A family photoshoot is a family photoshoot, right? Wrong! When most people think of getting some family photographs done, they assume a studio with bright lights and white backgrounds and lots of posing, but it doesn’t have to be that way.
So, what are the alternatives, and why are they different? Let me explain a little more….
Studio Family Photography
These are certainly very popular and there’s a lot to be said for them. There’s the convenience of booking a time slot online and popping into town, something for every budget and a speedy and simple ordering process. It can also be quite a quick shoot once you are there as everything will be ready and waiting. You will know beforehand exactly what you are getting and what your final images will look like. There’s also the bonus of having toilets nearby and not having to worry about the weather! If you are the kind of family who love dressing up smart then the clean and dry surroundings of a studio might be most appropriate. Equally if you are totally dependant on a specific date then knowing you don’t need to worry about the weather might be great for your peace of mind.
However, for all that, maybe they lack something in uniqueness? They don’t really show your family as it really is - utterly unique to you. That’s where on-location photography can come in.
Outdoor Family Photography
If you opt for a location photoshoot, you have some say over where the shoot takes place. Usually it will be outdoors and more often than not you can choose where (although there may be some practical issues to consider when choosing). This means that you can go to a place that holds some significance to you as a family, and chances are when you get there, there will be things to distract the kids.
Beautiful locations
Are you beach lovers? Devon is so blessed to have so many beautiful and varied beaches around that provide inspiration for sand castles, rock pooling, paddling and, at the right time of day, light to die for. Prefer the colours of the countryside? Whatever the season, don some appropriate footwear and let’s get out there. Moors, woods, field? Again, we have so many options.
I have done family photoshoots all over Devon and at every time of year. Therefore each gallery looks as different as the family involved. The final images you get are totally unique to you and will give your home that extra personal touch when you hang them. Hey, if the room you plan to hang your final pictures in has a particular colour scheme, we can even see if we can find a landscape to compliment it (within reason of course!).
Lighting
Studio photographers will have invested heavily in lighting which will ensure a consistent light and backdrop regardless of what the weather is like outside. Outdoor family photography is more dependent on the conditions and consequently this will vary from one shoot to another. The ideal time for a shoot is just after sunrise or just before sunset. Admittedly that isn’t always practical (fancy getting up at 4am in June? I will if you will!) but by picking the right time for the location, the light can be incredibly and, even when it’s not, it’s still natural and atmospheric.
Natural Images
The natural backdrop also lends itself to more natural images as there’s more scope for you all to interact as you normally would. For starters there’s more space and there are also things to look at and play with. There is minimal posing, and, at least at my shoots, definitely no saying cheese!!
The Booking Process
Needless to say, this personal service means that the booking process is slightly longer. Rather than booking a slot online there and then, I would prefer to get to know you a little bit first and find out what kind of thing you are looking for and we can come up with some ideas about locations that would best suit your family. I provide you with an eBrochure to give you some further guidance about what to expect from the day. We can then agree a suitable time and place to meet and on the day, I will keep a low profile while you all enjoy your time as a family. Afterwards, you can look forward to viewing a gallery of beautiful images that are as unique as you are.
If you’d like to find out more or have a no obligation chat, get in touch. Check out my gallery to see some of my work and decide for yourself.
