Family photography is about capturing those treasured memories and important milestones in the family. That could mean a new member of the family, an important birthday or just an opportunity to refresh the imagery around the house.
While many of us have great cameras (DSLR or even camera phones), nothing can replace beautiful, professional taken images with every member of our family included in those beautiful family photographs.
There are so many styles of photography that it can sometimes be confusing when people first attempt to engage a photographer. There are studios shoots, on location, in the home, a ‘day in the life’ and documentary photography to name just a few.
What is the difference between studio and on-location photography?
Studio photography is in one set place where you are photographed against backdrops (usually plain colours like white, black, grey) under studio light. The benefits are obviously that you’re indoors so it can happen in any weather and you have access to toilets, changing facilities etc. The studio may well be at the home of the photographer or at the self-contained studio.
Location photography happens, as you’d assume, occurs on location! I often split shoots between home and location, but most families also just opt for their family portraits in one place like the park, arboretum, lake or they have another choice of location in mind that makes the shoot personal to them. Unfortunately, you lose the benefits or changing closes unless there are toilets nearby.
Most photographers offer studio or on-location photo shoots. This is a great place to start your research. I will offer both studio and on-location options for families.
However, in this article, I explore the five reasons to choose an outdoor photoshoot location instead of a studio.
Portrait in a studio
You can take advantage of the seasons
Canberra has wonderful seasons which make outdoor photoshoots so attractive. Spring you have the beautiful springs blossoms of the cherry trees that are a glorious pink or white. Furthermore, the wildflowers are in full bloom in springs making a beautiful backdrop to your family photos. The days are not overly long so you can still take advantage of the beautiful golden hour light of the afternoon.
Autumn is another gorgeous season for family photos in the outdoors. The colours of trees are changing from green to orange, reds, and yellows. Autumn is a great time to break out the jackets, coats, boots, scarves, and hats in preparation for the change in season. They are great props for your photographs.
The light outside in both these seasons can be worked with to give you a great range of photos from one location and I know how to work with it to get the best from your family portrait session to get some beautiful photos.
Summer and winter should not be discounted as potential options for your family photography. Everything is luscious and green in summer which makes it a perfect backdrop. Why winter you do not get huge crowds that get in the way of your images. In winter there is amazing light, during wintertime in the southern hemisphere the sun is at a lower angle to the horizon.
Take advantage of Canberra’s stunning scenery
Canberra is at the foothills of the Brindabellas which provides stunning scenery no matter where you are on location around Canberra. If mountains and hills are not your thing, than there are the lakes that you can take advantage of regardless where you live in Canberra.
Although the background is not meant to be the main attraction, of course, there is no shame in showing off your stunning surroundings!
A few wide, scenic shots with the lake or the hills as your backdrop mixed in with your posed portraits and casual lifestyle images will make quite the frame-worthy, share-worthy collection.
I explore my five favourite locations around Canberra here.
Greater variety of shots
On-location photo shoots open up the variety of shots that studios photo shoots cannot offer. These on-location shoots provide endless options for alternate shots and backgrounds, increasing both visual appeal and versatility.
You can take images of kids climbing trees, shots in front of trees, kids and parents walking in a fields or sitting down in the grass. I have taken beautiful family images with the family sitting on boulders.
Fences, lampposts, and park benches are also possible ready-to-go props that can keep your images fun and varied.
It’s an excursion for the kids
On-location photo shoots have the advantage is it gets the kids out of the house and into the outdoors. There are numerous advantages from being in the outdoors that range from health to overall wellbeing.
You can also make a day of your photo session by bringing a picnic and some games which makes it a relaxing and happy day for everyone. These excursions are much attractive to kids than going to a studio, which is a little more sterile.
It is an opportunity to relax
Outdoor photo shoots are a chance for parents to let go and just relax. Let the kids be free to roam, have fun, climb trees etc. I find these photo shoots are more relaxed because parents do not need to try to keep the kids in line. When your family is comfortable and at ease, it is even easier for me to capture a mix of both posed portraits and very candid lifestyle images.
Indoor shoots can make people feel stiff or formal, but outdoor shoots help everyone focus on capturing personalities, smiles, and relationship bonds in the moment.
Risks
An outdoor photoshoot is not without its risks. The elephant in the room is the weather which the photographer has no control of. The only control that the photographer has is to re-schedule the photoshoot if the weather is terrible. Something wet weather can add to the beauty of the family photo photos, especially with kids stomping around in the mud and puddles in their wellington boots.
It may seem like an obvious place to start but which of the styles really resonates with you? Studio or on-location. This is where you should start your research once you have decided on the style that you favour. Whether it is studio or on-location, go with your gut feeling!!
I offer both services to families. However, if you prefer your kids to run around having fun. Where if studio flashes, umbrella and softboxes fill you with fear and resistance, then I would recommend an on-location photoshoot.
If you choose to book an outdoor photoshoot session, I will help you find a time and location with minimal car and pedestrian traffic. Locations that offer a stunning backdrop.
I have years of experience photographing couples, engagements, maternity, children, and families. Contact me here today as I’d love to chat through your ideas for your own family!