Four Favourite Locations for Family Photos
I often get asked by my families where their family photography session should take place. Here are my four favourite options.
In Your Home
Pros
- No need to get dressed and go anywhere. This is especially great with our crazy weather here in Montreal.
- Capture your child in the house where they grew up. This just adds to the memories when they look back and remember what their room looked like or a certain place in their house.
- Remember family rituals like eating snack, reading books or running around in the back yard.
- Especially for a newborn, have everything you need on hand.
- Kids tend to last longer in their own home. They can take breaks and chill out with their toys while we capture other photos, and then come back when they are ready.
- Opportunities for multiple looks with light.
Cons
- I have shot in every type of home from huge modern houses to small apartments and really in photos you can’t really notice that big of a difference. However, I do understand some people just do not want photos in their home. That’s cool. I want you to feel comfortable.
- Light. I have photographed in many many homes here in Montreal and I know for a fact that light can be an issue. We have dark grey days, and on top of that many of our houses are old with small windows or are just situated with bad light. My own home is one. It would be difficult to get a great photoshoot done here.
In a Park
Pros
- Beautiful background, lovely greenery
- An outdoor environment may more accurately reflect your family
- We can harness the light for beautiful, soft portraits
- Kids can run around and get their energy out
Cons
- Weather can be unpredictable
- I will only do all outdoor sessions in the hour before sunset. This may be too late for little ones. Read why here.
- Limited season for outdoor shoots.
In Studio
Pros
- Perfect lighting
- No weather risk
- Can be scheduled at a time convenient for you
- Background is clean and uncluttered
- Classic, timeless images
- No need to clean up your house.
Cons
- Poses are less organic
- Less variety in final gallery because of one background
Lifestyle Studio
A lifestyle studio is a studio that contains a couch, chairs and other elements to make it look like a home.
Pros
- Perfect lighting
- No weather risk
- Can be scheduled at a time convenient for you
- No need to clean up your house.
- Still has a casual feel because images are taken on a couch or chairs.
Cons
- You are likely not going to receive as much variety in your gallery as with a home shoot.
- Less chance to incorporate items or rituals meaningful to your family.
What do you think? Where would you have your ideal photoshoot?
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