Our Spring Visit to Burnside Farms: Tulips, Sunshine, and Sweet Memories

girls running through the field at burnside farms

The girls running over the hill to find the tulips

A Storytelling Spin on Spring Family Photos at Burnside Farms

Each year, one of our favorite springtime traditions is heading out to Burnside Farms. The tulip and sunflower fields are pure magic—and the perfect setting for spring family photos that feel real, relaxed, and joyful. This year, I brought my camera, not for perfectly posed portraits, but to tell the story of our day.

little girl enjoying sunshine at burnside farms

Documenting the Day, Not Just the Pose

I always grab a season passport so we can visit a few times throughout the season. This year, the girls picked their own outfits (Althea I’m pretty sure wore the same dress from last spring), and I gave maybe one gentle photo suggestion. Everything else unfolded naturally.

My favorite part? The hill covered in clover. As the girls ran up and over, the tulip fields suddenly came into view like a hidden surprise. The farm rotates its crops, so the flower locations change each year—which makes it feel fresh every time we go.

One of the best things about spring family photos at Burnside Farms is the variety of ways kids can just be kids. My girls found feathers, rocks, and even a lost stuffed dog that they returned to a toddler who dropped it. They bounced on the giant pad, shared a lemonade, and played for hours on the playground and in the iconic little blue house.

This time, I didn’t stress about curating the perfect Instagram post. I leaned fully into storytelling—capturing the connection, joy, and exploration that filled our day. I didn’t photoshop out the crowds or try to hide the realness of the farm (though I did crop out the porta-potties... priorities, right?).

little girl picking tulips using basket at burnside farms

Why I Love Spring Photoshoots Like This

As a family photographer, I believe the most meaningful images come from connection, not perfection. Spring photoshoots at places like Burnside Farms give families space to be themselves. The natural light, open space, and playful energy of the fields allow for storytelling images that reflect your family’s real life—not just how it looks, but how it feels.

If you’re dreaming of spring family photos surrounded by tulips, or just want a session where your kids can run free and be themselves, this is the perfect spot.

Girls exploring different part of the farm

playing one of the many games at the tulip fields

Sunset image on playground at burnside farms

Sunset Light and Storytelling Sessions

If you’re thinking about planning your own visit, Burnside Farms offers both early bird and sunset admission tickets. And let me tell you—sunset at the farm is something special. The light drops perfectly over the fields, casting a golden glow that’s dreamy for spring photoshoots.

I’ll be accepting a limited number of storytelling sessions at Burnside Farms this season, including a few during golden hour for those dreamy spring family photos with warm evening light. If that sounds like something you’d love, I’d be honored to document your family's connection in such a beautiful place.