Why Adventure Sessions Might Be the Most Fun You’ll Ever Have With Your Kids (and Your Camera)

Let Go of Perfection. Embrace the Wild, Beautiful Moments.

For over 15 years, I’ve been photographing families professionally — from newborn snuggles to the joyful chaos of parenthood at home. But lately, I’ve found a new creative rhythm. Over the last few months, I’ve started picking up my camera much more intentionally with my own kids. Not just for the “big” moments – birthdays and holidays – but for the little pockets of time when we’re out together. And let me tell you: “adventure sessions” have become one of my absolute favorite ways to photograph my children.

What Is an Adventure Session?

It’s getting out of the house, letting the experience lead the way, and bringing your camera or iPhone along for the journey! — whether you’re hiking, beach combing, visiting the zoo, or exploring your favorite corner of the city.

It’s about being together and going at their pace to see what unfolds

Here’s what some of our recent adventures looked like:

• A muddy hike to a waterfall in the Catskills
• Nature journals and scavenger hunts
• Sea glass collecting on the Jersey Shore
• A spontaneous stay at a cute motel
• Walking around the Bear Mountain Zoo with cousins

Why These Sessions Matter (and Why You Should Try One)

As a mom and a photographer, I’m always trying to be more present. These mini adventures let me slow down, have fun with my kids, and create meaningful work — all at once.

They’re also a space for me to experiment creatively, using different film stocks and mediums, and to preserve the types of memories that feel the most true to our lives.

Whether you book a professional photographer or use your iPhone, this is something anyone can do. You don’t need matching outfits or perfect light — you just need a sense of curiosity.

Your Permission Slip to Let Go

Want to try an adventure session of your own? Here are a few simple tips:

• Skip the coordinated outfits. Let your kids wear what they want. I love outfitting my children to take their photographs sometimes, but for these trips I let them wear whatever they picked out for the day. Their comfort is more important to me than aesthetics when we are outside or traveling
• Don’t force the smiles. I rarely, if ever, direct my children and try to take a photojournalistic approach as much as possible. They’re 8 and 9 years old, and the quickest way to get them to shut down is to ask them to stop what they’re doing and pose for the camera.
• Pick a place that excites you. You can use this experience as an opportunity to try somewhere new or to stick to what feels familiar: whether it’s a familiar trail or a new beach town, follow your intuition.
• Pack light, but smart. A few things I love to bring: snacks, water, chalk, bubbles, bug catchers, jump rope, nature journals, disposable cameras for the kids.

Want Me to Document Your Next Family Adventure?

I offer storytelling-based family photography in NYC, the Hudson Valley, Bergen County, Catskill Mountains, Jersey Shore and surrounding areas. These sessions are perfect for families who want more than posed photos — they want to remember what it felt like.

If you’re craving a slower, more meaningful way to capture your kids as they are right now, this could be the session you didn’t know you needed.

Let’s Go On an Adventure Together

Planning a hike, beach day, or cozy staycation? Let’s turn it into something beautiful.

👉 Inquire Now to plan your adventure session.
📍Serving NYC, Westchester, Rockland, Bergen County, the Catskills, and the Jersey Shore.
🎞️ Digital & 35mm film options available.

This photo essay was originally published on Coffee + Crumbs

Recent “Adventure Session”: https://jamieshieldsphotography.com/the-art-of-everyday-connection-storytelling-family-photographer-nyc-hudson-valley/

Family Portfolio:

All images developed and scanned by https://thefindlab.com/

Notable Locations:

1. Bear Mountain: https://parks.ny.gov/parks/bearmountain/details.aspx
2. Starlite Motel: https://www.thestarlitemotel.com/
3. The Comeau Property: https://barkerhudson.com/2014/11/the-comeau-property/
4. Awosting Falls in Minnewaska State Park: https://uncoveringnewyork.com/awosting-falls/