Choosing a Location for your Family Portraits

So you’ve booked a session with Click! Let’s choose a location. Here are a few ideas to get your wheels turning!

Consider your family’s personality – what do you like?

What types of things does your family enjoy doing together? Where is your “happy place”? Can you think of a location where you feel comfortable and relaxed? Places that are aligned with who you are? Do you love natural environments? Then maybe a forest, field or park filled with flowers. Are you more of a city person? Maybe an urban environment with some cool architecture, or an industrial area. Maybe you’re more of a homebody and prefer the comfort of your own home. (in that case a lifestyle session (link) may be worth considering!).

Consider what type of artwork you’re looking for

Where will you display your portrait artwork in your home? What location might match your home decor style best? i.e. if your home is ultra-modern and clean, soft, natural scenery might not be what you’re going to love. An urban setting might work better.

Is there specific clothing you’d like to wear in your photos?

Consider this as well. If you want to wear a new pair of 3-inch stilettos, a session in the woods might not work out so well for you!

Think outside the box

What kinds of things do you like to do as a family? An ice cream shop, library, special hiking path, etc can also be options. Choosing a location that is centered around something special to your family will make your portraits that much more special.

Think about your family vs. the practicality of the location

If you have little ones, a busy city street or urban area might not be the best option. If you want to include your family pet, you’ll want to choose a less-distracting spot as well.

Also consider the time of day for which your session is scheduled. If the location you are in love with tends to be crazy busy at that time, it might not be the best spot.

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A few ideas:

Downtown/urban areas with lots of variety
The structure and texture of buildings and streets work well and there are many nooks and crannies to pop into for some quieter images.

Farm, abandoned sheds, old barns, abandoned buildings
A more rustic look, and these are some of my favorites. The texture from the often weathered wood and peeling paint of these structures makes the perfect backdrop.

Natural areas
Areas with overgrown brush, fallen down trees, fields, apple orchard or even a local park with some lush foliage. These locations lend themselves to a softer, casual and more romantic feel.

Waterfront views

Local businesses that you love to frequent as a family
Think ice cream shops or diners with big windows or even your local library.