Family Photography in
Guelph & Puslinch
Family Photography That Feels Like You
You don't have to know how to pose.
You don't have to have perfectly behaved children.
And your family definitely doesn't have to look like everyone else's.
My approach to family photography is natural and connection-focused. I'll give you gentle direction when you need it, while leaving plenty of room for your family to interact, play, cuddle and simply be yourselves.
Some of my favourite photographs happen in the moments between the poses—the unexpected laugh, the little hug, the look between siblings or the way your child runs into your arms.
Those are the moments I want to capture.
Lifestyle Family Photography in Guelph
Guelph and the surrounding area offer so many beautiful settings for family photographs. From open fields and wooded trails to gardens and seasonal landscapes, an outdoor session gives your family room to move, explore and interact naturally.
Outdoor sessions are especially wonderful for families with young children because they don't have to sit still. We can walk, play, run, explore and let their personalities come through naturally. I'll help you choose a location that fits your family, the season and the type of photographs you're hoping to create.
Studio Family Photography in Puslinch
Prefer something a little more intimate?
My home studio in Puslinch, just outside Guelph, offers a comfortable and relaxed setting for family portraits. Studio sessions are especially beautiful when you want a clean, timeless look without worrying about weather, lighting or the season.
They're also a wonderful option for families with babies and young children who may be more comfortable in a familiar, cozy environment.
We can keep things simple with beautiful portraits—or incorporate movement, connection and personality so the photographs still feel like your family.
Lifestyle or Studio?
Lifestyle
Outdoor sessions give your family room to move, explore and simply be yourselves. Natural light, changing seasons and beautiful surroundings become part of the story.
Rather than keeping everyone still and perfectly posed, we'll walk, play, cuddle, explore and interact — creating photographs that feel genuine and full of life.
Outdoor sessions are especially wonderful for:
Family photography
Siblings and children
Active or playful kids
Seasonal portraits
Golden hour sessions
Families who love a natural, candid feel
Studio Photography
Studio sessions offer a clean, comfortable environment where your child or family can take centre stage. With a simple backdrop and controlled lighting, we can create classic portraits that won't feel tied to a particular season or location.
Studio sessions are especially wonderful for:
Children's personality portraits
Milestone and birthday sessions
Babies and toddlers
Timeless family portraits
Year-round photography
Families who prefer a more polished, classic look
Located in Puslinch, just outside Guelph, my home studio provides a relaxed and welcoming space for your session.
Not sure which setting is right for your family? Both offer a beautiful way to capture this stage of your life — they just create a different feel.
Which One Is Right for You?
Choose the studio if you love clean, timeless portraits and want the focus to stay entirely on your family.
Choose outdoors if you love natural light, movement, beautiful scenery and photographs that feel a little more spontaneous.
And if you can't decide, that's okay — we'll talk about your vision and choose the setting that feels right for you.
For more information on studio sessions, click the button below.
FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY PRICING
Every family's story is unique—and I'm here to capture yours at all the ages and stages of life.
Whether it’s the giggles of your toddler, the bond between siblings, or the quiet love in a glance between parents, my goal is to turn your real moments into timeless memories. Let's capture it all! The genuine smiles, messy hair, spontaneous hugs, and all the little things that make your family yours. With a relaxed and fun approach, I make sure everyone—from tiny tots to camera-shy dads—feels comfortable and celebrated.
Lifestyle family photography sessions can take place outdoors, at your home or location of choice. There are lots of beautiful spaces in the surrounding area, so if you're not sure, I'm happy to suggest some.
All photography sessions come with a secure online gallery and digital download of files. If you love the photos so much that you want them all, no problem. You'll have the option to purchase the full gallery.
Family Lifestyle Photography for Every Stage
WHO IS LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY FOR?
Couples expecting a child
Growing families
Babies & toddlers reaching developmental milestones
Young children starting to show their unique personality
Siblings
Extended Families
Multi-generations
Whether it's a first birthday, a big milestone or simply a moment worth celebrating, we can create portraits that mark the occasion.
WHY BOOK A FAMILY LIFESTYLE SESSION?
More Time = More Authentic Moments - With a full session, there’s no rush. Kids can warm up, parents can relax, and those genuine, unscripted moments can naturally unfold.
Variety in Photos - Multiple poses, different backgrounds, playful candids, quiet cuddles—we capture it all. Full sessions offer enough time for outfit changes or shifting locations if desired.
Everyone Gets a Moment to Shine - We’ll take time for individual portraits, sibling shots, parents-only photos, and of course, the whole family together. It’s a complete story—not just a highlight.
No Pressure, Just Fun - Full sessions are relaxed and kid-friendly. We follow your family's flow—whether that’s running around a park or snuggling on a blanket—and turn it into art.
Personal Meaning - Choose a meaningful location: a favourite park, a family farm, a vacation spot, etc. It adds emotional value to the photos—memories tied to a place you all love.
WHY BOOK AN EXTENDED FAMILY LIFESTYLE SESSION?
A Rare Gathering Deserves to Be Remembered - Whether it’s a family reunion, a holiday, or just a moment when everyone’s actually in the same place—these are the occasions you’ll want to look back on.
Multiple Generations in One Frame - There’s something incredibly meaningful about capturing grandparents with grandkids, adult siblings reunited, or four generations standing together. These photos become treasures for years (and generations) to come.
Everyone Is Included - We’ll photograph the entire group and break it down into smaller combos—each family unit, grandparents with grandkids, cousins together, and more. Everyone walks away with something personal.
Timeless Gifts for Everyone - From prints to albums, these sessions make beautiful gifts for holidays, anniversaries, or just because. Everyone in the family gets to cherish the memories.
It’s Fun, Not Formal - Extended doesn’t mean stiff. We keep the vibe relaxed, playful, and organized, so even with a big group, the session flows smoothly and everyone enjoys the experience.
Family Lifestyle Sessions
the Essential
A shorter 30 minute couple or family session created for those who want beautiful images in less time—easy, relaxed, and meaningful.
Approximately 30 mins
Immediate family only, pets included
15 beautifully edited high resolutions files
$275+
the Signature
A full 1-hour couple or family session offering plenty of time to settle in, move naturally, and create beautiful images without feeling rushed.
Approximately 1 hour
Immediate family only, pets included
30 beautifully edited high resolutions files
$375+
the Legacy
A fun, heartfelt session for extended families to create timeless memories across generations.
Because families vary in size and needs, I quote each extended family session individually.
Contact me with the details of what you are looking for and I'll be happy to provide one.
please contact
Maternity & Newborn Lifestyle Sessions
the nest
An in-home maternity session celebrating your journey in the comfort of your own space. Partner, siblings and pets included.
Up to 1 hour
Immediate family only
15 beautifully edited images
Online gallery
$275+
welcome home
In-home newborn session capturing tiny details, sleepy cuddles and real family moments. Immediate family only.
Approximately 2-3 hours
Immediate family only
30 beautifully edited images
Online gallery
$450+
Bump to baby
Receive $50 off when you book both your maternity & newborn session at the same time. You'll have the choice of having them both in studio or lifestyle, or mix and match. It's up to you.
$50 Off
FAQ
What should we wear?
This is probably the most common question which I why I will send you my Style Guide after booking. It tells you what works, what to avoid and offers images and colour combinations for inspiration. You want to coordinate without matching. Although you want to be comfortable, try avoiding leisure wear. Photos always look more polished if you're not in your everyday clothes and dress up a bit. The same goes for the kids.
What time of day is best for outdoor family photos?
The best time depends on the location, season and type of light we're working with. I'll recommend a session time based on the look we're trying to create and what will work best for your family.
In general, the golden hour, which is one hour before sunset, provides the softest light. Overcast conditions are also wonderful to shoot in. Typically we try to avoid the middle of the day when the sun is the harshest. This can be mitigated by choosing a location with open shade or a forested area.
Can we include our dog?
Absolutely! If your pet is an important part of your family, they're welcome to be part of the story when the location allows.
What happens during a family session?
We will do things that come naturally, like go for a walk and have you run and play with your kids. I always have a certain shot list in mind and will guide you to the situations that create those moments. For the most part it is natural, relaxed and fun.
How long will it take to receive our photos?
It takes approximately 2 weeks to receive your images. If you need them sooner, let me know so I can plan accordingly.
Do we get to choose the images?
Over the years, I've come across those who want to be very involved with this process and those who want it done for them.
By default, I select the images. However, if you want to pick them yourself, I'm willing to provide an unedited gallery with my initial selections. Each session type includes a certain number of images. You will be allowed to select a slightly more and those will be the ones that I edit.
I always provide more images than what is in your package. That way you can download the ones you want. If you decide that you want them all, you have the option of purchasing the full gallery.
Please note, this will extend the delivery time for the gallery. This policy does not apply to mini sessions.
Do you require a deposit?
Yes, all sessions require a non-refundable $100 deposit at the time of booking. You will receive an invoice for the difference that is due by the session date.
What forms of payment do you accept?
You can pay by e-transfer to hello@krissythompsonphotography.com. Due to increased fees, I no longer accept credit card payments.
Ready to Plan Your Session?
Your family's story is always changing, and there's no perfect time to capture it.
Let's choose the setting, plan your session and create photographs you'll love looking back on for years to come.