Iowa City Family Photography Session: Outdoor Session at Lake Macbride & Coralville Lake near Solon, IA

There’s something special about photographing families in outdoor spaces around the Iowa City area – the wide-open space, the breeze off the water, the way everyone relaxes a little more when they’re surrounded by nature.

For this session, we met at one of my favorite Iowa State Parks, a stunning viewpoint that overlooks both Lake Macbride and Coralville Lake. The mix of tall oak trees, sparkling water, and golden light created the perfect backdrop for timeless family photography in Iowa City.

What I loved most about this session was how naturally their connection unfolded. Instead of stiff poses, we focused on movement, play, and being present with one another. The laughter, the little giggles, the quiet moments between — those are the things I want families to remember when they look back on these photos.

One of my favorite prompts from this session was a simple jar of bubbles. It’s amazing how something so small can break the ice and bring out genuine joy. Within seconds, the two year old who had no interest in sitting for posed shots, was laughing with his parents, while I got to work and documented the beautiful scene. This is the kind of real, unfiltered happiness that makes a photograph feel alive. These are the smiles that reach the eyes and make you smile just looking at them, no matter how much time has passed.

When families see their final gallery, my hope is always the same: that these images don’t just remind them of what the day looked like, but what it felt like. These photos become part of your family’s story – artwork for your walls, memories to share with loved ones, and little reminders of a beautiful season of life.

If you’re dreaming of a relaxed, heartfelt family photo session in Iowa City, especially one surrounded by nature, this location overlooking Lake Macbride and Coralville Lake is one of the most magical spots.