Washington is gorgeous. Finding a beautiful location for family photos isn’t the hard part. But you want a session that’s all about your family, not just a pretty background!
I’m not going to just hand you a list of “pretty spots.”
Most family photographers lead with their favorite locations. I like to do something different. I’m going to ask you where your family already goes and what your family loves to do.
Where do you go to unwind? Where do your kids disappear to for hours? What does a good weekend actually look like for your family? Those are the moments I want showing up in your photos.
During our pre-session consult we’ll discuss your family’s schedule so we can avoid nap times and bedtimes as much as possible, while still taking sunlight into account. We will also talk about your family members; their likes and dislikes, who might be a bit camera shy, and any concerns there might be about the session. Finally, we will develop a plan for session that will incorporate both an activity and a location.
Yes, you’re actually going to have fun.
When you arrive for your photo session it should feel less like meeting a photographer and more like letting a new friend hang out with your family for a couple hours. We’ll joke and have fun, but mostly I’ll try stay out of your way while you spend time with your family. I’ll capture everything from wide shots to take in the environment to detail shots of hands, feet, and a natural elements. My focus is always on story and family dynamics, highlighting the relationships between your family members. Of course, we will take a few moments to get some lightly directed portraits once everyone feels warmed up and comfortable, but these will only be a small portion of your final gallery.
This isn’t a stylized, fictional version of your family. It’s your family being themselves in the spaces they already love. Don’t get me wrong those sun-drenched photos in flowing dresses are beautiful. But they don’t hold memories the same way.
Psst. Let me tell you a secret. Sometimes the best location is the one you already have.
I love a good backyard session! Your garden. Your kids’ favorite hideouts. Maybe your yard doesn’t have mountain views or a shoreline but it has your family’s actual life imprinted on it. And, as an added bonus, your house is a few feet away, so there’s nothing to forget and nowhere to rush off to.
So what does this kind of session look like?
It looks like building sandcastles at your favorite beach.
It looks like a Nerf gun fight playing on the swings in the backyard.
It looks like making s’mores at your go-to camping spot.
It looks like giving me a tour of your garden and introducing me to your chickens.
It looks like your kids running through the sprinkler.
It looks like a family barbecue including everyone’s favorite sides.
And whatever you choose, it looks like your family. Simply. Honestly. Your family.
Thinking about an outdoor family session this summer? I’d love to hear about the spaces that mean something to your family. Reach out and let’s talk about what your session could look like.
