A Beautiful Thanksgiving Gathering

The Thiessen family came together for their extended family photo session at Douglas Taylor Park in Abbotsford during Thanksgiving. What made this session special was the warmth and kindness that radiated from every family member. Their genuine laughter filled the park as three generations gathered to capture memories that would last for years to come.

The autumn colors at Douglas Taylor Park created a stunning backdrop for their family portraits. Golden leaves and soft lighting made for perfect conditions to document this special family reunion.

Why Douglas Taylor Park is Perfect for Family Photos

Natural Beauty Year-Round

Douglas Taylor Park in Abbotsford offers stunning scenery in every season. In fall, the changing leaves create a colorful backdrop. Summer brings lush greenery, while spring offers blooming flowers. Even winter has its charm with frost-covered trees and open spaces.

Convenient Location

Located in the heart of Abbotsford, Douglas Taylor Park is easy to reach for local families and those coming from nearby areas. With ample parking and accessible paths, it’s suitable for family members of all ages.

Varied Settings in One Place

What makes this park special is the variety of settings:

• Open grassy fields
• Wooded areas with mature trees
• Charming walking paths
• Rustic wooden fences
• Natural stone features

This variety allows for different looks within a single photo session.

5 Tips for Planning Your Own Douglas Taylor Park Extended Family Session

1. Choose the Right Time of Day

The golden hour (about an hour before sunset) offers the most flattering light for family photos at Douglas Taylor Park. The soft, warm glow brings out natural skin tones and creates a cozy feel in images.

2. Coordinate Your Outfits Thoughtfully

Plan your family’s clothing with these tips:

• Choose a color palette of 3-4 complementary colors
• Avoid logos and bright patterns that distract
• Layer clothing for texture and interest
• Dress for comfort so everyone feels good

3. Plan Around Young Children

If you have little ones in your extended family:

• Schedule the session during their best time of day
• Bring snacks and small toys
• Keep sessions shorter (60-75 minutes works well)
• Have a backup outfit for accidents

4. Consider the Season

Each season offers unique opportunities at Douglas Taylor Park:

• Spring: Blooming trees and green grass
• Summer: Lush foliage and warm evening light
• Fall: Golden leaves and rich colors (like the Thiessen family chose)
• Winter: Crisp scenery and cozy outfits

5. Bring Props That Tell Your Story

Personal items can make your photos more meaningful:

• Family heirlooms
• Blankets for sitting or wrapping up together
• Simple games that show interaction
• Items that represent family traditions

What to Expect During Your Douglas Taylor Park Family Session

Natural Interactions

The best extended family photos happen when everyone relaxes and enjoys being together. At Douglas Taylor Park, we’ll capture candid moments of your family laughing, hugging, and simply being themselves.

Group Combinations

We’ll photograph various groupings:

• The entire extended family
• Individual family units
• Grandparents with grandchildren
• Siblings together
• Couples
• Individual portraits

Walking and Exploring

Douglas Taylor Park offers beautiful paths and open spaces. We’ll take advantage of the natural movement of walking through the park to capture authentic moments.

FAQ About Douglas Taylor Park Extended Family Photos

How long does an extended family photo session take?

Most extended family sessions at Douglas Taylor Park take about 60-90 minutes. This gives us enough time to capture various groupings and use different areas of the park.

What if it rains on our scheduled day?

Abbotsford weather can be unpredictable! If rain is in the forecast, we’ll work together to reschedule your Douglas Taylor Park session for a day with better weather.

How many people can be included in an extended family session?

Douglas Taylor Park works well for extended families of various sizes. I’ve photographed groups from 8 to 25 people successfully in this location.

When should we book our extended family session?

It’s best to book 2-3 months in advance, especially if you’re planning a session during busy seasons like fall or spring. Holiday times fill up quickly!

What should we do with our photos after the session?

Many families choose to create wall art collections with their extended family photos. Albums and digital collections are also popular options to share memories with all family members.

Ready to Book Your Douglas Taylor Park Extended Family Photographs in Abbotsford?

If you’re planning to gather your extended family for photos in Abbotsford, I’d love to help you create beautiful memories at Douglas Taylor Park or another location that suits your family perfectly. The Thiessen family’s Thanksgiving session shows how special these gatherings can be when captured thoughtfully.

To talk about your own extended family photo session in Abbotsford, contact me here. I can’t wait to hear about your family and help you plan a photo experience you’ll cherish for years to come.