Beautiful Colonial Williamsburg Family Photos: What to Expect
There’s just something about Colonial Williamsburg in the fall.
The brick walkways, historic buildings, beautiful greenery, and changing leaves make it one of my favorite places for family photos in Williamsburg, Virginia. It gives us so much variety without needing to travel from location to location and somehow it manages to feel classic without feeling overly formal.
If you’ve been thinking about having family photos taken in Colonial Williamsburg, here’s a little peek at what you can expect.
A Relaxed Approach to Family Photos
One of the biggest things I want families to know before their session is that you do not need to show up knowing what to do.
You don’t need to practice poses. Your kids don’t need to promise to smile perfectly. And you definitely don’t need everyone looking at the camera for every single photo, that’s my job.
I’ll guide you throughout the session, but I also leave room for the little moments that happen naturally—walking together, laughing, snuggling your kids, holding hands, and simply interacting as a family.
Of course, we’ll get those classic everyone-looking-at-the-camera photos too. But some of my favorite images are usually the ones that happen in between.
Why Colonial Williamsburg Is Such a Beautiful Photo Location
Colonial Williamsburg gives us so many different backgrounds within a relatively small area.
We can use the historic architecture, brick paths, fences, large trees, open grassy areas, gardens, and beautiful seasonal color. By simply walking a short distance, we can create a gallery that looks like we visited several different locations.
It also works beautifully throughout the year. Spring brings fresh greenery and flowers, while fall gives us those warm tones and cozy textures that look amazing in family photos.
And because I photograph here regularly, I already know some of my favorite little spots and how the light tends to work throughout the area.
What Should You Wear?
This is probably one of the first questions families ask after booking!
My biggest piece of advice is to coordinate instead of matching.
Choose a few colors that work well together and build everyone’s outfits around them. Neutral tones, soft earth tones, denim, creams, muted greens, blues, browns, and warmer fall shades all photograph beautifully against the Colonial Williamsburg scenery.
Textures and layers can also add interest—think sweaters, cardigans, jackets, dresses, boots, and accessories.
You don’t have to figure everything out on your own, though. My full family sessions include a wardrobe guide to help you plan outfits that photograph well together.
What If My Kids Don’t Cooperate?
Parents, I promise: I don’t expect your children to behave like tiny professional models.
Kids are kids.
Sometimes they need a break. Sometimes they want to explore. Sometimes the best way to get a genuine smile is to stop asking them to smile altogether.
We’ll work with them instead of against them.
I’ve been photographing families since 2014, and one thing I’ve learned is that putting less pressure on kids usually gives us much better photographs. We’ll keep things moving, play when we need to, and let their personalities come through.
Those little expressions and interactions are part of your family’s story too.
Can We Bring Our Dog?
Absolutely.
Dogs are part of the family, and I love when clients include them in their photos. Colonial Williamsburg can be a great location for a family session that includes your pup.
Just make sure you bring a leash, treats, and anything else that helps keep your dog comfortable and happy during the session.
And don’t worry, we don’t need your dog in every photograph. We can include them for part of the session and then create plenty of images without them too.
Mini Session or Full Family Session?
I offer seasonal Colonial Mini Sessions during select times of the year, and they’re perfect for families who want a shorter session and a smaller collection of updated family photos.
My full Lifestyle Family Sessions give us more time together, more variety, and more flexibility—especially for families with young children who may need a little extra time to warm up.
Not sure which one makes the most sense for your family?
I’ll be sharing another post soon breaking down the differences between a mini session and a full family session so you can decide which experience fits your family best.
Family Photos That Still Feel Like Your Family
At the end of the day, I don’t want you to look at your photos and only see a perfectly posed family.
I want you to see your family.
The way your little one reaches for your hand. The way your kids make each other laugh. The way everyone fits together during this particular season of your lives.
Because these stages change so quickly.
And years from now, those little details may be exactly what you want to remember most.
If you’ve been thinking about updating your family photos and love the timeless look of Colonial Williamsburg, I’d love to photograph your family.
Ready to start planning your Williamsburg family photography session? Reach out to learn more about Lifestyle Family Sessions or upcoming Colonial Mini Sessions with Kellyn Wilson Photography.
