How to Choose the Perfect Location for Family Photos in Kansas City

familykansas city

Oct 21

One of the first questions families ask me after booking a session is: “Where should we take our photos?”

It’s a great question, because location sets the stage for everything: the vibe of the photos, the comfort level of your kids, and even how easy it is to capture genuine smiles. In Kansas City, we’re spoiled with options. From sweeping green spaces to colorful murals to cozy at-home sessions, there’s no shortage of beautiful backdrops.

But here’s the secret: choosing the “perfect” spot isn’t just about what looks pretty. It’s about finding a place that feels like your family.

Why Location Matters

A backdrop isn’t just scenery — it shapes the whole story of your session.

The Mood. A meadow at golden hour feels soft and romantic, while an urban alley with murals feels playful and edgy.
The Story. Photos in your backyard or a favorite park carry layers of personal meaning.
The Comfort Level. Kids (and even adults) relax more in familiar, low-pressure spaces.

When a family feels at ease in a location, the difference shows in every photo.

Family roasting marshmallows around a campfire in Kansas City.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Location

1. Your Family’s Personality

Ask yourself: Do we thrive outdoors, hiking and exploring? Or do we love the energy of city life? Do we want polished and formal, or casual and fun?

For example:

If your family loves adventure, a state park with trails and overlooks might be perfect.
If your kids love ice cream, why not capture part of your session outside a local shop?
If your evenings are usually spent on the porch swing, maybe your backyard is the ideal backdrop.

The best location feels like you.

2. Accessibility

It’s easy to overlook this, but it matters. If you’re bringing grandparents, choose a location with benches and paved paths. If you have toddlers, avoid steep trails or crowded streets.

I often suggest parks with wide-open spaces for young kids so they can run without parents worrying. When families don’t feel stressed about logistics, they can focus on simply enjoying each other.

3. Time of Year

Kansas City seasons are gorgeous, but each one brings its own personality:

Spring: Loose Park when the trees are in bloom, or Shawnee Mission Park with fresh greenery.
Summer: Fields of tall grass or local sunflower farms, plus shaded spots to keep little ones cool.
Fall: Weston Bend State Park, the WWI Memorial grounds, or neighborhoods with fiery foliage.
Winter: Union Station, Crossroads murals, or even your cozy living room decorated for the holidays.

Thinking ahead about the season helps us match the colors, mood, and clothing to the environment.

4. Sentimental Value

Some of my favorite sessions have happened in “ordinary” places — backyards, family farms, or the park down the street. Why? Because those are the places where real memories live.

Years from now, your kids may not remember every trip to a big landmark. But they’ll remember the swing set, the tree they climbed, or the block where they rode bikes. Photos in those spaces will always feel extra special.

Brothers play by the lake at sunset in Kansas City.

Favorite Family Photo Locations in Kansas City

Over the years, I’ve photographed families all across Kansas City. Here are a few tried-and-true spots that offer variety and beauty:

Loose Park. Iconic for its rose garden, winding paths, and large trees — especially stunning in spring and fall.
Union Station + Liberty Memorial. A mix of historic grandeur and skyline views. Perfect for timeless portraits.
Crossroads Arts District. Bright murals, brick alleys, and urban energy. Great for families who want bold and playful.
Weston Bend State Park. Famous for its sweeping fall colors overlooking the Missouri River.
Local Sunflower Fields (seasonal). Joyful, golden, and perfect for late summer sessions.
Your Home. Yes, your home counts! Candid photos in your backyard or living room can be the most personal of all.

Mother and daughter share a moment in front of a forest in Kansas City.

Stories That Prove the Point

One fall, I photographed a family at Weston Bend. The kids crunched through leaves, tossed handfuls in the air, and ran down the trails. Their parents later told me the photos “looked like their real family” because it captured what they loved most about autumn.

Another family debated between Union Station and their own backyard. At the last minute, they chose home. We ended up photographing marshmallow roasts at the fire pit, kids climbing their favorite tree, and everyone piled onto the porch swing. When they saw their gallery, the mom said, “These are our everyday memories, and I’m so glad we preserved them.”

Those stories remind me: the most “perfect” location is the one that fits your family’s story.

Tips for Making the Most of Any Location

Time It Right

Light changes everything. Sunrise and sunset (golden hour) give warm, flattering light and dreamy colors. Midday can work too — we just find shade or indoor spots.

Dress for the Setting

Your outfits should complement, not compete with, the backdrop. Neutrals look amazing in nature; bold colors pop against murals.

Stay Flexible

Sometimes kids lead the way. A random patch of flowers or a brick wall can end up being the best backdrop of the whole session.

Focus on Connection

At the end of the day, the location is secondary. What matters most is the love and laughter you share in it.

Couple holds hands on a fall walk in Kansas City.

Why I Love Photographing Families in Kansas City

Kansas City is a city of contrasts. We have sleek downtown views, rolling farmland just outside the city limits, and vibrant neighborhoods filled with art. That variety means no two sessions are ever alike.

But what I love even more is how locations tie into your story. A photo in front of Union Station isn’t just pretty — it marks a season of life in the city you call home. A backyard portrait isn’t just convenient — it’s where your kids built their childhood.

Family photography isn’t about backdrops. It’s about anchoring your story to a place that will always bring you back.

Let’s Find the Perfect Spot for Your Family

If you’re planning family photos in Kansas City, you don’t need to stress about picking the “perfect” location. Together, we can find a spot that reflects your family’s personality, fits the season, and feels comfortable for everyone.

Because at the end of the day, the best location is the one that feels like home.

Book your Kansas City family session today »