Poolside Family Photo Session

Posted in Family Photography by Charis Elisabeth

May 12, 2026

As an Oklahoma City Family Photographer, I often get asked, “Where is the perfect place for family photos?” And my answer is always the same: the place where your family already feels the most relaxed and happy.

Why? Because as a lifestyle photographer who leans into connection and play, a spectacular location is not where I usually see families the most relaxed which then provides the best joy filled photos. When your family is comfortable and genuinely enjoying being together, that’s when the magic happens naturally.

And that’s why this poolside family photo session turned out so delightful. The pool was this family’s happy space!

There was no pressure to perform or stand still and smile at the camera. The kids got to splash, play, laugh, and be completely themselves while mom and dad joined right in with them. It felt like a real summer afternoon instead of a photoshoot, and THAT is exactly what I want for my families.

What Is The Perfect Family Photo Location?

Your Happy Place!

What if slow mornings with coffee and couch snuggles is your family’s favorite thing to do? Or does pizza at the park and playing on the swings tell more of your family’s story?

Does your family spend every summer evening in the backyard pool together? Or eating popsicles and running through the sprinkler something that is your favorite to do?

Those little rhythms and traditions are already your family story, and they deserve to be documented too.

When we plan sessions around the places your family loves to be in, everyone relaxes. Kids are happier because they get to play instead of pose. Parents stop worrying about “getting the perfect shot” and start enjoying their people. And those are always the images your family will treasure the most later on.

This poolside family photo session was full of wet hair, cannonballs, wrapped-up towel snuggles, and kids proudly showing me their newest swimming tricks. Splashing, laughter, giggles, we had it all.

Planning Backyard Poolside Family Photos in Oklahoma City

Poolside sessions are honestly such a fun option for Oklahoma summers, especially for families with young kids who love the water. And here are a few tips for your perfect family photo session:

Keep the outfits simple + colorful

Start with swimsuits your family already loves and feels comfortable wearing. Neutral towels, simple coverups, and summer colors photograph beautifully without feeling overly coordinated.

Plan around good light

For outdoor summer sessions in Oklahoma City, early evening or early morning is usually best because it’s softer and cooler for everyone. It also gives the photos that warm summer glow without everyone overheating in the middle of the afternoon.

Let the kids play

The best poolside photos happen when kids are actually enjoying themselves. Splashing, jumping in, floating, eating popsicles, and snuggling in towels afterward all become part of the story.

Think beyond the pool

Some of my favorite moments often happen outside the water. Dad drying off a toddler, mom sitting poolside with a baby wrapped in a towel, everyone gathered around snacks afterward. Those quiet moments allow for the cuddles and snuggles we all know we want to remember.

Family Photos Should Feel Like Your Real Life

My belief is that family photo sessions are supposed to feel playful, relaxed, and centered around what your family already loves doing together.

It might mean hiking trails together, wandering through downtown Oklahoma City for an adventure session, grabbing pizza at your favorite local spot, exploring a creek, roasting marshmallows, or simply staying home and documenting a regular evening together.

I want your session to feel like your family and not like a some strange dance you’ve never done before.

Because years from now, your kids probably will not fondly remember perfectly posed smiles. They will remember how it felt to be together in the places they loved most. And those are the memories worth holding onto.

If you’ve been thinking about planning a poolside backyard family photo session in Oklahoma City or dreaming up another adventure that feels true to your family, I would absolutely love to help you create something relaxed, joy-filled, and honest to this season of life.

These beautiful poolside photos I took during a family session at the HOME workshop in Palm Beach, Florida. Want me a session at your favorite vcay spot? Contact me about details! And each month I get to connect with some other photographers where we share different blog posts so check out Kate’s post this month about why you should prioritize connection over perfection in newborn photos as she shares her guide to documenting family connections in your newborn photos.

The Blog Post Was Written By

Charis Elisabeth

Charis is an Oklahoma City photographer providing timeless, storytelling family and newborn photography to sentimental families in Edmond, Oklahoma City, Yukon, Midwest City Norman, Moore and the broader Central Oklahoma area. As a certified and award winning photographer, Charis specializes in at-home, documentary photo sessions and is considered one of the premier Oklahoma Newborn Photographers. As a mom of 3, Charis is passionate about connecting with other local moms and ensuring that you have the resources you need to thrive in motherhood.

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