Where Should We Go? Family Portrait Locations

There are (almost!) no wrong answers for the question “where can we go for family portraits?”  I shoot family portraits in homes, meadows, and in the middle of the city. But the real question is what is the best fit for your family?  What do you want to capture and is there something special you want to say with your portrait location about the stage of life your family is in right now? 

For families of any age, in-home portraits are always a good option. For teens, they can show off their spaces in the home and what makes them tick. For younger kids, it’s a space they already feel comfortable in and has all their favorite things — whether it’s a special lovey, a favorite truck, or snuggling in for story time with a favorite book, these sessions can be so special. 

Does your family love exploring the great outdoors?  A meadow or a forest might be the right answer for you. A family I recently photographed in a local wooded area had a blast — the kids climbed on rocks and trees and got to be their authentic selves while I captured beautiful portraits their family will treasure. For kids who love to RUN, a meadow can be a great option, giving them opportunities to get that energy out in a gorgeous setting. 

Want to do something a little different (maybe ALL your friends’ holiday cards were in a meadow last year) — let’s head into the city for an urban vibe of brick and cobblestones and skyscrapers. Depending on the age of your kids, maybe we’ll end up at a really neat, visually interesting playground at the end of the session (pro tip — we never start at the playground because it’s so hard for kids to tear themselves away, but I *love* ending sessions at a playground to get those authentic play candids). 

What time of day do you want to have your session?  That may seem more like a scheduling question than a “where” question, but it really makes a difference in what our options are — for an at-home session, we can schedule for any time between 10am-2pm because we want the brighter, mid-day light to be filtering into the house. If we’re outdoors, we want to schedule your session within an hour or so of sunrise or sunset for that gorgeous “golden hour” light — when we’re too far away from those times, the light is harsh and unflattering. If you want to go to a super popular urban or beach spot, sunrise sessions are your best bet for backgrounds clear of clutter and other people wandering in and out of our shots. 

Not quite sure what is the best fit for you, or don’t have any ideas for where to go?  That’s why I’m here. With my experience, I can help you find the perfect spot for your family.