Your guide to family photo nature walks

Spending time together as a family can be fun and fulfilling, but it can also elicit sighs of boredom from uninterested children. If your kids aren’t eager to explore nature as a family, adding the exciting element of photography might be enough to sway them! With minor effort, you can turn a “boring” hike into an art experience. Here’s everything you need to know about a photo nature walk.

What is a photo nature walk?

Head out for a walk in nature alone or with your family, take photos along the way, and you’ve done it! A photo nature walk is as straightforward as it sounds, and the benefits to yourself and your family can be surprising. If you incorporate this practice into your regular family-outing routine, you’ll notice how much everyone comes to enjoy it. Fortunately, you need minimal supplies for this adventure. Phone cameras are more than sufficient for the task. Basic hiking or walking necessities are easy to pack. And your list of potential shots can be stored on someone’s phone or printed on small sheets.

Perks of outdoor family time

Spending time together as a family is essential, and there are many ways to prioritize these interactions. And walking through nature adds new dimensions. Being outdoors is beneficial for health and overall wellness, so you’ll be modeling healthy habits for your kids when you venture outside. 

You’ll also be learning a new skill alongside your children. When kids see their parents eagerly attempting to do something new, they feel encouraged as well. It’s also important to let your kids take the lead during family activities. A nature walk is a perfect place for this independence. Everyone is collaborating towards a shared goal, furthering the bonding experience.

Benefits of photo walking

Aside from the family bonding that a walk through nature gives you, the act of purposefully noticing your surroundings can have a positive impact on your mood. Many photographers recognize the powerful connection between artist and subject, and taking amateur photos on a walk is no different. 

There are many reasons why a photo walk can help boost your mood: It encourages you to notice the small things, connect with your surroundings, and find inspiration. You’ll enhance the physical benefits of walking with these mental and emotional ones. 

The memories you bring back from the walk can serve as reminders of fun times for years to come. Photo walking is an excellent way to explore a new city or area on vacation, so you’ll have this routine in your back pocket for the next family trip you take. And, who knows? You may also notice new things about your familiar surroundings back home, too!

What to look for on your walk

The exact photos you take will depend on your location, the time of year, and how adventurous your group wants to be. If you’re making this activity a new staple, create a list of photographs that you’ll always try to find. Looking back at previous walks and comparing images is another way to extend this family activity beyond the walk itself. Here are examples to include on your list:

• A manmade object
• Something that looks like a letter
• A heart shape
• Water
• Animal tracks
• Something broken
• Unexpected shadows
• Interesting light
• Every color of the rainbow
• Something alive that’s smaller than your hand
• Something alive that’s bigger than yourself
• Something surprising!

Your kids can have fun being creative to find items that fit the categories. You can even make it into a friendly competition and have each family member try to find something different for every item!

Head outside as a family and get started with your first photo walk. Chances are, your kids will quickly become invested in this new activity and not want to turn toward home anytime soon!