t’s hard to believe that school will be out next week and our 2024 grad season here in Calgary is wrapping up! Last week we had the pleasure of meeting and photographing the Beamin family at one of our favourite local parks, Griffith Woods. This photoshoot was booked to celebrate Carter’s major milestone—graduating high school. But the family also took this opportunity to update their family portraits, making the session a meaningful dual celebration.

Two Purposes, One Session: Grad + Family Photos

We love when families choose to combine important milestones in one session. This approach saves time, reduces the stress of multiple bookings, and creates a fuller story—highlighting both the graduate and the loving family behind them. For the Beamins, it was the perfect way to mark Carter’s big accomplishment while getting fresh family photos that capture the connection and joy they share.

Sessions like this can be tailored to your unique needs, whether that means focusing more on the grad’s solo portraits or balancing those with candid and posed family moments. We guide you through the flow so everyone feels relaxed and the session moves smoothly.

Why Griffith Woods Is a Top Calgary Location for Photoshoots

Griffith Woods Park is a gem tucked away in southwest Calgary. One of the best things about this location is its accessibility—just minutes from downtown, yet it feels like you’ve escaped to nature. The park offers a variety of beautiful, scenic spots, from lush forest trails to wide-open fields and peaceful river views.

This diversity lets us get a range of looks in one session without the hassle of traveling between locations. It also offers plenty of natural light and stunning backdrops, especially during the golden hour we captured for the Beamins.

Whether you’re looking for a spot with rich greenery, textured tree bark, or sweeping open skies, Griffith Woods delivers.

Capturing the Beamins’ Story

As we moved through the park hitting some of our favourite spots, the Beamin family was open and willing to try some of our more advanced posing techniques. Chantel and Ryan are so easy to photograph—when mom smiles, you can clearly see where the boys get their big, beautiful smiles. The connection between Chantel and her sons shines through in every frame.

We also had fun capturing Carter’s personality, catching him in some typical teenage poses that show off his character. And a shout-out to Cale, who was a great sport throughout the shoot, adding to the fun and relaxed atmosphere.

Congratulations, Carter!

Carter, we wish you all the best in your adventures after high school! Thank you, Beamin family, for trusting us to capture these memories for you. Combining your grad and family photos into one session was a wonderful choice that we hope you will treasure for years to come.

Ready to book?

Ready to celebrate your milestones and capture meaningful family moments all in one beautiful session? Whether it’s a grad photoshoot, family portraits, or a combination of both, I’m here to help you create lasting memories you’ll cherish forever. Explore all the photography services I offer and find the perfect fit for your story here. Let’s start planning your session today!