Let’s talk about one of the most fun (and fast-paced) sessions I’ve had recently: a cloudy morning in Forest Park, Queens, with a family of six who showed up ready to explore, play, and just be themselves.

We’re talking four kids (three girls, one boy), two parents who were all in, and a cloudy sky that gave us soft, even light for the entire session. No harsh shadows, no squinting. Just a calm, neutral backdrop for a whole lot of action.

Forest Park: A Perfect Spot for Families

If you’ve never been to Forest Park, it’s a great location for families who want something low-key but scenic. There’s space to move, trails to wander, and enough trees to make it feel like you’re not in the middle of Queens.

Even without sunshine, the park had this calm, peaceful vibe. The clouds actually helped us out. The light was soft and flattering, and the colors popped more than they would have on a bright, sunny day.

Letting the Kids Lead

With four kids, the best approach is to let go of structure and let the day unfold naturally. That’s exactly what we did.

The kids ran ahead, found sticks, picked flowers, chased each other, and had fun just being outside. I followed along, camera in hand, capturing the moments in between: the glances, the giggles, the group hugs that turned into pile-ons.

We didn’t stress about lining everyone up for a “perfect” shot. Instead, we focused on the energy of the moment. And honestly, that’s when the best photos happen.

What Stood Out

A few favorites from the day:

The kids running ahead on the trails, totally in their element.
Little moments of connection: a quick hug, a hand reach, a shared laugh between siblings.
Mom and Dad staying calm and present while the kids did what kids do: explore, climb, and get a little messy.
One of the girls showing off her gymnastics moves without skipping a beat.

In between the action, we got some calm moments, too. Walking shots, quiet cuddles, a few portraits with Mom and Dad. No one had to perform. They just hung out, and I documented it.

Cloudy Days Are Underrated

So many people hope for golden sunlight during their session, but here’s the thing: cloudy days are actually ideal for photography.

The light is even and consistent, so no one’s half in shadow.
The colors feel more true-to-life.
There’s no pressure to “chase the light,” we can take our time and move around without worrying about angles.

This session is a perfect example. We had room to explore, the light was easy to work with, and the overcast sky gave everything a soft, timeless feel.

The Parents Deserve a Shoutout

The real MVPs of this shoot? The parents. They didn’t try to micromanage the kids or force anything. They were relaxed, open to whatever the session brought, and just happy to be there.

That mindset made all the difference.

When parents show up with that kind of energy, it gives kids the freedom to be themselves. It keeps the mood low-stress, and the photos reflect that. You can actually feel how connected this family is, not because they’re doing anything fancy, but because they’re present with each other.

What to Expect From a Session Like This

If you’re thinking, “That sounds great, but my kids would never sit still,” here’s some good news: they don’t need to.

Most of my favorite family sessions are the ones where we don’t worry about being too polished. A little chaos is expected, even welcome.

Here’s what you really need:

Comfortable clothes that you can move in.
A few snacks or water for the kids (trust me).
A willingness to roll with whatever happens.

That’s it. You show up, your kids run around, and we capture who you are as a family, not just what you look like.

Wrapping It Up

This Forest Park session reminded me why I love what I do. It wasn’t about checking off a list of poses or hoping the weather would cooperate. It was about being present, capturing the reality of family life, and letting the little moments speak for themselves.

The images reflect it all: the calm, the noise, and everything in between.

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What to Wear to Your Family Photo Session — And Actually Feel Good About It
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Family Photo Session at Forest Park in Queens: Four Kids, One Fun Morning