Great Location Tips for Family Portraits
Great locations for family portraits include:
- Formal botancial gardens
- Park districts
- Lakes and beaches
- City scapes
- Old farmhouses and fields
- Urban graffiti or art
Choose Locations with Minimal Distractions
The first family location tip is to isolate from large groups and other distractions. A good recommendation is to try an early morning session at the city beach. The early hours will avoid crowds that typically arrive in the mid-morning and typically leave around sunset. Less people in your pictures allow for improved focus on your picture’s subject; eliminating unnecessary distractions.
Capture Stunning Urban Backdrops Early
The same family location tip is recommended for urban locations like downtown Chicago and local Villages. Earlier is better because many of the businesses are closed and the sidewalks are mostly deserted. A deserted storefront landmark will result in creating focus for your picture rather then a distraction of large crowds. Pictures should focus on the subject of what you are capturing and not the ciaos of the day….unless that is the subject!
Optimize Lighting with Late Afternoon or Evening Sessions
Another family location photo tip is to take your picture in late afternoon or early evening. The lighting conditions are better because the sun is not directly overhead causing unsightly shadows under the eyes. Also during the later afternoon or early evening other scenery options are available when bystanders and observers are not present. Lighter crowds improves the ability of your family to focus and expand pose options in terms of photographic locations at a particular venue.
Limit Location Changes for the Best Results
In most cases, we typically discourage choosing multiple locations during a professional photography session as we can easily spend 1-2 hours at most of these locations without exhausting the most obvious photographic opportunities.
If you’re set on choosing multiple locations, I’ll certainly oblige your request. However, please remember that since your session time is continuous, the time we spend moving between locations reduces the amount of time spent photographing you.
Keep in mind that travel time between picture locations also reduces your actual photography time. Be aware, some of the best photo locations may require photography permits, which could be an additional cost.
Once we’ve captured stunning family portraits, don’t let them sit on your device! Print your professional pictures for your home or create a themed photo album. Consider printing some pictures for your walls at home or create a themed photo album.
The time is NOW—book your family portrait session today!
