How to Choose a Location for Your Family Photos | Family Pictures locations

When you’re planning and pinning for your session, I always suggest pinning and finding the images that speak the most to you. Whether they come from the internet or a friends session, take note and remember them. Do any of those photos have similarities in locations? Do they all take place downtown and celebrate the city you’re from? Are they in an open field with beautiful wildflowers and a variety of trees? Is the image in someone’s home and romanticizing everyday life?

If you love city/urban images:

If you’re drawn to the architecture and texture of an urban setting, a downtown location can provide a fun and versitle backdrop for your session. Think of the cobblestone roads, brightly painted doors, colorful shop awnings – the possibilities are endless! Urban areas often have cultural and artistic elements that can enhance the overall aesthetic of family photos. This may include street art, murals, sculptures, or vibrant city life, adding an extra layer of interest to the images.

For families living in or connected to a specific city, choosing an urban location can hold symbolic or personal significance. It may serve as a backdrop that reflects the family's identity, history, or shared experiences. City settings allow for versatile styling options. Families can choose a formal, casual, or eclectic look to match the urban environment, making it easier to achieve a desired aesthetic.

Ultimately, the choice of a city or urban location for family photos depends on personal preferences, the desired visual atmosphere, and the story the family wants to tell through their pictures.

If you love tall grasses and an open field:

If you’re an outdoorsy person and love being surrounded by natural elements, picking a location like protected land is perfect for you. Normally, in a location like wildlife preserves or protected land, you’ll find so many hidden gems just waiting to be explored. We can find wildflowers and waterfalls, we can walk through creeks and get our feet wet while we splash and have tickle fights. We can find the perfect location to incorporate all the things you love.

Fields and grassy areas showcase seasonal changes, providing an opportunity for diverse photo sessions throughout the year. From blooming flowers in spring to golden hues in the fall, the natural elements contribute to a visually dynamic setting. The open and expansive nature of fields often creates a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere. This can help family members feel more comfortable and natural during the photo session, resulting in candid and genuine expressions. Families who appreciate nature and the outdoors may choose open fields as a setting to connect with the natural environment. This choice aligns with an appreciation for the beauty of the outdoors and a desire to incorporate nature into the family's visual narrative.

If you love your home and are a bit sentimental:

One of my absolute favorite places to photograph a family is in their own home. Someone’s home is so personal and holds so many memories for each and every person, it just makes sense to document your life there. Think of all of the special places that holds a sweet memory around your home. Think back to when your babies fell asleep on your chest on the living room couch. Remember when your little learned to walk around your front yard. What about when your son or daughter learned they loved cooking and started helping you make meals for the family. All of those amazing memories can be documented in your own home.

At home, family members are more likely to engage in natural interactions and activities. This can result in candid shots that authentically represent the family's dynamics, such as cooking together, playing games, or simply enjoying each other's company. Each home has its own unique features and characteristics. Whether it's a cozy reading nook, a well-loved kitchen, or a beautiful garden, incorporating these elements into the photos can add a personalized touch and tell the story of the family's life at home.

Taking photos at home eliminates concerns about weather conditions. Whether it's raining, snowing, or too hot outside, the controlled environment of the home ensures a comfortable and climate-friendly photo session.