A brilliant family photograph rarely begins with everyone standing in a perfect line. It begins with space to breathe: a child spotting a puddle, a dog racing ahead, grandparents sharing a quiet laugh. The best locations for family portraits are the places that give your family permission to be yourselves, while offering a beautiful backdrop for the moments that unfold naturally.
For families across the Scottish Borders, Edinburgh, the Lothians and Northumberland, there is no shortage of meaningful places to choose from. The right one is not necessarily the most dramatic or the furthest from home. It is the location that suits your children’s ages, your family’s rhythm and the kind of photographs you would love to see on your wall for years to come.
What makes a family portrait location work?
A good location gives you more than a pretty view. It needs enough room for children to move, somewhere comfortable to pause, and a little variety within easy walking distance. A woodland path, open field, stone wall or patch of long grass can create several distinct photographs without turning the session into a long expedition.
Light matters too, although you do not need to worry about the technical side. Soft overcast Scottish skies can be wonderfully flattering, while an early evening session often brings gentler light and a calmer feel. In summer, a late session can work especially well for younger children who enjoy staying up a little later. For very small children, though, their happiest time of day is usually the wiser choice.
The most successful locations also have a personal element. Perhaps it is the beach where you walk the dog, a favourite local park, or the garden where the children spend their weekends. Meaning is never something that has to be forced into a portrait. It is often already there.
Best locations for family portraits in the Scottish Borders
The Borders offer a lovely balance of open countryside, historic towns and quieter corners where families can relax without an audience. They are particularly well suited to natural, story-led sessions because a short walk can reveal changing textures and views.
Woodland and riverside walks around Hawick
Woodland locations around Hawick are ideal for families who would rather walk, chat and let the children lead the way than pose for every frame. The changing seasons bring their own character: fresh green leaves in spring, rich colour in autumn and soft, muted tones in winter. A riverside setting can add movement and reflection without taking attention away from the people in the photographs.
This option is often a strong choice for families with energetic children or dogs. There is room to explore, and the camera can follow the natural interactions that happen along the way. Sensible footwear is worth choosing, particularly after rain, but there is no need to dress everyone in matching outdoor gear. Coordinated layers in colours that sit comfortably together tend to look far more timeless.
Open countryside and hill views
The rolling Borders landscape has a sense of freedom that is hard to recreate anywhere else. Open fields, quiet lanes and hill views work beautifully for larger family groups, giving everyone space without making the image feel crowded. They are also a lovely fit for families who want their photographs to feel rooted in the place they call home.
The trade-off is the weather. Exposed ground can be windy, especially with younger children who soon feel the cold. A location with a little shelter nearby, or a flexible plan for the day, keeps the experience relaxed. Wind can still be useful photographically – it brings movement to hair, dresses and grass – but comfort should come first.
Historic streets and stone architecture
Towns such as Hawick, Melrose, Jedburgh and Kelso offer character in every season. Stone buildings, arches, steps and textured lanes can create a more classic, intimate feel, especially for families who prefer a shorter walk or have grandparents joining the session.
A town setting does require some thought around busy times, parking and other people passing through. Choosing a quieter morning or weekday can make all the difference. These locations are especially effective when you would like a few more gently guided photographs alongside the candid moments.
Beaches and coastlines in Northumberland
Northumberland’s beaches are made for families who do not mind sandy shoes and windswept hair. A wide shoreline gives children room to run, collect shells and play, while the open horizon keeps photographs clean, simple and full of atmosphere. Dogs are often at their happiest here too, provided the chosen beach and time of year allow them.
The coast is at its best when the weather feels part of the story rather than something to fight. A bright but breezy afternoon can be as beautiful as a golden sunset. Bringing a warm layer for everyone, plus a towel and spare clothes for younger children, makes it much easier to enjoy the experience. Check tide times before setting out, and choose a beach with straightforward access if you are bringing a pram or family members with limited mobility.
For a more dramatic look, dunes and weathered coastal paths offer texture and privacy. For a gentler session, a broad stretch of sand near a café or car park may be the practical winner. The best choice depends on whether adventure or ease is the priority that day.
Edinburgh and Lothians locations with room to roam
For families based in or travelling to Edinburgh, the city and surrounding Lothians offer striking variety. You can choose the grandeur of a city park, a quiet woodland edge or a beach within easy reach of home.
Large green spaces are excellent for a relaxed session with children. They offer room to play while still giving a sense of place, particularly when the city skyline, mature trees or historic features sit quietly in the background. Early mornings can be ideal if you would like more peace and fewer people in the frame.
The Lothians also have country parks, estates and woodland trails that feel wonderfully removed from the bustle without requiring a long journey. These settings suit families looking for a softer, more natural backdrop, particularly in autumn when warm leaves and low light create a lovely sense of depth.
Some parks, gardens and estates require permission for professional photography, and rules can vary. That is easily managed with a little planning beforehand. A photographer should always check what is allowed, particularly if your session includes a larger group, a dog or a particular area of land.
Choosing between a meaningful place and a beautiful one
If you are torn between the spot that looks impressive and the place that means something to your family, choose meaning where possible. A photograph of your toddler being carried along a familiar path can hold more feeling than a perfect view that took two hours to reach.
That said, the two do not have to be separate. Many local walks, beaches and parks become meaningful precisely because you spend time there together. The location is there to support the connection, not compete with it. Your children will not remember being asked to look at the camera every minute. They may remember throwing leaves, holding hands or being allowed to splash in the edge of the sea.
A little preparation goes a long way
Keep the plan simple. Choose a location that is easy to reach, allow extra time for parking and snacks, and let children know they are coming for an adventure rather than a test of good behaviour. A favourite toy, a warm drink or a small snack can be helpful, but there is no need to arrive with a bag full of props.
Clothing should feel like your family on a good day. Avoid large logos and overly matching outfits, then choose colours that work together without being identical. Soft neutrals, earthy tones and gentle blues often sit beautifully against Scottish landscapes, but the most important thing is that everyone can move comfortably and stay warm.
At Graeme Webb Photography, the aim is always to make space for the real moments: the affectionate chaos, the in-between glances and the personalities that change far too quickly. A location gives those moments a setting, but your family is what gives the photographs their lasting value.
When you are choosing where to go, picture not just the session itself but the finished print in your home. The place that makes you smile before the camera is even out is very often the right place to begin.
