Family sitting together in open door of vintage van with mountains in background during autumn road trip.
Two children stand beside a vintage van blowing bubbles while wearing casual clothes and western-inspired outfits.
A family sits together in the open trunk of a van with a scenic mountain view in the background.
Two people work together to lift a large brown dog into the back of a white van on a dirt road in a rural area.
A family plays Jenga together on a plaid blanket while camping next to their SUV in the mountains.
Family in plaid sits against classic RV on a mountain trail with scenic bridge view in the background.
Camper van with open sliding door parked in nature with travelers sharing a casual moment inside.
A family blowing bubbles together while sitting on a blanket on a hillside path during an overcast day.

Fun & Easy Ways to Keep Kids Happy, Engaged, and Smiling During Your Family Photoshoot

An Unplanned Family Photoshoot in Big Sur


“Thank goodness for a canceled babysitter” Kayla said!


What was planned as a couples photoshoot in their camper van along the Big Sur coast turned into the sweetest family session when their babysitter got sick. Kayla and I originally set out to capture their love story on the road, featuring the van that had taken them through 48 states. But when plans changed, we embraced the spontaneity, turning the session into a fun, adventurous family photoshoot filled with laughter & love. Sometimes, the best moments are the ones you don’t plan for - this was definitely one of them!

A group sitting together in a car's back seat, sharing warm genuine laughter and smiles on a sunny day.

Why Adventure Photography Sessions Are So Special


Adventure sessions let kids be themselves—no stiff poses, no forced smiles. They get to run, play, and explore, making every moment feel natural and fun. That’s exactly what happened during this session!


Here are the best ways to keep your session fun and engaging (especially for the little ones!):



  • Let them play! Candid moments of the kids running around, playing with their favorite toys, or exploring make for the best photos.
  • Incorporate Movement - Walking, jumping, or even a little dance party keeps kids engaged and natural. Have Dad play airplane, lift them onto his shoulders, or give a fun toss in the air - these moments create timeless, joy-filled images.
  • Make it a game! I love using prompts like “run to Mom & Dad for the biggest hug ever!” or “who can make the silliest face?” to capture those natural moments that really show your true personality. In this session, we added bubbles to keep the kids happy and engaged and it made for some of the best giggles and reactions!
  • Snack Breaks are Okay!  A few little treats can be lifesavers for keeping energy up and as a nice reward (just avoid messy snacks if possible!).
  • Choose a Fun Location - Beaches, forests, or fields give kids room to explore, making the session feel like an adventure. Some of my favorite family friendly spots include Garland Ranch Regional Park for its easy trails and Del Monte Beach for stunning sunset shots


By the end of our session, we shifted gears for some cinematic couples portraits inside the camper van, just as we had originally planned, while the kids enjoyed snacks and played on their tablets. It was the perfect blend of spontaneity and storytelling, making for a truly unforgettable session.

A black and white photo of people resting in the back of a van on plaid bedding with camping gear visible below.
Two people sit in a vintage car with brown leather seats on a hazy autumn day.
Close up view of a white car's windshield with a roof rack mounted on top against a dusky sky.
A couple relaxes inside and beside a camper van parked in a scenic mountainous area wearing vintage-inspired outfits.
A romantic moment is shared between two people through the window of a parked van in a desert landscape.
A black and white photo of two people sitting in the front seats of a car, with one person wearing a plaid shirt.

Book Your Own Adventure Photoshoot!

I’d love to capture your family’s adventure, whether it’s on the road, by the ocean, or in your favorite place to explore. Let’s create memories that feel real, fun, and uniquely yours - send me a message to start planning!

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