How to Have a Fun + Cool Family Session at Blackwood Farm Park (Yes, Even in the Summer Heat!)
Durham + Hillsborough Family Photographer
Summer photo sessions at Blackwood Farm Park are such a treat. This beautiful park, tucked right between Hillsborough and Chapel Hill, has everything you need for a fun and relaxed session—big open fields, shady trails, a sweet old barn, and even a picnic shelter to cool off under. It’s one of my favorite local spots for summer family photos.
And yes—you can have a session in the summer without everyone getting hot and grumpy! Here’s how to stay cool and keep it fun for the whole family:
1. Pick the Right Time of Day
To avoid the heat, we’ll schedule your session in the early morning or right before sunset. The light is soft and golden, and the temperature is way more comfortable. We’ll stick to shady spots and take breaks as needed—no rush, no pressure.
2. Bring a Simple (and Refreshing!) Activity
A recent family brought a basket of fresh peaches, and it was the sweetest (and juiciest) way to cool off! The kids passed them around, took big bites, and had sticky fingers and happy hearts. Activities like this help everyone relax and just enjoy being together.
Other summer-friendly ideas:
A cooler with popsicles or watermelon slices
A picnic blanket and sparkling water
A shady snack break under the trees
3. Dress Light + Keep It Easy
Stick with light, breathable fabrics—think soft cotton, linen, or flowy dresses that catch the breeze. Hats, sunscreen, and water bottles are your best friends for summer sessions. We’ll find shady spots and keep things flexible depending on how everyone’s feeling.
4. Explore and Stay Cool
Blackwood Farm Park has so many gorgeous spots where we can take our time and stay cool:
Shaded trails and tree-lined paths
Wide open fields with soft golden light
We’ll follow your kids’ lead and keep things lighthearted and playful—no stiff poses or long waits. Just your family being yourselves.
A Few Extra Tips:
You’ll want to bring some bug spray and wet wipes for sticky hands!
Final Thoughts
Summer sessions don’t have to be sweaty and stressful. With the right timing, a bit of shade, and maybe some peaches, your family can enjoy a laid-back session that feels like a summer memory in the making.
Want to book your own relaxed (and cool!) family session at Blackwood Farm Park? I’d love to hear from you!
Hello there and thank you for stopping by! I’m Katrina, the heartbeat behind Fifty Two Hundred Photo + Film, in Durham, North Carolina. I specialize in capturing meaningful and precious memories for remarkable families in North Carolina. I hope you enjoyed this story I shared today and if you are interested in learning more about The Time Capsule membership, or let’s connect. Not quite ready to connect, but you would like to follow along the journey? Follow me on Instagram and let’s be friends!
Katrina is a family photographer and family filmmaker in Durham, North Carolina. She offers lifestyle newborn photography, family photography and family videography which focuses on capturing authentic and honest moments for families. Her clients love that not only do they get digital files from their session but artwork to display in their home. She is happy to custom albums so you can revisit your favorite memories for years to come! Be sure to check out the Adobe partnership to see Katrina sharing her knowledge on capturing magical light to highlight the essence of each family.
Want an easy way to make something beautiful out of all your phone photos and videos? Learn more about the Time Capsule Membership here.