Preparing for Outside Photography Sessions

The "Natural" Look

In the last ten to fifteen years, the draw of indoor photo studios seems to have waned, perhaps in the evolution and explosion of digital photography and cell phones with cameras. As families scroll through Pinterest for posing ideas, a plethora of outdoor "natural" style images will appear. The natural light is appealing, with open space and earthy backgrounds to quietly contrast with the family's smiling faces.

For those of us who grew up with Olan Mills, Sears or JC Penney portrait studios, or other indoor studio settings, you may have some questions about the differences and how to prepare your family for an outdoor photography session.

Timing

Depending on your photographer, you'll be given a session time - some operate with mini-sessions (10-20 minutes), or you may be given a 20, 30, 40, or 60 minute session. There are some out there who go longer! Either way, this is pretty much the same as a studio time slot. Expect to spend that amount of time from the time you and the photographer meet and set up for the first shots until the time is up. One difference between a studio and an outdoor session is that you'll have to spend at least some time walking from one spot to another. If you've planned multiple sites, a few spots in a nearby park, or some locations in town, factor in how long it may take to get from one place to another into how much time you'll be spending with your photographer during your session.

Lighting

Natural light may be the biggest draw for choosing an outdoor photography shoot. Remember that instead of a stable, indoor lighting setup, you're working with the weather and the time of day for light. Depending on the season, you're also dealing with temperatures. The harshest light is direct light - when the sun is out in all its glory. Look for earlier morning or later afternoon sessions to skip the heat and direct light. A beautiful overcast day can offer some relief, but don't stress too much about the weather as your photographer should be able to navigate the shifts in light.

Clothing

Taking into consideration all of the above (weather, temperature, etc.), the decisions on what to wear can see overwhelming! If you're doing a family session, do you match? Let everyone pick comfy clothes? A solid recommendation is this: go with "comfortable coordinating" outfits. Pick non-patterned (especially small or detailed/busy ones) clothing in similar color schemes: blues and greens, white t-shirts and jeans, girls in reds and boys in blues. Skip the super-fancy unless you're going for a particular look. Everyone is more relaxed if the clothes are comfortable, breathable, and likeable for the wearer.

Prepping THE Kids and Family

Talk to the kiddos before the session - maybe even for a few days leading up to it. Practicing smiling, or asking them what poses they are thinking about can get them ready for the photography session, and family photographers are often good at rolling with a child's desired pose and switching it into something that works as he or she snaps shots. Bring snacks and water if you'll be in the heat for more than 20 minutes. You know your little ones best, but sometimes a favorite toy (that the photographer or the child can hold), or offering a bribe for a particular snack or activity afterward can go a long way to making the session easier on everyone.