Family Photoshoot Location Ideas
A family photoshoot doesn’t have to be a static everyone sit still, smile at the camera type affair. It’s about getting the best, most natural smiles and capturing everyone’s personalities along with your family dynamic. That could mean a relaxed at home photoshoot, getting out in the garden or a trip to a local park, forest or beach to play and have fun. We want to capture the most authentic photos that showcase your family in a way that is best suited for you.
Things to think about when deciding on your family photoshoot location;
Where would everyone be most comfortable? - at home, in a studio, out in the garden, at the park, beach, forest or field.
What gets everyone smiling.
What can be distracting to the youngest members of your family - would being at home with their toys cause trouble, is a new venue with new things around too enticing? Would the park or beach send your little ones a little too wild?
Do you mind if everyone possibly gets wet or dirty.
How would you feel if members of the public could see you having your photoshoot.
How many people will be at the photoshoot. If you are wanting to include extended members of your family make sure the space you are thinking of using is big enough for you all and the photographers equipment if indoors.
Family photoshoot location ideas and thoughts;
At home
a familiar environment can help everyone to be relaxed and comfortable, everything is to hand and there’s no need to load everyone and everything into a car. As family photographer when doing at home photoshoots I will capture lifestyle photos, candid photos as well as studio like photos too. But with that comes the need for a bit of space, a little tidying up and the temptations of the TV and toys. At home photoshoots also captures your families home in that time which can hold just as many treasured memories.
In your garden
having access to your garden at home can give the best of both worlds, with lovely natural at home photos in a familiar environment but then move outside for some fun and action shots.
In the studio
a family photoshoot in a studio takes away the need for space in your house, removes any toy or TV distractions and can be an exciting little adventure. There are new things to look at and experience which for some can be a blessing but others not so much. Many familiar photographers will make the studio feel as homely and comfortable as possible and will be very used to having little ones of all ages visit. A studio can sometimes enable a photographer to capture some photos they may not be able to do elsewhere but this is something to chat about with them first as they work in many different environments and be used to adapting. I myself don’t current have or access a studio but can achieve studio feel photos in your home with the use of my backdrop - all the photos below were taken in people’s homes.
At the local park, beach, forest
if fun, active, in the moment photos are what you are after, where you don’t need to provide the space, have a beautiful, natural backdrop and can also get those lovely, posed family shots too, then an outdoor family photoshoot might be for you. If you can embrace the energy, the weather, the being in public and any possible mess then the resulting photos will be well and truly worth it. A family photographer will use the time for both in the moment photos as well as any more posed individual, sibling and family photos.
Don’t forget - Family photoshoots can always include any furry members of the family too, or any pets you have - I have worked with a number of dogs and even had a turtle included in a photoshoot.
It’s ultimately about thinking what would be best suited to your family and the photos you would like to receive. Kids will be kids at times, embrace the moments, capture who they truly are and freeze those moments in time for ever. They grow so fast!