If someone told me 5 years ago that taking Guelph Arboretum photos would be a weekly experience for me, I would have never believed them. This amazing location is only about a 10-minute walk from our house. It has quickly become a part of our daily life as we explore and enjoy it in many ways.
Our personal connection with Guelph Arboretum photo locations
The Arboretum is a popular location for me to bike with my boys. On weekends, we explore the trails for a family walk. If I’m busy my wife often heads there for a nature walk with the kids. They thoroughly enjoy exploring nature and playing in the trees. It’s a great place for children to discover new hidden corners within the forest. At the same time, moms and dads enjoy some quiet time, read a book, or simply unplug and take a break.
This location is also one of my favourite places for children and family photos as well. It is astonishing how these Guelph Arboretum photos always turn out unique and different no matter what kind of session I have photographed. It is truly such a versatile location that compliments any family, couple, or child based on their behaviour, their interactions with the environment, the season of the session, or the way they have dressed for their photoshoot.
Why Guelph Arboretum photos were perfect for my clients
The first time I met Paridhi’s family was when I was hired to document their son’s first birthday. Fast forward to the end of the very same year and Paridhi and I were planning for their family session. Her husband travels outside the country, so we had to plan the session around the days when he would be available.
With this in mind, we worked on possible dates and were discussing what would be the best location for their session. Because of her husband’s possible schedule changes, we were planning on a location that was easy for me to arrive at on short notice. This would also allow me to work them between other sessions if needed. Deciding on a location like this wasn’t a dilemma at all for me. Guelph Arboretum photos are the perfect way to solve all the challenges that we were facing.
Every fun photo session starts with a great plan
No matter how far away I am from a location, or how many times I have photographed there, I always arrive early to my sessions. It gives me peace of mind to be ready and have my equipment set up 10-15 minutes early. This simple thing gives me time to visualize the photo session and foresee how we are going to work the area from one place to another within the location.
Although being early is not essential for the quality of the resulting photos I find it does help to give my clients confidence. They are reassured that I am familiar with the location and am ready to improvise with a Plan B if something out of our control comes up.
On the day of their Guelph Arboretum photo session, Paridhi called to let me know that they were running late. As she was apologizing, I told her not to worry and I would be ready for them when they arrived. Instead, I set out to explore the location so we would be even more prepared for their photoshoot.
It was a crispy fall morning. The clouds were constantly moving in the sky. This continual change of light can create an unfavourable environment for a photo session. However, I was pleased it wasn’t rainy. We could tackle the other lighting obstacles during the actual photoshoot.
Fun, lifestyle photos don’t just happen on their own
Paridhi and her family arrived at the Arboretum and seemed a little stressed. They were obviously worried that we were almost an hour behind schedule. But they need not have worried as I do not impose any strict policies in case my clients are late for their sessions. Some photographers may penalize with extra payments or a reduced photo session time. However, I strongly believe that these rules wouldn’t help anyone. In the end, it would upset my client and no one would profit from that at all. Therefore, my goal in a case like this is to always prioritize making sure they are settled and relaxed before the session begins.
What would be a better way to do just that than connecting with the little boy, right? Without a concept of time, kids naturally aren’t really bothered if they are early or late. They behave best when there is not a time limit on their experience. Knowing this, I began to work with the little one. He was initially reserved but also curious enough to start playing with me through his father’s legs.
Fall in Guelph Arboretum
Undoubtedly, the most beautiful season of the year for a photo session at Guelph Arboretum is the Fall. The variety of foliage provides amazing contrast for your photo backdrops and every little nook offers a completely different perspective. Everywhere you turn, there is a new place for a great image. From the forest area to perfectly kept gardens, it easy to see why this location is loved by photographers.
After about only 15 minutes, our Guelph Arboretum photos really began to take shape. We parked at the back entrance of the Arboretum, off of Victoria Road. This meant that we were photographing backward through the park towards the front entrance. However, it did not negatively affect the photoshoot at all! Rather, it was quite the opposite. The back entrance had a more convenient parking location for us. There is a bit of a walk from the front entrance into the park. Absolutely, that is less convenient for parents of a small child and a photographer with equipment! Secondly, we were working in an opposite direction from other photographers in the park. Because most photographers begin at the entrance, our backward direction meant that we didn’t overlap or have to wait for popular photo spots.
Guelph Arboretum photo sessions never disappoint
A key point for this session is that this was the perfect location to work with the little boy. When working with busy kids, the Guelph Arboretum is the place to be. The grounds are spacious and well-maintained with respectful visitors. It’s a safe environment for relaxed kids and family sessions. The Guelph Arboretum is quite versatile too. This location was also very unique for my engagement session with Camilla and Tommy too.
Our quick, constant movement from one place to another kept the boy entertained. Noticing that he was getting hungry and cold while his parents were tiring from the constant movement, I knew that it was time to wrap up our session.
With them all fully relaxed, I just asked them to play for the next 2-3 minutes. I photographed this pure fun and joy that a family experiences when everything goes as they had planned (or better!)
It is such a blessing to be located so close to this beautiful location. Guelph Arboretum photos have become my go-to, especially for families that have yet to experience this gem. Most of my families that I have previously worked with have had pictures taken by the lake, on the beach, or even in the forest. Yet, they have never had the pleasure of visiting the Guelph Arboretum.
I’m so proud that I can introduce them to the royal city and contribute to the local businesses too. If you come to the Arboretum, there are some amazing things to do in the city that you won want to miss after one of my Guelph photo sessions!
Who is ready to visit the Guelph Arboretum and hear my recommendations for your after-session city tour?
- Photos taken by Dragi Andovski, published ©2021 DA Photography
- Photo Location: The Arboretum, University of Guelph, ON
- DA Photography Families on Instagram
- Want to see some more family photos in Guelph? Check another blog post.
