Studio portrait sessions can be great.  You can schedule them at any time, and the photographer is in full control of the weather and lighting conditions.  But in recent years, the tide has turned from indoor studio portraits to outdoor portrait sessions. That is because when it comes to beautiful backgrounds and natural light, you can’t beat Mother Nature.

So while studio sessions are still the best options for newborn photos, as your children get older you may want to consider booking an outdoor photo session.  Whether you have a preschooler or a high school senior, outdoor portraits can help capture their true essence.

Choose the Right Location

Just like in real estate, when you plan an outdoor shoot it’s all about location, location, location.  The setting you choose will make a difference in the feeling your photos convey. Do you want the relaxed vibe of the beach or a more traditional background of greenery?  The rustic look is having a moment right now - old barns, wooden fences, exposed brick walls - as is a more modern, urban look.

The time of day the photos are taken will also affect the finished product.  You want to avoid scheduling a session midday when the sun creates harsh shadows.  Aim to take your pictures during the “magic hour” one hour after sunrise or one hour before sunset when the softer light is most flattering.

Move Around

During your session, expect the photographer and the subject(s) to move!  Avoid stiff poses and awkward smiles by letting the kids be themselves, no matter what their age.  Play music or tell jokes to capture their true personalities and laughter. Let little ones run, jump, and chase butterflies. Some of the best photos come from candid moments. And even without a smile, you may get the perfect photo capturing your child’s character.

A good photographer will be constantly in motion.  She will move around, snapping pictures from different spots.  It’s important for her to capture the moment from a variety of angles, especially from down on the kids’ level.

Props & Clothing

You want your children to be the focus of the photographs, of course, but props can help take a boring photo to the next level.  Blankets and child sized chairs add elements of color and interest. A kid’s favorite book or stuffed animal give the child something to do and hold, plus serve as a reminder of that one moment in time, when he read the same book over and over or carried Bunny with him everywhere.

When you choose clothing for your photos, don’t obsess about making sure everything matches!  Avoid clothes with characters or words on them, and busy patterns can be distracting. Simply dress your children in similar styles, in outfits that they are comfortable in.  

A quality outdoor portrait session will capture the personality and spirit of your child - his energy and unique personality.  The photos will become treasured keepsakes as your child grows up. I can’t wait to capture these special moments with you!