It Depends
One of the first questions I will ask you when you inquire about booking a session is "Do you have a location in mind?" For a few of you, the answer is a firm "yes." But, for most it is "I'm not sure."
The key to all of this is DOES LOCATION REALLY MATTER? Well, it depends. I'm going to let you in on my thought process when helping you select the best spot for your family photos.
This family has spent years enjoying this beach. From playing with the boys at the playground when they were young, to watching them surf as teens. It was a perfect spot for their shoot.
1. Is it meaningful?
If you have a spot where your family has spent a lot of time together, let's shoot there. Let's do an in-home session if you want to document your time there before you move. Is there a place where your kids are most happy and authentically themselves? Let's document that for them to look back on when they are older. Want to go back to the spot where you got engaged to show how your twosome has grown? When you were young, maybe your family always took photos in a tree-filled park and it is meaningful for you to have photos like that of your family.
This family took a photo in this spot when they were a family of five. Now they are SEVEN and it needed an update. Additionally, this is at the Dad's childhood home.
2. What is the style of your home?
I want you to print your photos and get them up on your walls. Let's talk about the style and colors in your home and make sure that your photos will fit right in. Do you have a home with clean, modern lines and architectural prints on the walls? Then we could shoot downtown - maybe Walt Disney Concert Hall. Do you have a traditional home with plein air paintings on display? Let's pick a location that highlights nature.
If your home has a lot of red accents or architectural art on the walls, this would be a great location for your family photos.
3. Where will you be comfortable?
Do you have small children that will require easy access to the bathroom? Let's be sure that there is a restroom nearby. If you want to include your furry family members, your home is the best place for our shoot. Your pets will be comfortable, can participate for a few key shots and then go back to playing or sleeping. Do you hate bugs, dirt, pollen or grass? Then a sprawling park is not right for you.
This mom had always wanted to document their home in family photos. My job was easy because the kids were so comfortable in that environment. Bonus points for taking another family photo in this spot when the kids are older to show how everyone has changed.
4. None of the above.
Still can't decide? Never fear. My style of photography doesn't vary by location. I am all about documenting your family in a comfortable, authentic way. We will have a fun time and get great shots. And a lot of the time the location may not even be identifiable.
Was this photo taken at the family's home or at a park? Ultimately, what matters to me is the authenticity and joy in this shot. The background is just icing on the cake.
Get in touch. Let's start planning your family's session.
Warmest,
Lisa
