Outdoor family photography is a beautiful way of preserving precious family moments. In the midst of nature’s beauty and the golden glow of natural light, you can capture photos that can freeze wonderful memories in time. From pre session consultation to final edits, choosing the right spot for your family’s session will make all the difference.
Whether it’s a family reunion, a child’s first steps, or simply a day in the park, outdoor family portraits can capture and immortalize those special moments. And at Jodi Blodgett Photography, these moments are transformed into beautiful stories, captured in vivid, vibrant colors and emotions.
Now we will discuss more tips on how you can capture perfect candid moments within your next family photo shoot.
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Benefits of Outdoor Family Photography
A family photoshoot within the fall season can offer a variety of benefits that simply can’t be replicated in a studio setting.
What is the best lighting for outdoor family portraits?
One of the most significant advantages of outdoor sessions is the utilization of natural golden hour light.
The sun’s abundant illumination during golden hour can add incredible depth and interest to a photograph, eliminating the need for artificial flashes or lighting setups. Golden hour not only adds visual interest, but it can also help connect people to the outdoors while also giving the family members an opportunity to have fun during the family portrait session.
As a result, every family portrait session is imbued with a unique, natural feel that can’t be replicated indoors.
Nature as a Prop
Fall foliage can also be an amazing prop within a family photoshoot session.
Whether it’s a carpet of autumn leaves, a field of wildflowers, or a rustic wooden fence, incorporating natural elements into your photographs can add a touch of spontaneity, style and authenticity to your family portraits. This detail may even ease the comfort level that a family member feels during the process of the outdoor photo session.
Especially when there are large groups participating within the fun outdoor family portrait session.
Creative Posing
Outdoor settings also offer more room for creative posing and unique camera angles for your family photos.
From candid shots of your family walking hand-in-hand along a trail to carefully composed portraits against a stunning backdrop, the possibilities are endless when you step outside the studio.
Capturing the Moment
An outdoor photo session captures not only your family’s present appearance and dynamics, but also the season and the surrounding environment.
These family photos serve as a testament to a specific moment in time, creating a time capsule of sorts that you can revisit and cherish in the years to come.
Happier Children
Many children feel more at ease in an outdoor setting for capturing family photos.
Playing with leaves, smelling flowers, or simply running around can keep them engaged and happy, resulting in more natural, candid photographs.
Personalized Props
Outdoor family photos allows for the inclusion of personalized photo props.
From sports gear and picnic blankets to your family dog, incorporating elements that resonate with your family’s unique story can make your photos even more special.
How to Prepare for an Outdoor Family Photo Session
Coordinating Outfits
Wondering what to wear for outdoor family photos? Choosing the right outfits for your family photos is crucial when you plan on doing those outdoor family portrait sessions or portraits.
It’s important to ensure that the colors and styles of the outfits coordinate without being overly matchy. You might choose a basic color scheme, such as cool blues and greens or warm earth tones, and select clothing items accordingly.
Balance patterns with solid and neutral clothing to avoid distracting from the main subjects – your loved ones.
Considering the Outdoor Location
The location of your shoot can influence your outfit choices, especially for outdoor locations.
For example, brighter colors may be more suitable for a city shoot, while earth tones could be preferred for natural settings.
Be prepared to travel or adventure a bit to find the perfect outdoor play location that offers the right combination of light, landscape, and interactive elements.
Bringing Props
If you’re looking to personalize your family photos, consider bringing along some props. These could range from your child’s favorite toy to a family pet to help bring more sentimental value and joy within the outdoor family images.
Remember to discuss this with your professional photographer, beforehand to ensure that the photographer and chosen location allows for such additions.
Types of Outdoor Family Portraits
Outdoor family photography sessions can be as varied as the family members themselves.
Here are some popular types of outdoor family photos:
Outdoor Family Portrait Sessions with Babies & Toddlers
When photographing families with babies and toddlers, props can be a great way to showcase their personalities.
Comfortable blankets and favorite toys are great choices. It’s also advisable to capture the “must-have” fall pictures at the beginning when the children are still little ones.
Family Portraits with Grade School Kids
As the mother and children grow older, incorporating activities into the family photo session can be beneficial for any family session.
From building sandcastles to having a snowball fight, these activities can make photographers create genuine, joyful memories outdoors that translate beautifully into photographs.
Family Portraits with Pre-Teens & Teenagers
For families with teenagers, incorporating their interests into the shoot can result in more authentic and engaged portraits.
Whether it’s a beloved sport, a cherished book, or a musical instrument, integrating these details can add a personal touch and style to the images.
Family Portrait with Recent Graduates
For families with recent graduates, consider incorporating school colors or meaningful locations into the family session.
This can be a beautiful way to commemorate a significant life milestone.
Family Photo Shoot Testimonials
“Jodi is extremely professional, kind, patient and timely. She was so thorough and easy to work with. She made the whole family feel comfortable to be ourselves and it shows with the photos! We could not be any happier with our experience. Jodi captured our family perfectly and we will be back again for future photo sessions. Thank you!”
Erin R.
“Jodi is such a talented photographer. She had her work cut out for her with my big family of 8 plus a dog! She was so flexible with location and time. She took my oldest son’s senior photos and then meet up with the rest of us at the beach afterward for family photos. Jodi was professional while still being fun and silly to get the smiles we wanted from my little guys. She didn’t quit until she caught the perfect shot! She also captured sweet moments while my family was simply walking or talking. Overall, I highly recommend her and can’t wait for our next family session together!”
Sarah E.
Why Choose Jodi Blodgett Photography for Outdoor Family Photos
Jodi Blodgett is a professional photographer that specializes in capturing the unique and cherished moments of your family’s life. Our passion for photography, combined with our love for family and shared experiences, allows us to capture photos that tell your family’s story. Jodi’s clients often refer to her as extended family after a session together.
Our approach to outdoor family photography is deeply personal and highly engaging. We strive to establish meaningful connections with each family, understanding their dynamics, interests, and unique stories. Check out our online gallery and discover how we are able to capture those fleeting moments and turn them into fun lasting memories.
Through our lens, every giggle, every hug, and every shared glance becomes a part of your family’s visual narrative within a portrait session. Our photographs are more than just amazing pictures; they’re the art within the frame, a soul-soaked legacy that you can pass on to your future generations.
So, if you’re ready to capture your family’s unique story in a beautiful, timeless manner, contact Jodi Blodgett Photography today. Let us help you freeze those precious moments in time and create beautiful images that will be treasured for a lifetime.
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Our content is carefully created and edited by Jodi Blodgett to ensure that the content is accurate, reliable, and up-to-date. Jodi Blodgett Photography is a trusted source across Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island for New England Photography Services; such as, family photography, newborn photography, engagement photography and more with over 10 years experience photo capturing and editing. Jodi Blodgett Photography has completed almost 100 photo sessions in the last two years alone signifying her expertise and trust amongst clients and the community for photography service in New England.