The Perfect Location for Your Next Family Photo Shoot

Looking for a beautiful, natural setting to capture your family's love and laughter? Griffith Woods Park, located in the community of Discovery Ridge in SW Calgary, is one of my favourite locations for outdoor family photography. With its towering forest, winding trails, and peaceful river views, it offers a stunning natural backdrop for families of any size. As a Calgary family photographer, I'm always on the lookout for locations that feel authentic and timeless, and Griffith Woods consistently delivers.

Why Griffith Woods Park is a Top Calgary Family Photography Location

Griffith Woods Park is a hidden gem tucked into the heart of Discovery Ridge. Spanning over 93 hectares, this natural environment park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, coyotes, and birds. With its winding pathways, lush forest, and tranquil river, it's the perfect setting for candid, relaxed family portraits.

Because Griffith Woods is designated as a natural environment park, its focus is on conservation — preserving the park's ecosystems and biodiversity for future generations. That means you're photographing your family in a truly untouched, natural setting, rather than a manicured or heavily landscaped one — something that gives the images a timeless, authentic feel.

Whether you're hoping to capture candid, in-motion moments along the trails or quieter, posed portraits near the river, Griffith Woods offers the kind of variety that makes for a genuinely versatile family session.

Griffith Woods Compared to Other SW Calgary Photo Locations

If you're deciding between locations, Griffith Woods offers a denser forest feel with river access, while a photography session at Baker Park provides more open river valley views with an expansive feel. Both are excellent choices depending on the mood and style you're hoping to capture. (See my full guide to Calgary's best family photography locations for more options.)

A Real Griffith Park Photoshoot

I recently had the joy of photographing the Hui Family at Griffith Woods Park during a gorgeous late summer evening. We met a two hours prior to sunset at the entrance to Griffith Woods Park, where they have ample parking and a public washroom. I find this time of day perfect for photographing families to ensure the light is soft and to have the golden glow peeking through the trees!

It had been awhile since this family had last had family photos taken and with the age of their boys they had wanted a quiet more intimate session without distractions and lots of people in the area. I knew Griffith Woods Park would be the perfect location and they were absolutely thrilled with their final portraits. This family session is a great example of what's possible at this location - whether you're hoping for playful, in-motion shots along the trails or quiet, connected portraits by the water.

Tips for Planning Your Griffith Woods Park Family Photoshoot

What to Wear to your family session

I always recommend choosing outfits that coordinate with each other and with the natural surroundings. Solid tones tend to work best, keeping the focus on your family's expressions rather than busy patterns. Closed-toe shoes are strongly recommended, as most of the pathways are unpaved.

Timing Your Session

Outdoor sessions at Griffith Woods Park typically begin about two hours before sunset to take advantage of the best natural light, which means sessions often start later in the evening especially during the summer. You will want to make sure everyone is well-rested and fed beforehand so the whole family feels comfortable and relaxed throughout.

Parking and Access

The main parking lot is located just off Discovery Ridge Blvd SW, with a decent amount of parking space. We then take a short walk to the main trailhead and wander through the park to capture the types of images you see here.

Best Time of Year to Shoot at Griffith Woods

July and August provide lush, deep green forest tones and later evening sessions with session start times as late as 8pm in July. If you have teenage or adult children, this can be a great option to accommodate work schedules and still get your family photos booked in the calendar. September and October offer stunning fall colours and allow for a slightly earlier session time as the sun begins to set earlier as we approach winter. This is a great time to book families with younger children that are usually in bed by 7pm.

Child portrait photography taken outdoors in natural light just before golden hour at Griffith Woods Park

Frequently Asked Questions About Griffith Woods Park Photography

Is Griffith Woods Park good for a family photoshoot?

Yes — its natural forest setting, quiet trails, and river views make it one of the best locations in SW Calgary for relaxed and authentic family portraits.

Where do you park at Griffith Woods Park?

As you approach the entrance to Griffith Woods Park, you will see a paved parking the lines the entrance to the park. Weekends can be busier and have limited parking.

Is Griffith Woods Park stroller or toddler friendly?

Due to the terrain, I usually recommend children be old enough to manage a walk without strollers. While there are some paved pathways, most of the areas where I am photographing your family are unpaved and can be narrow. This location is also not ideal for those with limited mobility.

How far in advance should I book a Griffith Woods Park family session?

If you are looking to book a summer or fall family photo session, I usually recommend contacting the studio 6-8 weeks in advance to ensure I have availability. With Calgary summers being very short, weekend dates fill fast and are usually booked up to 3-4 months in advance. I know first hand how challenging it can be to organize everyone’s schedules, especially if you are including adult children with their families, which is why our studio does take bookings up to 9 months in advance.

How do I book a family photography session at Griffith Woods Park?‍ ‍Contact the studio via phone, email or using the contact form below, and we'll find the perfect date and time to capture your family's story at this beautiful location.

Book Your Griffith Woods Park Family Session

I'd love the opportunity to document your family's story at Griffith Woods Park. As a full-time professional Calgary family photographer specializing in babies, children, teens, and families, I'm passionate about creating an elevated photography experience — from the session itself to gorgeous, heirloom-quality printed portraits you'll pass down for generations.

Get in touch below to book your complimentary consultation.

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