A Sunny Summer Family Photo Session with Three Kids at Historic Yates Mill County Park
What I love about Yates Mill is how versatile it is in every season, but especially in the summer.
Families don’t need to choose between sun-soaked portraits or cool shaded areas. The park has both, which makes it easier for kids to stay comfortable while still giving us a variety of backdrops.
If you’re wanting Raleigh family photos that balance history, nature, and playful adventure, Historic Yates Mill County Park is a hidden gem. Just a short drive from downtown Raleigh, this park offers a mix of rustic farm buildings, shaded trails, and wide-open sunny spaces—all centered around a 1750s gristmill and a stunning waterfall backdrop. It’s one of my favorite spots to bring families who want their session to feel both timeless and full of life.
Why Yates Mill Works So Well for Raleigh Family Photos
What I love about Yates Mill is how versatile it is in every season, but especially in the summer. Families don’t need to choose between sun-soaked portraits or cool shaded areas. The park has both, which makes it easier for kids to stay comfortable while still giving us a variety of backdrops.
When I bring clients here, I usually start at the old farm buildings. Their weathered wood and wide overhangs create beautiful open shade while the sun is still high. As the light softens, we wander under the wooden bridge and into the forest, where the sun flares gently through the trees. Finally, we end the session at the dramatic rock formation in front of the mill and waterfall, a spot that feels like something out of a storybook but with a very real Raleigh touch.
For families looking for a location with character and plenty of room to explore, Yates Mill is always high on my list. (And if you’re curious about other options, I also put together a list of the best Triangle-area photo locations.)
A Playful Family Session with the Skillestads
The Skillestad family joined me at Yates Mill for a session that was equal parts joyful and chaotic in the very best way. They wanted to capture their three kids exactly as they are right now: energetic, curious, and full of personality.
As a mom of three myself, I know firsthand how important it is to let kids lead. At this session, the boys discovered water to splash in, lizards to chase, and puddles to stomp through. Instead of trying to redirect them, we leaned in. Their parents followed their lead, and what unfolded were genuine, dynamic moments that showed the kids’ wildness and their family’s deep love for each other.
That’s what I love most about sessions like this. They’re not about stiff poses or forced smiles, they’re about documenting the magic of childhood as it naturally unfolds.
Here’s a glimpse into the Skillestad’s summer session at Historic Yates Mill County Park
Photographer Insight: Embracing the Wild Energy
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned as a photographer (and as a mom) is this: if you want authentic Raleigh family photos, you have to be willing to get a little messy.
Kids aren’t meant to sit still in front of a camera for an hour. They’re meant to run, laugh, explore, and surprise you. During the Skillestad’s family photo session, I found myself crouching low, chasing kids across fields, and laughing right alongside them. Did we all end up a little sweaty by the end? Absolutely. But that’s what makes the final gallery so special. These aren’t just photos, they’re real memories frozen in time.
This approach is what sets my sessions apart. I meet kids at their level, and I encourage families to embrace the joy (and chaos) of the season they’re in. When parents let go of perfection and lean into play, the photos tell a much more meaningful story.
Advice for Families Planning Their Raleigh Family Photo Session
If there’s one piece of advice I give every family, it’s this: let your kids lead. They will find the magic in any location, whether that’s a waterfall at Yates Mill, a field of sunflowers at Dix Park, or even your own backyard.
When children feel free to explore, they show us who they really are. And when parents follow their lead, the whole family ends up more relaxed and connected, which always shines through in the photos.
If Yates Mill feels right for your family, I’d love to help you tell your story here. You can view more examples in my family photography portfolio to get a sense of how sessions unfold.
Closing Thoughts
Summer at Historic Yates Mill County Park is a perfect reminder that family photos don’t have to be about perfect outfits or perfectly still children. They can be about chasing lizards, stomping in puddles, and holding onto the kind of laughter you’ll want to remember years from now.
If you’re dreaming about your own Raleigh family photos (whether at Yates Mill, another Triangle location, or somewhere personal to your story) I’d love to connect. Reach out through my contact page and let’s start planning something beautiful.