As a family photographer, I get a lot of requests for family photos. Some people know where they want their family photos to take place, some think they want it in one place and then change their minds after seeing the pros and cons, and others have no idea. Where is the Best Location for Your Family Photos? Let me take you through your options.
Best Location for Your Family Photos
Outdoors
Immediately, when many people think of the best location for their family photos, most people think of photos outdoors. Beautiful sun, wonderful foliage and smiling children. Right? Well, it's not that easy and outdoor photos are the trickiest ones.
Pros
- Pretty sun (if it's sunny)
- Lots of room for kids to move
- Beautiful background that adds to your photos
- If you are doing a large extended family session this may be the only option.
Cons
- All sessions are weather dependant. It may be extremely hot or extremely cold. It may be windy. You may be sweating.
- You may have to reschedule due to weather. This can be tough for families with busy schedules.
- Many families want photos outdoors in the middle of winter. And they want to wear cute outfits and no jackets. I've done this. The kids look absolutely freezing and everyone is miserable. I don't recommend it.
- Sessions only take place within 2 hours of sunset or sunrise. This can be tough in the spring for little ones. The sun sets at variable times, so consider a fall session.
- It may be a cloudy day and you do not get the sun flare you want.
- There may be bugs. Some kids are very sensitive to this.
- Think about your chosen location. Many people want photos in the park closest to them. Think about what would be in the background. Most parks are flat without bushes and are pretty busy. Do you want parked cars and a lot of people in your background? In my opinion, there are only a few options in central Montreal.
- No outfits changes.
A lot of people get really annoyed when I bring up these cons. They see beautiful photos and want that - but in the middle of the day at their local packed park with no foliage. It's simply impossible. Outdoor photos require another level of planning and co-operation to achieve those beautiful images.
I truly love outdoor photography, but it must be done correctly.
In-Home
Not a lot of people consider photos in their home and it's a shame. Our home is wear our memories are made and these photos will have another layer of meaning for you. When your kids look at them when they are older, not only will they see their family but they will see their room, the photos on the walls, the kitchen they ate their meals at or the bed where they snuggled with their parents.
Pros:
- Not weather dependant
- Photos can be done at a time convenient for you - not dependant on the sun.
- Incorporate elements from you own home to create a story - not just portraits.
- I can shoot around clutter.
Cons
- I need enough room to shoot a lot of people. If you have a very large family, you have to think about where you would all fit.
- Not suitable for extended family sessions.
Studio
The studio. Many people, myself included, have images of cheesy backdrops, frozen smiles and stiff poses. But that has all changed. There are many lifestyle studios where kids are free to move and have fun just like anywhere else.
Pros:
- Great for simple, minimalist portraits with not a lot of fuss.
- Not weather dependant.
- Washroom on-site for outfit changes (more for maternity - for family I don't recommend outfit changes)
- Shoot can be done anytime during the day.
- Room for kids to move
- Quicker shoots as I am already familiar with the lighting.
Cons:
- It may not be the style you want
- Not suitable for very large extended family sessions.
What do you think? Where would you choose as the Best Location for Your Family Photos? If you have any questions feel free to contact me.
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