Importance of Incorporating Activities Into Your Photography Session

Planning activities for your portrait session is more than just adding fun to the day — it’s about sparking creativity and creating meaningful memories that shine through in your photos. Whether it’s baking cookies during the holidays, playing in the snow, or having a picnic under the summer sun, incorporating activities makes your session feel natural and uniquely yours. These moments of genuine connection and joy bring your story to life, adding depth and personality to your images. By focusing on what you love to do together, your session becomes an experience to cherish, not just a series of posed pictures.


I like to encourage my clients to think about incorporating an activity into their session, something that resonates with their family (or partner) and something true to them. If you love reading, bring a blanket and a book and relax in the moment and get photographs of you doing something you love! If you need help brainstorming, check out my list below of activities to include during each season and the holidays, they'll help you plan an unforgettable session. If you're ready to book your next portrait session with me, simply fill out the contact form on my website (preferably 3-4 months in advance, so we have time to plan) and we can discuss getting you on my calendar for a photography session!

Winter Season Photo Session Activities


Winter portrait sessions are a wonderland of possibilities! Think cozying up with blankets, sipping hot cocoa, or tossing fresh snow into the air. The snowy landscapes create a magical, timeless backdrop for couples or families. Whether you're building a snowman, having a playful snowball fight, or simply enjoying the serene beauty of the season, winter sessions are all about capturing warmth amidst the chill. Check out the list below to see which activities might be best for you and your crew!


  • Snowshoeing 
  • Sledding 
  • Build a snowman 
  • Puzzles indoors 
  • Snowball fight
  • Reading books inside 
  • Do arts & crafts indoors 
A young child reads a storybook while relaxing on a cozy white couch.
Two people playing a colorful board game with a green landscape design on a white table.
Black and white photo of a child laying on a couch reading a picture book.
Two children sit on a gray couch reading books together in a bright living room setting.
Two children playing a colorful board game with a green and blue game board on a white table.
Two young boys playing a colorful board game together at a white table in a bright room.
Two children play a colorful board game with a map-like layout on a white table in a bright interior space.
Two children play a board game together at a table in black and white photograph.
Two children lean over a colorful board game or puzzle on a counter surface in a kitchen setting.
Two children sitting at a table looking at a colorful children's book or game board together.
Two children sitting at a white table playing a colorful board game together.
A child plays with a colorful board game featuring a winding path and pond on a wooden table in a bright room.
Black and white photo of a young child playing with a board game while smiling at a table indoors.
Two children smile while playing a board game together at a table in a bright, sunlit room.
Two children sit together at a table while drawing or writing in black and white photograph.
Two young boys lean in close while playing a board game together at a table in a bright home interior.
Two children sitting on hardwood floor playing a colorful board game with snakes and ladders from above view.
Two children lying on hardwood floor playing with a green board game from above.
Black and white photo of two children laying on a wooden floor, one upside down, both with joyful expressions.
Two children laying on hardwood floor laughing and playing together in casual clothes.
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Spring Season Photo Session Activities


Spring is the season of new beginnings and vibrant blooms, making it perfect for portrait sessions. Imagine strolling through meadows of wildflowers, having a picnic, or exploring blossoming trees. The soft, fresh greenery and colorful flowers bring life and energy to your photos, while the mild weather offers a chance to dress in light, flowing outfits for a natural and romantic vibe. Keep scrolling to see Britt & Ben's spring couples session where they had a fire and roasted s'mores!



  • Ride bikes 
  • Play at the playground 
  • Fishing 
  • Go to the lake 
  • Pick cherries at an orchard 
  • Have a campfire & roast s’mores 
Two people walk hand in hand down a forest trail surrounded by tall evergreen trees and mossy ground.
A couple celebrates near a cascading waterfall in a lush forest setting on a hiking trail.
Black and white photo showing back view of someone in a flowing white dress with wavy blonde hair and braids.
A couple shares an intimate moment under a clear umbrella in a black and white forest scene.
Two people sit on exposed tree roots by a rushing stream in a lush forest setting.
Two people embrace while standing on a log bridge over rushing water in a lush evergreen forest.
Two people hold hands while balancing on a mossy rock formation in a lush evergreen forest.
Couple relaxing on tree roots by rushing waterfall stream in lush forest setting.
People sit around a campfire in a peaceful forest setting with tall trees and pine needles covering the ground.
A couple sits together by a campfire in the woods, enjoying a cozy black and white moment among tall trees.
A couple sits by a cozy campfire in the woods with camping chairs and gear while enjoying the outdoors.
Two people relax in camping chairs by a campfire along a rushing river in a peaceful evergreen forest setting.
Two people relax in camping chairs by a campfire near a river in a peaceful forest setting.
Camper roasting marshmallows over campfire with Hershey's chocolate bar and camping chair visible in cozy outdoor scene.
Camper relaxes in folding chair by warm campfire in forest while wearing jeans and grey sweater.
Cozy campfire burning with logs while people relax in camping chairs and roast marshmallows in the forest.
A cozy campfire scene in the woods with two people relaxing in camping chairs on a cool evening.
Two people enjoy coffee outdoors while camping, wearing warm sweaters in a natural forest setting.
A couple shares a laugh while sitting in camping chairs in a wooded forest setting near a stream.
Close-up shot of burning firewood with bright orange flames and charred logs in a campfire or fireplace.
Hands holding a gooey s'more with melted marshmallow and chocolate oozing between graham crackers.
Chocolate candy bars and snacks arranged in a dark wooden box on a rustic surface.
Black and white close-up of maple leaves with delicate veins and textures in soft focus.
Two people relax in camping chairs by a cozy campfire in a peaceful evergreen forest setting.
A couple sits together by a campfire in a misty forest, with smoke rising through the trees in black and white.
Cozy campfire scene in a forest with camping chairs and warm flames illuminating the wooded surroundings at dusk.
A cozy camping scene with a campfire burning while two people share a moment in a folding chair in the forest.
Someone sits by a warm campfire in the woods during a peaceful outdoor camping experience.
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Summer Season Photo Session Activities


Summer portraits are full of sunshine and adventure! From splashing in a lake to walking along sandy beaches, this season is all about embracing the outdoors. Take your session to a local hiking trail, enjoy a sunset by the water, or bring along fun props like popsicles or picnic baskets. The long daylight hours and golden sunsets provide perfect lighting for dreamy, carefree images. Pictured below is the Hester family session where we took their family boat to Wild Horse Island during their session, a special place for their family!


  • Build an outdoor fort 
  • Swimming and lake fun 
  • Boating on the lake 
  • Fishing 
  • Ride ATVs in the woods 
  • Explore a new park together 
  • Build sandcastles at the beach 
  • Skateboarding 
  • Go to the fair/carnival
A family enjoys a peaceful evening boat ride on a serene lake during sunset with pine trees along the shoreline.
A child in a denim dress poses playfully on a rocky shoreline near calm waters on a sunny day.
Child in denim dress sits on stone wall near lake with kayaks in background during golden hour.
Two children in denim outfits sit together on a log by a waterfront during golden hour.
Two children sitting together on a fallen log outdoors, wearing blue clothing and sharing a sweet moment.
A group sits together on a driftwood log by a serene lake with evergreen trees along the shoreline at sunset.
A family sits together laughing and playing on a large piece of driftwood at the beach.
A tender moment shared between adult and child standing in shallow water along a rocky shoreline at sunset.
Two people share a playful moment on a rocky beach at sunset with golden trees visible in the background.
A parent in a bright red dress holds a small child while standing on a wooden dock by calm waters at sunset.
A family shares a tender moment together on a wooden dock by the water during sunset, with a vibrant red dress standing out.
Parent lifts joyful baby wearing plaid outfit against bright sky during outdoor playtime.
A mother and daughter in flowing dresses dance together on a wooden dock at sunset over calm waters.
A parent and child hold hands while walking together on a wooden dock by the water on a sunny day.
A family stands together on a rocky beach shoreline with tall evergreen trees in the background at dusk.
A family sits together on driftwood by a serene lake surrounded by evergreen forest on a summer evening.
A couple sits together on driftwood at the edge of a serene lake with mountains in the background.
A couple stands together on a rocky lakeshore surrounded by tall evergreen trees in a peaceful wilderness setting.
Two children crouched down searching through rocks and pebbles on a rocky beach with driftwood in the background.
A family stands together on rocky shoreline at sunset with mountains and calm water in the background.
A parent and child share a tender moment while dancing together on a rocky beach at sunset with mountains in the distance.
A group enjoying a sunset boat ride on turquoise waters near rocky cliffs and evergreen trees.
A parent in a red sweater holds a baby wearing plaid while sitting together with a cozy sherpa blanket.
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Fall Season Photo Session Activities


Fall portraits are all about cozy charm and bold colors. The crisp air and vibrant autumn leaves create an enchanting backdrop, ideal for families or couples. You can capture candid moments raking leaves, sipping warm cider, or wrapped in scarves and blankets. Fall also offers endless opportunities for layering cozy outfits that add texture and depth to your images.


  • Pick apples at an orchard 
  • Carve pumpkins 
  • Go to the pumpkin patch 
  • Find leaves and play in a leaf pile 
  • Bake fall goodies at home 
  • Drink apple cider by a fire

Holiday Photo Session Activities


Holiday sessions bring a festive spirit to your portraits. Whether it’s trimming the Christmas tree, baking cookies, or posing in front of twinkling lights, these sessions are filled with warmth and joy. You can incorporate seasonal props like wreaths, ornaments, or even a visit from Santa! Holiday portraits are perfect for creating cherished memories and cards to share with loved ones.


  • Decorate the tree/home 
  • Build a snowman 
  • Sledding
  • Decorate holiday cookies 
  • Decorate a gingerbread house 
  • Snuggle by the fire w/cocoa 
  • Ice skating 
Two people decorating a tall illuminated Christmas tree in a cozy living room with wrapped presents underneath.
Black and white photo of someone in glasses and holiday pajamas decorating a lit Christmas tree in a dark room.
Child in holiday pajamas holding up Christmas ornament tassel in warm indoor lighting.
A hand reaches to hang a clear glass ornament on an illuminated Christmas tree with twinkling lights and green branches.
A warmly lit Christmas scene shows decorating a tall illuminated tree while soft bokeh lights create a magical holiday atmosphere.
Overhead view of someone sitting on a wooden floor with Christmas decorations and gift wrapping supplies.
A festive scene shows a couple decorating a glowing Christmas tree in their cozy living room during the holiday season.
Someone wearing holiday pajamas decorates a glowing Christmas tree with ornaments in a cozy living room.
Two people decorating a glowing Christmas tree with ornaments by a window in a warmly lit room.
Someone in festive pajamas sits on hardwood floor beside decorated Christmas tree with wrapped presents on Christmas morning.
A small foot rests near a golden Christmas ornament on a couch while decorating for the holidays.
Cozy Christmas scene with illuminated tree and someone relaxing on gray sectional sofa wearing red pants and white sweater.
A person stands decorating a glowing Christmas tree in a cozy living room with warm lighting and holiday decor.
Two people decorate a glowing Christmas tree with ornaments and lights in a warm, cozy room.
A joyful moment captured from above showing laughter and genuine happiness while lying on the floor.
Someone wearing a cozy holiday sweater hangs a red ornament on a glowing Christmas tree decorated with lights and baubles.
A clear glass Christmas ornament with a photo inside hangs from a red ribbon on an illuminated evergreen tree.
Two children decorating a lit Christmas tree with ornaments while sitting on a cozy carpet at home.
A beautifully decorated Christmas tree glows warmly in a cozy living room as people decorate it together during the holidays.
Cozy reading time on a gray sectional sofa with warm lighting and bokeh effects through window.
Cozy Christmas scene with people reading a book together on couch next to decorated tree and holiday pillows.
A decorated Christmas tree glows warmly with white lights and ornate baubles in a cozy living room setting.
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MORE BLOGS FROM JENNIFER VERNARSKY PHOTOGRAPHY


Family Portraits Along the Flathead River in Kalispell

Golden Hour Montana Maternity Session

Flathead Lake Spring Family Session