As an Edmonton family photographer, I know how much my clients love to include flowers in their summer family photo sessions. Floral backdrops add colour, texture, and romance to your portraits—especially during golden hour. In this blog, I’m sharing a seasonal guide to the best flowers in Edmonton to include in your outdoor family photography.
Mid May – End May: Spring Blossoms
Spring blossoms are ideal if you’re dreaming of soft, romantic family portraits in Edmonton. Our city’s spring season is short and sweet—these blooms usually last no more than two weeks. For the best results, I recommend scheduling your family photoshoot during this window.
I often choose downtown Edmonton for spring sessions. The area features mature fruit trees that create a magical floral canopy—perfect for wide-angle, dreamy family photography. I also wrote a separate blog about the best spring blossom locations in Edmonton, which may help you find your ideal spot.
End of May: Dandelions
While dandelions may not be your favourite flower for your lawn, their bright yellow blooms can create a soft, golden backdrop for your outdoor family portraits. When photographed at sunset, dandelions blend beautifully with the warm evening light, adding a glowing, light and airy feel to your photos. However, they bloom for only about a week—after that, they quickly turn into those fluffy white seeds!
In Edmonton, we have plenty of scenic spots for family photography with dandelions. Windermere is one of my favourite neighbourhoods for this, but you’ll find them in parks and open fields all over the city.
Mid May – Mid June: Lilacs
Lilacs are a favourite for Edmonton family photographers—and for good reason. With shades ranging from soft pink to deep purple, and a longer bloom period, they’re both beautiful and flexible. I especially love photographing around tall lilac trees that let sunlight stream through, creating a magical, glowing effect.
You can find lilacs in full bloom at the University of Alberta Botanic Garden and many public parks, offering a colourful, fragrant backdrop for your Edmonton family photoshoot.
End June – End July: Canola Fields
If you’re looking for breathtaking, wide-open views, canola fields near Edmonton are a dreamy choice. These vibrant yellow flowers stretch for miles, creating epic family photo locations. However, I personally don’t use canola fields often with young children, as the plants are tall and require you to carry your kids frequently—this can take away from those natural, playful moments.
If you love the look of canola, I recommend shooting on the field edges. This way, we protect the plants while still capturing their beauty. Sneakers are a must for these sessions!
Beginning July – End July: Roses
Roses reach their peak bloom in mid-summer and are a timeless option for your Edmonton family photography session. The U of A Botanic Garden and several city parks have stunning rose gardens that bring bold colour and elegance to your portraits.
Personally, I love rose sessions the most because the blooms are often at the perfect height for portraits, and the well-designed garden layouts add variety and beauty to every photo.
Mid July – Mid August: Wildflowers
If you’re dreaming of a rustic, natural vibe, Edmonton’s wildflower fields are perfect. Filled with daisies, buttercups, clover, and more, these fields add an earthy charm to your outdoor family photos. My personal favourite is the white daisy fields in August—kids love running through them, and the result is playful, meaningful photos.
Some private gardens and hidden meadows around Edmonton offer incredible wildflower views in July and August. If you book with me, you’ll have the option to include private garden access in your family photoshoot.
Mid August – Mid September: Sunflowers
Sunflowers bloom in late summer and create a warm, golden atmosphere—ideal for wrapping up your summer family photography season. Fields like the one at the Edmonton Corn Maze offer stunning backdrops of tall, cheerful blooms that add a joyful tone to every image.
Sunflowers bloom fast and fade quickly, so be sure to schedule your Edmonton family session while they’re at their peak.
Ready to Plan Your Summer Family Photo Session in Edmonton?
I hope this guide helps you choose the perfect time and floral setting for your family photoshoot in Edmonton. Each flower adds a special touch and seasonal charm to your session. If you’re ready to book your outdoor family photography experience or have any questions, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s create something beautiful together among Edmonton’s most stunning summer blooms!
We also give free outfits guide to Edmonton families. To get a free summer outfit guide, please contact me.
Samantha, the visionary behind Little One Photo, is a passionate photographer with a special gift for capturing the essence of newborns and families. With over a decade of experience, she has honed her craft to create timeless, emotive portraits that families cherish for generations. Samantha’s warm personality and patient approach put even the tiniest clients at ease, allowing her to capture genuine moments of connection and love.
