choosing a photographer can be a very personal process. It starts with finding someone whose style matches your vision—whether that’s posed and polished or candid and playful. Look through their portfolio to see how they capture light, emotion, and connection. Read reviews to get a sense of their personality and how they work with children. A great family photographer will make your crew feel comfortable, guide you with gentle direction, and be patient with the unpredictability of kids. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about pricing, turnaround time, and what’s included in the session before you book!
Check out our list of family photographers and reviews!
Have a photographer you love? Let us know about them or leave a review for other parents!
Photographer of the day:
Like the photos in this post? Jericho-based Mia Moran loves capturing families, newborns and seniors in their most natural moments. Her sessions are relaxed, playful, and full of heart and all about creating images that feel honest, effortless, and completely YOU!
Day-of To-Do’s
What to Wear: Keep It Comfortable & Coordinated
- Stick to soft, neutral, or earthy tones—think sage, cream, navy, and burgundy
- Avoid overly loud patterns or logos that distract from faces
- Coordinate without matching—mix textures and colors from the same palette
- Bring layers! Vermont weather changes quickly, and layers add visual interest
Candid Moments > Posed Perfection
The best photos capture emotion—not perfection. Don’t worry about everyone smiling at the same time. Let kids play, snuggle, explore, and be themselves. A good photographer knows how to turn those real moments into art.
Pro tips from photographer Mia Moran: My one piece of advice is always for the moms who think they aren't "camera-ready" yet: your kids don't care what you look like. They just want to see your smiling face in the frame with them.
Tips for a Smooth Photo Session
- Schedule around your child’s best time of day (avoid naptime meltdowns!)
- Bring snacks, wipes, water, and a favorite toy, stuffie or blankie to comfort young ones.
- Choose a photographer with a family-friendly approach that matches your aesthetic and goals.
- Try not to stress—happy, relaxed parents make for happy kids in photos
Don’t Let Them Sit on Your Phone
It’s not over after the photoshoot. Make sure you have a plan to make the most of the product!
- Print favorites to print and frame or create a yearly photo book
- Share the joy—holiday cards, grandparent gifts, and more
- Back up your images so they last for generations
Your family is growing and changing every day. A photo is a time capsule of love, chaos, joy, and connection. Whether you hire a pro or hand your phone to a friend, don’t wait for the “perfect” moment. The messy, magical now is perfect enough.