There’s something special about taking family photos outdoors. From beautiful settings to space for little ones to explore and get those wiggles out, outdoor sessions offer something for everyone. Whether you’re planning your family’s first outdoor session or you’re a seasoned pro, a little preparation can go a long way. Here are some simple tips to help you feel confident, comfortable, and ready to make the most of your next outdoor family photoshoot.
Tips for scheduling
Avoid booking a session during the mid-afternoon when the light is harshest. If you ask a photographer when their favorite time to shoot is, more often than not, they’ll tell you it’s the “golden hour.” The golden hour is the period of time right before sunset. The soft light of the early evening means you don’t have the harsh shadows you often see when shooting while the sun is at it’s highest point. If you and your crew are morning people, you can’t go wrong with a morning session either. You might get lucky and have the space all to yourselves, avoiding others out to capture that evening glow. Whether you choose AM or PM, the trick is avoiding those peak sunlight hours where the light is harsh and the heat can be uncomfortable. No one wants to be squinting and sweating in their family photos.
Find out if the location is pet friendly. Our furry friends are part of the family too, and what better way to show them off than including them in your family photos. With an outdoor session, you’ll have plenty of room to play with your pup and capture some family snuggles. Some locations, like nature preserves, might not welcome pets. If you aren’t familiar with the location’s pet policy, check online or give them a call ahead of time.
Consider accessibility. When choosing an outdoor location, think beyond accessible parking and ramps. Paved paths, uneven or unpaved terrain, steep inclines, stairs, restrooms, and the distance between parking and your photo location can all affect how comfortable a session is for your family. Look up information before the session or visit the location ahead of time, if that’s helpful. You can also talk with your photographer about your family’s needs. They may be able to provide information about the parking, terrain, or distances that can help you decide if it’s a good fit for your family.
Confirm whether there is an entry or parking fee for your location and whether that’s included in the session cost. You don’t want any last minute surprises on photo day!
Choosing photo day outfits
When choosing your family’s photo day outfits it’s important to consider factors like the weather, location, and comfort. Our top tips:
Start with one outfit you love. If you have a favorite shirt or dress with a fun pattern, pull colors from that pattern to inspire everyone else’s outfits. We also recommend choosing similar styles. If your core outfit is more relaxed, choose relaxed styles for the rest of the family as well. Even though you aren’t wearing the same outfit, you still want the looks to feel cohesive.
Choose 2-3 star colors. Keeping the palette simple allows your family to shine. Neutral tones like shades of blue, brown, black, and white create a timeless effect. If you planned a seasonal photoshoot try incorporating colors that highlight the season like burgundy, rust, or dark green for a fall mini. For natural settings like a park, be mindful of incorporating too much green. You don’t want to blend into your setting! For urban settings consider experimenting with bolder colors like a rich blue or jewel tones. Cityscapes usually have more neutral colors, so adding a pop of color will help you stand out from your environment.
Think comfort first. Clothing that causes discomfort like itchiness or restriction of movement isn’t fun for anyone. Outdoor sessions bring a lot of opportunity for playful interactions like letting your kids run, climb, and jump. You’ll want to choose outfits that let them move freely so you can embrace their natural energy without worrying they’ll ruin their clothes. The more comfortable you are in your outfits, the more confident and natural you’ll feel in front of the camera.
Another important thing to remember when choosing outfits for an outdoor photoshoot is the weather can be fickle. Checking the weather ahead of time can go a long way toward making your family more comfortable during your session. Bring a cardigan or sweater for everyone in case it gets chilly. If you coordinate with the outfits you’re building now, you can layer up and be confident it’ll still look great in photos.
If you’re feeling unsure, check out our Pinterest board for some styling inspiration.
Before you leave home
Plan ahead to avoid snacks or drinks that may stain teeth, faces, or clothes on photo day. Your child might love fruit punch, but that red ring around their mouth will give them away in the photos.
Make sure everyone applies sunscreen before you leave home, especially if your family burns easily. Even if your session is short, on higher UV days the sunburn can set in sooner than expected. Better safe than sorry for your family photos.
Talk with your children about the upcoming session. Let them know what to expect during the session. Communicating that the photographer will provide gentle guidance on how the family should pose and in what groupings can help them feel more comfortable when you arrive. If your location is busy, or in a high traffic area, a gentle reminder to stay nearby never hurts.
What to bring
Water and snacks: These items are essential for longer sessions. Water is especially important if your session takes place during the warmer months. If you plan to bring a snack, choose mess-free options like crackers instead of candies or granola bars.
A blanket: Whether you’re in the grass or the sand, everyone will be more comfortable with a blanket to sit on. Plus, you’ll avoid any accidental grass stains on your carefully chosen outfits.
Layering items: A sweater, cardigan, scarf, or hat can go a long way toward making yourself or your family comfortable if your session takes place during the cooler times of day.
Portable changing pad: If you have a child in diapers, a portable changing pad or extra blanket just for diaper changes can be a lifesaver. An outdoor session in a park or downtown location may offer the opportunity to change your little one in a restroom, but restrooms aren’t always guaranteed. It could be a long walk back to the nearest bathroom if someone needs to be changed. A portable pad or even a towel can save you time and effort during your session.
Weather woes
Sometimes, even the best laid plans go awry and mother nature doesn’t cooperate on photo day. Check with your photographer ahead of time about their inclement weather policies. For mini session events, like Bella Life‘s seasonal Pictures in the Park sessions, your photographer may choose rainy day date ahead of time. If they’ve already determined an inclement weather day, they will include this information on your booking confirmation. If you’ve booked an individual session, your photographer will likely reach out with their availability to reschedule your session.
Final thoughts
The setting is only part of what makes an outdoor family session special. Whether you choose a local park or your hometown’s main street, making sure your family feels comfortable and prepared for what the day brings means you can relax and enjoy the experience.
