There’s something magical about a quiet summer morning at Cultus Lake, and this one was no different! The calm water, the little bit of overcast sky, and the stillness before the crowds arrive. For this family session, we met lakeside at 7am, and it couldn’t have been more perfect! The kids were full of energy (while I was finishing off my first coffee of the day!) the lake was peaceful, and the photos feel like a true reflection of this family’s joy! As a Chilliwack Photographer I felt so honoured to be able to capture these moments for this amazing family!

Being a photographer that specializes in family photography, these are the sessions I love most! The ones where families can relax, play, and let their personalities shine. Take a peek at this beautiful family session, and get some ideas on how you can make your family session feel true and genuine to your crew!

Why Sunrise Works Well For Young Families

While sunset is a popular time for photos, sunrise often works even better for families with little ones. Kids are usually at their happiest and most energetic in the morning, which means fewer meltdowns and more genuine smiles. Parents also love that they can get photos done before the day gets busy! Another perk is that in the summer, sunrise means you get the softest light without the heat or crowds. It is really the perfect time of day!

For this Cultus Lake session, it was the best of both worlds: peaceful surroundings and kids ready to jump right in, quite literally, into the lake!

Chilliwack Photographer | Documentary Style

Instead of posing every moment, I enjoy taking a documentary or candid style approach. That means I capture the story of your family as it unfolds. This could mean messy morning hair, sandy toes, or the way your little one proudly casts a fishing line. And every moment is full of emotion, love, joy and it feels like the most real thing in the world!

As a Chilliwack photographer, I didn’t want this session to be just about “smiling at the camera.” It was about fishing at sunrise, splashing in the water, and being together. The result? Images that feel natural, genuine, and full of life.

Keeping Kids Engaged During The Session

As any parent knows (me included!), asking kids to sit still and “say cheese” doesn’t usually go well. Usually we only have a small handful of those successful opportunities during our 1 hour session time. That’s why I work with my clients to build their sessions around activities. For this lakeside morning, the kids stayed happy and engaged with fishing, eating yummy snacks, and of course, jumping into the very cold lake with mom and dad!

By letting them play, explore, and just be kids, we ended up with photos that showcase their true personalities. Their laughter and excitement became the heart of the gallery.

Making Your Family Photos Yours

The most meaningful photos are the ones that feel like you. That might be a quiet morning at home, a favourite park, or, like this family, an early sunrise at the lake. Choosing an activity your family naturally enjoys, and in a location that feels comfortable, makes the session fun and stress-free. It gives you photos that truly capture your story.

Cultus Lake was the perfect backdrop for this family. It’s a place they love doing things that they love together, and now they’ll have these photos to look back on whenever they think about this season of life.

Booking Me As Your Chilliwack Photographer

If you’re looking for a Chilliwack Photographer to capture your family’s true and genuine moments, I am your gal! I would love to spend time planning your dream session with you, and then bring it to life! You can inquire about a session with me here. I can’t wait to hear from you!

Kory is a documentary/lifestyle motherhood and family photographer based in the Fraser Valley in beautiful British Columbia. She is passionate about working with young families of all types and abilities. She works hard to bring your dream session come to life!