Best Family Photoshoot Locations in Glasgow
Capturing natural, heartfelt moments of your family is a beautiful way to preserve memories, and Glasgow offers countless incredible backdrops for a relaxed and fun photoshoot. As one of Europe’s greenest cities, it combines lush parks with historic architecture and urban charm. Whether you're after playful shots of children exploring nature, or quiet family portraits in a picturesque setting, this guide will help you choose the perfect location for your family photoshoot in Glasgow
*Plus a few extra additional locations outside of Glasgow if you wish to go further afield.
Top Family Photoshoot Locations in Glasgow
*This list is not ranked in order, each are unique in their own way*
Glasgow is full of accessible, photogenic spots ideal for natural family portraits. Here are some of the best-loved and most unique locations in the city:
Kelvingrove Park
A classic and much-loved park in Glasgow's West End, Kelvingrove Park features impressive views, Victorian architecture, river walks, and wooded areas. It can be busy on sunny days, but quieter corners exist for more intimate moments. There are also two playparks for kids to enjoy after the session.
Best for: Families who want a mix of nature and historic charm.
Pollok Country Park
Located in the Southside, this expansive park offers woodland paths, open fields, Highland cows, and the majestic Pollok House. Its diversity makes it one of the top choices for family photography.
Best for: Families who love nature and want variety in backdrops.
Glasgow Botanic Gardens
The Botanic Gardens and the famous Kibble Palace provide lush greenery, impressive architecture, and shelter on rainy days. This is a tranquil setting, though often busy at weekends.
Best for: Elegant or vibrant family shoots with floral and indoor options.
Victoria Park
A quieter West End location, Victoria Park features the fascinating Fossil Grove, colourful flowerbeds, and open spaces. Its accessibility and peacefulness make it an ideal setting for young children.
Best for: Families looking for calm, less crowded locations.
Bellahouston Park
Home to the House for an Art Lover and beautiful gardens, Bellahouston Park combines cultural interest with spacious green areas. The maze and sculptures keep children entertained.
Best for: Artistic families who enjoy culture and greenery.
Mugdock Country Park (Bearsden)
A favourite with young families, this whimsical trail offers imaginative carved figures and a forested trail that encourages natural play and joy.
Best for: Families with young children looking for something magical.
Hidden Gems
As a local family photographer, I often explore hidden locations on my mountain bike. Some less conventional favourites include:
The River Kelvin Walkway for a mix of woodlands and bridges
The gardens behind Glasgow University have animals!
Dawsholm Park’s wild woods for a rustic feel
Queen’s Park for high-up city views
Top Glasgow Family Photoshoot Locations: Stunning Spots Just Outside Glasgow
If you’re willing to venture a little further, there are incredible spots within an hour of Glasgow that offer dramatic scenery and quiet escapes.
1. The Devil’s Pulpit (Finnich Glen)
An atmospheric location with mossy stone walls, waterfalls, and winding stone stairs. It’s otherworldly but best suited for older children due to tricky access and requires a change of clothing, you do have to wade through water. This place is amazing, its extremely beautiful but would recommend early in the day before it gets busy.
2. Loch Lomond (Balloch/Rowardennan)
With sweeping views, beaches, forests and mountain backdrops, Loch Lomond is an iconic place for unforgettable family portraits.
3. Mugdock Country Park
Castle ruins, woodlands, and wide open spaces offer variety and adventure. Ideal for families who enjoy exploring.
4. Rouken Glen Park
Just outside the city, this park features waterfalls, a pond, gardens and woodland paths. It’s large enough to find secluded spots.
5. Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park
A tranquil location of hills, lochs and heather-covered moorlands. It’s a peaceful choice if you’re after something remote and quiet.
6. Croy Hill/Barr Hill
This is a historic Scotland site, its reasonably quiet, most times of the day and it has plenty of beautiful backdrops.
Tips for a Great Outdoor Family Photoshoot:
Best Times of Day and Week for a Family Photoshoot in Glasgow
When planning a family photoshoot in Glasgow, timing can make a significant difference to both the look and feel of your images, as well as the overall experience for your family.
🕰️ Best Time of Day: Embrace the Golden Hours
For the most flattering and natural light, aim to schedule your photoshoot during the “golden hours” — shortly after sunrise or just before sunset. During these times, the sunlight is softer, warmer, and casts fewer harsh shadows. This is particularly important in Scotland where the midday light can often be quite stark and unflattering.
Morning (1–2 hours after sunrise): Ideal for families with younger children who tend to be happiest earlier in the day. Locations are often quieter too.
Evening (1–2 hours before sunset): Perfect for those rich, golden tones in your images. This is especially stunning in places like Pollok Park, Victoria Park or Kelvingrove.
📅 Best Day of the Week: Weekdays Over Weekends
While weekends might be most convenient for many families, parks and popular locations in Glasgow tend to be much busier with visitors, sports matches, or local events.
Midweek (Tuesday to Thursday): These days usually offer the quietest parks and streets, making it easier to capture relaxed, candid moments without background distractions.
Early Mornings on Weekends: If weekends are your only option, opt for early sessions before the crowds arrive.
🌦️ Considering Weather When Planning Your Shoot
Glasgow’s weather can be unpredictable, so it’s wise to:
Check the forecast 48–72 hours in advance and be prepared to shift plans if needed.
Bring props like clear umbrellas or wellies — they can make rainy-day shoots both practical and charming.
Choose flexible locations such as the Glasgow Botanic Gardens, where sheltered areas like the Kibble Palace provide an indoor alternative if the weather turns.
Dress Comfortably
Earth tones and soft, coordinated colours work well outdoors. Avoid large logos and neon colours. Wear layers in case the weather changes.
TOP TIP: You can always take the layers off, you can’t add layers you do not have with you.
Be Yourselves
Kids should be encouraged to play, laugh and explore. This leads to the most genuine images.
What Photography Equipment do I bring?
As your photographer, I come equipped, but here's what goes into a great shoot:
Also feel free to view My Gear List
Lenses
35mm or 50mm Prime lenses for storytelling and natural portraiture, I also love a vintage lens with some strange bokeh, it creates unique, beautiful photos when the background is just right.
85mm for close-ups - I tend to use a 70-200mm lens here, 85mm is around the right size but sometimes I enjoy 90-105mm
24-70mm for flexible wide-to-tight shots - This is also my go to for small clips or videography.
Props (optional)
“Props make the day, I always recommend adding things to a scene, photography is the ice cream, the location is the sprinkles and the props, well they are the cherry on-top and the sauce! They do work alone, but they get better when combined.”
Wellies and raincoat for wet ground splashing in puddles
Umbrellas for fun or shelter.
want to bring a fishing rod, make it a theme by the river, lets do it!
Picnic blankets, bring a full picnic, why not!
Toys or bubbles to entertain children
Flash or Natural Light?
Natural light is preferred for a soft and warm look. Flash may be used in darker areas or to create a stylised feel, depending on your preferences and the setting. It also helps sometimes to add some fill flash in a direction, Scotland is well known to have white or grey softbox lighting, which is ok, but it is very boring and can be unflattering, adding some flash from a direction can really create a scene that stands out. If authenticity is your goal, this would be avoided.
What Should Families Bring With Them?
Be prepared for an adventure! It helps to pack: This is probably going to be a half day or at least a few hours depending on location.
Spare clothes (in case of sitting on wet ground or weather changes)
Snacks and drinks
Wipes and towels
A packed lunch for little ones (and you!)
Favourite toys or books for comfort
Choosing a Family Photographer Near You
Benefits of Staying Local
Hiring a local photographer in Glasgow offers a few clear benefits:
No additional travel charges
Extensive local knowledge – I know Glasgow inside and out, including lesser-known photo gems
Flexible rescheduling if the weather changes
Fast communication and easy access
Being Glasgow-based, I’ve scouted nearly every nook and cranny, from the West End to the Clyde Valley. Many of my best photo locations have been found by bike or long walks. I cycle about 15hours per week, I know every road and trail.
Final Tips
Be flexible with the weather – some of the best photos come from unexpected conditions
Keep things fun and low-pressure for kids
Trust your photographer to capture the in-between moments
Consider planning your shoot around an activity like a picnic or woodland walk to keep everyone relaxed
Frequently Asked Questions
Family Photography FAQs
How long does a family photoshoot take?
Typically 1-2 hours, allowing for a mix of posed and candid moments.
Can we include pets?
Absolutely! Pets are family too.
What if it rains?
We can either reschedule or make the most of indoor or covered options. Some families love a splashy, wellies-on shoot!
Do we have to pose?
Not at all. I encourage movement and play for natural results.
Photography FAQs
When is the best time for outdoor photography in Scotland?
Golden hour – just after sunrise or before sunset. If available, we don’t often get this unless its summer. We can mimic this with flash and gels. Morning also works, the only time (if you want the best from your photos, is avoiding midday in direct sunlight)
Is natural light better than flash?
Natural light usually creates softer, more authentic images. Flash can be helpful in poor lighting or for a specific effect.
How can I prepare my child for a photoshoot?
Let them know it’s a fun adventure, not a formal event. Bring their favourite toy, and keep snacks handy. If we keep the day unscripted for the kids and they enjoy themselves we will get the best from them. It also ensures an authentic moment, they are unfortunately not actors who can switch into loving the camera straight away and sometimes it just takes some time for them to get into a groove and forget I am there.
Alexander-Thomas.co.uk FAQs
Where are you based?
I’m a family photographer based in the West End of Glasgow, covering all areas of the city and beyond.
Do you travel outside of Glasgow?
Yes, I frequently shoot in the wider Central Belt, including Loch Lomond and Ayrshire.
How do I book a session?
You can book via Alexander-Thomas.co.uk, where you’ll also find my portfolio and pricing.
What style of photography do you offer?
Relaxed, documentary-style family photography that captures emotion and connection naturally.
For more information, availability or to book a session, please get in touch. I'd love to hear about your family and help you plan the perfect photoshoot in Glasgow or beyond.
