At-Home or Outdoors - 8 surprisingly simple questions that help you choose the perfect location for your family photoshoot
I’ve seen Mums fret about the location for their family shoots. Biggest question is whether to bring your shoot indoors…into your own home. Or to choose an option outside.
The freedom, openness of an outdoor family photoshoot can have a very different vibe compared to the intimacy…the casualness and connection that comes automatically with an at-home photo session.
That’s why I have put this step by step ‘how to’ almost to choose the perfect location for your family session - given the personality of your family. I’ve given you some questions to mull over given the stage your family is in.
Read on to find out which one fits your family the best. I cover the ins and outs of both options.
This is especially for you if you are not quite sure whether you want to take your active lot outdoors or you want to stay put within the safe boundaries of your home. Both are amazing options and that’s why the choice seems so difficult!
Do you want to enjoy your next family photoshoot at home?
Yes. Your home can be the perfect backdrop for your photoshoot. At Home Family sessions are my absolute favourite ones to capture…they truly make my heart sing.
Where does your family spend the most time together? Your home. Where have you spent a substantial amount of energy to make it your own…to give it your character? Your home.
The kitchen where you bake with your children or the kids room where you read them Gruffalo…once again! …The sink where your child had their first bath or the bedroom where you lie in for just that extra minute of snuggle…..You think about these lovely corners in your home and each one is filled with memories for you. That’s why there is nothing more special than having your family photosession ….in your family’s home.
Do you want images that are unique to you?
There are some images which are personal…which are unique and its just not possible to create them in any other location. Your toddler playing with his/her toys in the nursery, your children jumping on their beds…your baby sleeping in their new nursery or you reading their favourite book to them…each of these and so many more are just activities personal to you in your personal space. They can only be captured in your home…its your unique story.
I personally build my in-home sessions around activities that my families enjoy most…be it bath time, playing with bubbles, meal times or time spent cooking or doing crafts. Whatever is dearest to them. The end result is a set of images that is uniquely them in their unique space.
2. Do you have a newborn baby or a toddler with nap schedules?
I personally struggled as a new Mum. The planning that was required to take my newborn anywhere - still makes me sweat. No kidding! The bottles, the burp cloth, nappies, changing mat, change of clothes…the list goes on. As new parents, life is very busy anyways. I didn’t want to take the baby out of his/her cosy atmosphere and take them to another place.
Thats why, I don’t want my new parents to stress about that. That’s why I travel to them for all my newborn sessions and schedule it in their home. An In-Home session can be most convenient if you have a new baby in the house.
If you have a baby who isn’t walking yet, then as well an in-home session might be a great choice. If you are outdoors with a baby that small, then you have to sign up to carrying the baby in your arms for the duration of the session. A lot of families still prefer to do that and absolutely love their sessions too. I still want to call it out s that you know what you are getting into :)
But at home, they can be left in their familiar space to sit, sleep or explore. In case your baby is sitting independently, I’ve written a post exclusively for this age. You can find it here.
If you have a young child who takes morning or afternoon naps, In-home sessions can be a great choice for them as well. Mid-mornings and Mid-afternoons are not great time for outdoor sessions due to the light at these times not being ideal. But these same times can be great for an in-home session. So if your toddler is happiest…snuggliest…cutest after their sleepy naps…then you know which location is best for you! :)
3.Worried about the limited space or light in your home?
These are the number one concerns I hear from my parents when scheduling an in-home family or newborn photoshoot.
If you hire a natural light photographer ….ahem…like yours truly :) … then all your photographer will need is a couple of windows where natural light comes in from. Most homes have that.
I do carry a flash to all my In-Home shoots for ‘just in case’ scenarios…but seldom have I had to use it.
Space is usually not a concern. A larger, spacious home makes for must-have happy, joyous and airy images. Whereas a smaller space makes for heart melting moodier images bursting with love and connection. If you hire a skilled photographer, they should be able to make the best use of space in your home and give you a gallery of images that you will cherish.
4.Worried about cleaning your home?
Speak to your photographer about your concerns and they can guide you.
This is the first thing I speak to my parents about as its always on their minds. For my sessions, I do not require them to clean their homes and make it perfect and Pinterest-worthy! I always say that real families live in real homes. On the day of the shoot, if there is anything that requires moving from the scene, I do it myself.
That’s why, its best to speak to your photographer and understand how they operate and what advise they have for you.
5.Do you need freedom from the weather app?
Well, in UK, we can never completely ignore that app! :) But at least for your family session, you won’t have to worry about the weather if you opt for your session in your home. Come rain or shine, you know that your session will go ahead and you won’t have to worry about rescheduling.
Do you want to give outdoor family photoshoot a go?
Gone are the days when a family photo shoot meant standing stoically in a studio, looking at the camera and saying cheese.
A number of photographers now offer outdoor photo sessions. I absolutely love the freedom and exploration that comes with an outdoor session. Following are some things to think about that might come in handy.
Do you like spending time outdoors as a family? Are there any favourite places where you spend your weekends or go for walks….bike rides?
Think about 2 or 3 words that describe you as a family. If I think about mine, that’s loud ( You have to be here to know just how loud my kids can be!), chaotic and casual. What are your words? Do you think outdoorsy is one of them? If yes, then definitely an outdoor session is on the table.
6.What age are your children?
Do you have toddler/s who are active? Who are at the walking/running stage? If yes, then it makes sense to consider an outdoor session. Children can be their natural selves then.
Its easier as they have so much space to expend their boundless energies. (I am clearly jealous of their energy levels - and they don’t even drink coffee yet!!) They can run and play and do things that make them happy. This happiness will naturally translate to your pictures.
One of my families had 3 children….all bundles of energy. Parents were very concerned about them goofing around and not ‘behaving’ during the session. They chose an outdoor session and what a perfect choice it turned out to be for that family. The kids did run around…did silly things…but that was all ok. The fresh air and safe surroundings meant that they could run around all they wanted. When they were enjoying themselves, then I captured some great images of their silly selves. After they tired a little bit, they came to Mum and Dad when we ended up doing the family shots…the snuggly and cuddly ones that melt our Mum hearts :)
7.Are your children shy?
Do you think your child is shy and/or on the quiet side? Where do you think they will enjoy themselves more? Somewhere outdoor where you spend a lot of time already…somewhere familiar to them…or at home where they can be completely in control.
One of my families had an extremely shy child. Mum and I had discussed at length about the pros and cons of each location. Mum finally chose an indoor location. As she tells me, she had a few sleepless nights leading up to the session, thinking about whether her daughter would enjoy the session. Even though I had photographed numerous shy children…I was a little nervous as well as. But the moment I arrived at their place, her daughter took my hand and took me to her room to show me her doll collection - it was a big collection! She was truly proud of it and we spent the first quarter of an hour just photographing her dolls. Not her. Just her dolls! In different poses that too! :) That sure helped us break the ice and we had an amazing session after that great start. She was completely at ease and in control in her familiar surroundings.
If you think they will be more at ease outdoors then outdoor location is your best bet. If not, then its time to consider if an in-home session will bring out the best in them. Their natural ease and happiness is sure to be visible in the photos.
8.What time of year are you scheduling your family photo shoot?
We are lucky that in London we have the advantage of colourful seasons. Be it the fragile cherry blossoms and bluebells in the spring season, or the breathtaking rows of lavender during the summer or the jaw dropping amazing Autumn colours - there are lovely colourful backdrops to take advantage of all year round.
If you have imagined your family photos in any of these seasonal colours, then scheduling an outdoor session is on the cards.
Only thing to keep in mind? The weather.
British weather is at its unpredictable best with lots of gorgeous sunshine mixed with a storm or two! :) So that’s my only word of caution. When planning an outdoor session, you will be at the mercy of our weather Gods.
Most times when it has been light showers during my sessions, my families have just smiled and laughed through it all. That in itself makes for amazing memories! Sometimes when the light showers have lasted a few minutes longer than we originally anticipated, then we have together waited it out. I’ve only ever rescheduled sessions if the forecast has been for heavy downpour.
Your photographer should be updating you in case there are chances of showers. If you don’t fancy the unpredictability of the weather and schedule changes that come with it, its better to schedule an indoor session then.
Still not sure? How about a hybrid photo session then?
You can choose to have a portion of your photoshoot indoors and a portion outdoors.
I regularly do that for families who have a garden or access to an outdoor space which is no longer than 10 mins walk from their home. This way, they really don’t have to decide and can get the best of both worlds.
If this is something that speaks to you then be sure to have a chat with your photographer and see if they offer this.
How do I book my In Home or Outdoor family photoshoot?
If you are in Wimbledon or SW London or Surrey, I would love to capture your family’s story! First step is to have a quick chat so that we can get started planning. Please send me your details through the button below and I shall be in touch to set up a time.
If sadly you aren’t in these locations, then a quick google search should bring up the photographers near you. Be sure to check their portfolios to check they have the same style as the one you have in mind for your pictures.
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