Raleigh Family Photographer | Should We Have An Outdoor Family Session?
Whether you love having your photo taken or not, family portraits are so important. They are precious artifacts that will be able to be passed down from generation to generation with lots of stories to tell. As your Raleigh Family Photographer, I do my best at making sure the experience is as fun as possible and a big part of that comfort comes from the location you choose for your portraits. Read ahead to learn about some pro’s and con’s to having your portrait session help outside.
Pros of an Outdoor Family Session
1. Natural and Beautiful Backdrops:
Outdoor settings provide stunning backdrops with natural beauty. We are so fortunate to have so many awesome locations nearby. Whether your family loves the park, the lake, big grassy fields, the concrete jungle or barns there is something for everyone!
2. Abundant Natural Light:
Outdoor sessions benefit from the abundance of natural light, which creates a soft, flattering glow. This light enhances the skin tones and brings out the best in your family's features, resulting in more vibrant and appealing photographs. Light also adds so much to the feeling of a photography. Your images can range from flat to extremely dynamic with just a few steps of your photographers feet or a few minutes in the setting of the sun.
3. Freedom and Spontaneity:
In an outdoor setting, families often feel more relaxed and free to express themselves. The open space allows for natural movement and genuine interactions, capturing genuine smiles, laughter, and emotions. You don’t have to worry about being cramped and the kiddos can run freely, especially if they need a reset.
4. Activities and Engagement:
Being a lifestyle photographer, I like to create moments, not stiff portraits. Outdoor sessions offer numerous opportunities to incorporate fun activities and engagement. Whether it's playing games, running around, or exploring the surroundings, these activities create authentic moments and add an extra layer of interest to your family photos.
5. Seasonal Variety:
Depending on the time of year, outdoor family sessions offer the chance to capture unique seasonal elements, such as colorful fall foliage or blooming spring flowers. We are so lucky to be able to experience all the seasons and all of the beautiful colors that come along with them. This variety adds diversity to your family photos even if you have more than one session per year!
Cons of an Outdoor Family Session
1. Weather Uncertainty:
One of the most obvious challenges of outdoor sessions is the unpredictable weather. Rain will create the need to reschedule or move inside (check out this post on In-Home Family Sessions) and sometimes it’s just too cold or too hot. While we adults tend to be able to just deal with it, expecting the kiddos to do the same can be hard. It's essential to have a backup plan or reschedule if the weather conditions are unfavorable. Besides, you don’t want to look back on your photos and remember how freezing everyone was.
2. Timing Constraints:
Outdoor sessions are often dependent on natural light, which means sessions are scheduled around specific times of the day. This limited window can be challenging for families with young children or busy schedules. Flexibility and planning ahead are crucial to ensure the best lighting conditions. While sessions can take place at anytime of day, the last 1-2 hours of daylight is the light that will give you that warm glow on a sunny day.
3. Potential Distractions:
When shooting outdoors, there will likely be other people, animals (although this can be fun!) and noise that can make it hard for some to focus. Knowing ahead of time to be patient and adaptable to the surroundings can help minimize the impact of these distractions.
4. Lack of Control:
Unlike indoor sessions, outdoor sessions offer less control over factors such as lighting, background elements, and environmental conditions. Photographers need to work with the available light and adapt to the surroundings, which may result in a slightly less predictable outcome. Know that there could be more walking to find that little bit of shade or to get just the right angle to filter the sun.
5. Limited Privacy:
In public outdoor locations, especially in the fall here in North Carolina, privacy can be hard to come by. Families who prefer more intimate and personal photos may prefer to schedule a session during the off season or know that there will be other families out and about.
So, what’s the verdict? Does the idea of having your family photos taken in the great outdoors tug at your heartstrings? As your Raleigh Family Photographer, I am always up for an adventure and would love to chat about what location would be best for your family. If you are still not quite sure, feel free to check out this blog I wrote on the benefits of holding your family session in the comfort of your very own home. You can find it right here!
Hope to hear from you soon!