One of the most common things I hear from parents before a family session is:
“My child never sits still.”
And honestly? That’s exactly why I wanted to create these Playground Mini Sessions.
As a family photographer and someone who studied child development, I know that young children experience the world through movement, play, curiosity and connection. Asking them to stand still and smile for an extended period of time often isn’t realistic, or particularly fun for anyone involved.
So this year I decided to do something a little different.
I hired a local playground exclusively for the morning, creating a private space where families could relax, children could play freely, and we could capture a beautiful mix of traditional family portraits and genuine moments together.
The response was incredible.
These sessions sold out quickly and it wasn’t hard to see why.
A Family Session Designed Around Real Life
Many family photographers schedule sessions at sunset, and while golden hour is beautiful, I know it doesn’t work for every family.
Young children are often happiest and most settled in the morning. Parents aren’t trying to navigate dinner, bath time or overtired toddlers, and everyone arrives with a little more energy.
That’s why these Playground Mini Sessions were intentionally scheduled in the morning.
Each family began with a few classic family portraits together. These are the images grandparents love and the photographs that often end up framed on walls around the home.
After that, we simply let the children play. If families were unsure what to do next, I gently guided and encouraged them.
For the remainder of the session, I photographed families exploring the playground together, helping little ones climb, sharing cuddles, racing across bridges and enjoying time together without pressure.
The result was a gallery full of genuine smiles, natural interactions and all the little moments parents never want to forget.
Why I Love Playground Sessions
Playgrounds provide so many opportunities for connection.
Children feel comfortable because they’re doing something familiar and fun. Parents can focus on spending time with their children rather than worrying about whether everyone is looking at the camera.
For me, that’s where the magic happens.
The laughter after a slide.
The proud smile when they climb something new.
The hand reaching for Mum or Dad.
The spontaneous cuddles in between adventures.
These are often the moments families treasure most.
A Look at This Year’s Playground Mini Sessions
Here are some highlights of this round of playground mini sessions. The link to join the waitlist is after these photos 🙂
I absolutely loved seeing each family’s unique personalities shine through during these sessions. No two galleries looked the same because every family played, explored and connected in their own way.
Join the Waitlist for Future Playground Mini Sessions
If you missed out this time, don’t worry.
Given how popular these sessions were, I hope to offer Playground Mini Sessions again in the future.
If you’d like first access when dates are announced, I’d love for you to join my waitlist.
Follow Along on Instagram
I regularly share upcoming session dates, photography tips for families, behind-the-scenes moments and recent galleries on Instagram.
You can find me at @lizzyhannafordphotography and I’d love to connect with you there.
Whether you’re looking for a full family session, maternity photos, newborn photography or future mini sessions, you’ll be the first to hear about upcoming opportunities.
Looking for Family Photography in Cairns?
If you’re searching for relaxed, playful family photography that allows your children to be themselves, I’d love to hear from you.
My sessions are designed to feel more like time spent together as a family and less like a traditional photoshoot, because the moments you’ll treasure most are usually the ones you never planned.
Get in touch to learn more about family photography sessions in Cairns.
