Updated October 13, 2026
A mother daughter photoshoot is one of the most meaningful sessions you can do, and doing it every year shows a relationship growing up. As a Paris photographer, I have photographed this mother and daughter in Paris, in London, and this time in Madrid, at the Real Jardín Botánico, the Prado Museum and El Retiro park.
What You’ll Find in This Blog:
A Mother Daughter Photoshoot at the Real Jardín Botánico in Madrid
Mama daughter photos with these two are something that I look forward to every year. Last year we headed to London, the year before, I met them in Paris. It seemed only fitting that I meet them this year in Madrid! It was hot. Like, knee-sweatingly hot. So we headed first to the gorgeous refuge of the Real Jardín Botánico to grab some green shade and of course take advantage of the gorgeous fountains and huge variety of stunning (but does stunning really even cover the beauty this garden?) scenery. Pebbled alleyways and sun streaming through the trees, glazing the flora and fauna with it’s golden sugar.. it’s hard to capture such beauty, and when you’re in it, impossible to soak it all in.
Why Mother Daughter Photos Matter
This photo below is one of my absolute FAVORITE photos I’ve ever taken of a mother and daughter. There are few things in life as special as a bond between a mother and her daughter (This goes for all types of “Moms”: Moms who are family friends, Moms who are teachers, Moms who grew their babies or not.)
Maybe because I feel it so deeply with mine: That love, that awe, that feeling that I could not, in a million years have gotten luckier with my Mom. She’s my angel.
And this picture below is that. You see the admiration, the love, the absolute bond between them. You see that her mom is her role model and how she adores her mom’s confidence and character. Nothing on this earth is stronger than a love like this.
Want portraits like these with your daughter in Paris?
Our English-speaking team photographs mothers, daughters and whole families at sunrise in Paris. Sessions start at €150, and you see your photos the same day in our Saint-Germain studio.
Or first see how a Paris photoshoot with us works.
Photos at the Prado Museum and El Retiro Park
After the Jardín Botánico, we wanted to take some photos with the Prado museum. This is their neighborhood when they’re “home” in Madrid. We grabbed one at the back and then headed over to the side where Albertina saw this statue and we had to take one there.
Girl Power.
We finished off our mama daughter photo session (sweaty but happy) heading to the Parque de El Retiro. We could have spent our entire session in there between the Crystal Palace and the expanse of gorgeous lawns and gardens. We only took off the tiniest little bite due to the heat but I can’t wait to head back there and do a whole session in the park. It reminded me of Central Park in NYC with all the different areas and little gems you easily stumble upon just roaming.
Tips for Your Own Mother Daughter Photoshoot
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- Make it a tradition. A session in a new city every year, or in the same spot, shows your relationship growing.
- Choose places that mean something to you. We photographed in their neighborhood, the one they call home in Madrid.
- Beat the heat. In summer, look for gardens and shade, and go early.
- Let her be herself. Running, twirling and copying statues make better photos than standing still.
- Coordinate, don’t match. One of you in white and one in a bold print works beautifully. See our what to wear guide and my favorite pieces on ShopMy.
More ideas: our top 5 mom and son photoshoot ideas, how to pose families naturally, and our Paris family photographer page.
Mother Daughter Photoshoot Questions
For this session we started in the shade of the Real Jardín Botánico, took portraits at the Prado Museum next door, and finished in El Retiro park.
Coordinate rather than match. In this session the mother wore white and her daughter wore a red floral dress. Once you book a Paris session, we send our complete what to wear guide.
Every year is a lovely tradition. Katie has photographed this mother and daughter in Paris, London and Madrid, and the photos show the daughter growing up.
Yes. Katie Donnelly Photography photographs families of all shapes, including mothers and daughters, with an English-speaking team. We photograph in Paris and in the south of France, including Nice and Antibes.
“Zoe instantly put us at ease and has such a gift for capturing real, unposed moments.”
Marina
5-star Google review
About the author
Katie Donnelly, Paris Photographer
Katie Donnelly is an American photographer who opened her Paris studio in 2013 and was voted Best Portrait Photographer in Paris in 2017. She and her English-speaking team photograph families, couples and solo travelers at sunrise, so visitors go home with relaxed, real portraits instead of rushed selfies. Meet Katie and the team.
Ready to Book Your Paris Photoshoot?
There are few things in life as special as the bond between a mother and her daughter. Let’s put it on your wall.
- When: Mornings, just after sunrise, when the city is quiet
- Who: Families, couples, engagements and proposals, and solo travelers, with an English-speaking team
- Your photos: Viewed the same day at our studio in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
- Session fee: From €150. Inquire for our full price list.
Tell us your dates and we will help you plan the rest.
Or first see how a Paris photoshoot with us works.
