8 Traits of a Great Outdoor Photo Shoot Location, Part 1 of 2

photo shoot

With so many scenic places around Brisbane, picking the right place for your session can be a challenge! The location you choose will drive the decisions surrounding the rest of the session, from clothing choices to props. You can always ask your photographer for recommendations, but you may also want to follow these tips for finding the perfect outdoor photo shoot location. Here are the first four, with more to follow in part two of this post:

  1. Makes You Feel Comfortable

smile-for-the-cameraDuring your family portrait session, I want you to feel completely at ease and comfortable with your surroundings. In fact, I will have an easier time producing beautiful, natural images of your family bonding together if you feel comfortable in a location that is meaningful or relaxing. If you have young children, consider visiting the location a couple of times beforehand so it becomes more familiar.

  1. Considers Your Four-Legged Friends

Many families opt to include the family pet in their session, which can add a warm, cohesive touch to any portrait. If you plan to include a pet, however, there are many things to consider:

  • Horses: Stables and riding rings are a great background for a variety of casual, lifestyle portraits. We will coordinate with the stable to ensure there is a time and place for us to shoot without interruption.
  • Cats: Due to their sensitive nature, I prefer to include cats in indoor-only sessions. There are plenty of great moments to capture, from a kitten snuggling with an infant to a trio of siblings playing with their cat or other indoor pets.
  • Dogs: Most dogs are welcome at an outdoor photo shoot, especially if they are accustomed to taking trips and have a designated handler during the shoot. I am always happy to work with and around the energy and attention spans of animals! However, you may need to call a park or other location to ensure canine companions are welcome.

Contact me if you have questions about booking a session that will include these or any other type of pet.

  1. Keeps Safety in Mind

Some scenic views are stunning but may not be ideal for a family portrait session due to safety considerations. If you have a running list of location ideas you want to present to your photographer, go back through them and visualize each area with the safety of your children and pets in mind. For example, very rocky areas may be difficult for children to manoeuvre. Similarly, I prefer to take photographs of newborns inside, in a temperature and humidity controlled environment that is free from excess sounds or stimulations.

  1. Is Brightly Lit, Has Diffused Light, or Is Accessible All Day

Contrary to what some might think, the light of a sunny day in a treeless location is too harsh for most portraits. Covered seating areas or overhanging trees provide diffused light that is natural but less harsh than direct midday sun. However, you can choose a treeless location such as the beach if the site is accessible for a shoot early in the morning or late in the afternoon, just before sunset. The light will be much more flattering, produce less of a glare, and be less tiring for everyone’s eyes.

Stay tuned for part two of this post for more tips on choosing the best outdoor photo shoot location for your family portrait!

Talk soon,
Margherita :)

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