Planning extended family pictures is a little different than planning a session for just one household.
When you’re coordinating grandparents, siblings, cousins, and possibly multiple vehicles, the location matters more than people expect.
Before choosing a spot, here are a few things worth thinking through:
- Is there enough parking for everyone?
- Is the lighting flattering for photos?
- Will we be competing with other park-goers?
- Is the space accessible for family members of all ages?
- Is there enough room to comfortably arrange a large group?
With those things in mind, here are several locations in and around Detroit Lakes that work well for extended family photos, along with a few honest pros and cons for each.
Sucker Creek Park
Pros
- Large parking area
- Easy access for all ages
- Beautiful evening light
- Nature backdrop while still being convenient
Cons
- Public space, so people may be nearby
- The best large-group area is on pavement (with nature behind you)
Sucker Creek is often a strong choice for extended families because it’s easy to gather everyone in one place without a long walk. Evening sessions work especially well here thanks to the open light.
The tradeoff is that it’s a public location. We may need to work around other visitors or parked vehicles.
Dunton Locks County Park
Pros
- Easy access
- Parking lot available
- Close to the lake
Cons
- Can be very busy, especially since the troll installation
- Tighter spaces for extra large groups
- Shadier areas can reflect green tones onto skin
Dunton Locks offers lake access and interesting scenery, but it tends to draw a crowd. For smaller extended families, it can work well. For very large groups, the tighter layout may feel limiting.
Lighting is something we pay attention to here. Some shaded areas are beautiful, but can shift color tones depending on the time of day.
Detroit Lakes City Park
Pros
- Lots of parking
- Easy to access
- Lake nearby
Cons
- Can be busy during events
- Rolling hills can make large group posing more challenging
- More of a traditional park look
City Park is practical and convenient. If accessibility and parking are top priorities, it’s a reliable option.
For very large groups, the rolling terrain sometimes requires extra planning to get everyone positioned evenly.
Your Lake Cabin
Pros
- Meaningful and familiar location
- Likely private
- No competition for space
- Comfortable for everyone
Cons
- Yard maintenance may be needed
- Not all yards accommodate large groups easily
- Lighting depends heavily on sun direction and tree placement
Cabins often feel the most personal. There’s no explaining where to park or where to gather. Everyone already knows the space.
The main consideration is light. Some yards photograph beautifully at certain times of day, while others are heavily shaded or backlit. Planning around the sun makes a big difference.
The Amber Langerud Photography Farm
Pros
- Private location
- No competing park-goers
- Natural trees, grass, and landscape
- Plenty of room to spread out
Cons
- Uneven ground may not work well for walkers
- Heels are not recommended
- Large group space photographs best with cooperative weather
- Located about 10 miles outside of town
A private location removes a lot of unpredictability. There’s space to move, adjust, and work without interruption.
Because it’s a rural setting, footwear and mobility are worth considering ahead of time.
Choosing What Matters Most
Every extended family is different.
Some prioritize convenience and parking. Others care most about privacy. Some want the lake in the background. Others prefer open fields and trees.
When you’re planning extended family pictures in Detroit Lakes, the best location is the one that supports your group size, accessibility needs, and comfort level.
If you’re unsure which space would work best for your family, I’m happy to talk through the details and help you decide.
If you’re starting to plan extended family photos and want help choosing the right location, you can reach out and we’ll look at what makes the most sense for your group.
