Did you already read my post on Calgary’s Best Outdoor Family Photo Locations? Well this follow up is about my favourite urban locations in Calgary for family photos. Oftentimes families, especially with small children, like to go to familiar parks near their home for photos. But once you’ve done a session there it’s fun to mix it up with something different. Urban locations give a different vibe to your family photos – a liveliness! And how fun is it to showcase the city you live in in your family photos? I’ll give you the lowdown on each spot, what you can expect and what ages it’s best for. These are some of Calgary’s best urban family photo locations.
Calgary Central Library
I love photographing families at the Calgary Central Library. The wood benches, concrete steps, amazing architecture, there is so much to work with here. Kids will love running up and down the steps, watching the large drinking birds sculptures dip their heads and the hustle and bustle of downtown is always fun to observe when you’re not around it all the time. It’s stroller friendly and while you do have to pay for parking, it’s readily available and an easy walk.
BEST FOR: All ages. From babies to teenagers this location works well for everyone.
More information and map 800 3 St SE.
East Village
East Village is so good because we can get two different looks in the same spot. Above, we focused more on the brick, the greenery, the park and the sculptural backdrops. For fall photos this worked really well. Below was a summer session so I wanted to focus on a more clean and colourful backdrop. We started at the library but used the fun little back alley with brick walls, hanging lights and the ‘balloons’ on the wall which are always a hit with the kids. There is a lot of beautiful art in the East Village and I love to use it in photos with kids – so fun and cheerful!
BEST FOR: All ages can enjoy this spot but if you have older kids/teenagers they will especially enjoy being downtown, somewhere there’s a lot of cool art to enjoy and explore.
More information and map 8th Ave SE.
Inglewood Bird Sanctuary
The Inglewood Bird Sanctuary is set along the Bow River and is a beautiful park with lots of paths winding throughout, little and big bridges and a historical home, the Colonel James Walker home, that can serve as a nice backdrop for photos as well. Easy to get to and well maintained trails make it a great spot if you need to bring a stroller. Little ones have lots of room to run and explore.
BEST FOR: Babies to tweens will enjoy this park.
More information and map 2425 9th Ave SE.
High Park
Love this spot for a colourful, fun family photo session! Especially if your kids are 10 to teen it’s a perfect spot. There’s ping pong, cornhole, hopscotch – you could even have a family basketball game! When there’s something to DO everyone will be less self-conscious about the camera. With the Calgary Tower in the background and the colour and artwork in the park it’s really a unique location. Plan for a morning session to get the best light and less people around.
BEST FOR: Any age but 10 years and up and especially teenagers will love this location. Lots to see and do to keep them interested. Parking is easy and if you have a stroller you can take the elevator up to the top.
More information and map.
Inglewood
Inglewood is great for those families that want less traditional looking photos. We can stroll down 9th Avenue, veer off down some fun alleys, window shop, stop for a coffee. In Spring and Summer there’s vibrant colours, beautiful planters, but also Mills Park which gives us somewhere for little ones to play and a big white barn for an interesting backdrop. There’s a ton of variety in this location.
BEST FOR: Walking age and up is recommended. Older children and teenagers will love this location especially if they’re bribed with a treat 😉
*NOTE: This can be a busy location. Part of the fun of shooting here is the city vibe. You’ll need to be okay with cars and perhaps other people in the background for some of your photos.
More information and map 9th Ave SE.
St Patrick’s Island
Everyone likes St Patrick’s Island. Young and old, there’s something for each age here. We start by crossing the George C. King Bridge over the Bow River – a beautiful bridge that makes for some amazing photos. St Patrick’s Island is a park setting but the elements in it are very modern. The metals and wood give a different vibe than other city parks. There’s stroller friendly trails, a playground, trout beach and a giant hill to roll down (at the end of the session!). This location is an absolute gem and a happy medium if one parent wants urban and one parent wants park – we can get both here!
BEST FOR: Everyone. Stroller friendly. For your consideration there is a little bit of a walk from parking to the island.
More information and map St Patrick’s Island.
What do you think? Did I miss one of your favourite spots in Calgary for photos? Let me know in the comments below.
For more information on a family photo session with me click HERE. To enquire about booking your session click HERE.
For more awesome locations in Calgary for family photos click HERE.
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