Location, location, location. So many times in the photography world you hear and read discussions about location. There are some pretty grand spots here in Northern Utah for child and family photos, but let me tell you a little secret…..the location does not make or break a session. There is so much emphasis on the perfect location, but location matters much less than other aspects of a photo session.
Here are the top three things I consider when choosing a location for photo sessions:
- Light. Light always trumps location. Always! The best locations can be spoiled by bad light. On the flip side, the seemingly worst locations can be made beautiful by the right light.
- Fit. A location needs to fit the family. If you have wild children, we need a location that will let them be wild, and give them freedom to run around. If grandma and grandpa are going to be accompanying us at a session, we need to consider ease of access for certain locations. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the whole idea of a photo session, we need to pick a location that is close to home, and doesn’t include an hour long car ride with the kids. If you want a grand location so you can hang prints as a statement piece in your home, then we’ll pick a grand location.
- Simplicity. My favorite photos, of my clients, and especially of my own children, are always the most simple ones. Sure, a grand background with trees, mountains, and perfectly blue skies and puffy clouds looks really awesome, but do you know what looks more awesome? A genuine smile. A family interacting and having fun together. A child laughing. A family gathered around each other in a big group hug. There is beauty in simplicity and it shouldn’t be disregarded when it comes to choosing a photo location.
- There are a couple of times a year when the land around our home grows tall yellow flowers. Really they are weeds, and to an untrained eye, it pretty much looks like a weed patch. To me it looked like an opportunity. The other night we were all outside playing, the sun was starting to set, and the light was beautiful. I found myself wishing that Paisley was all dressed up with perfectly curled hair so we could be taking pictures. I pulled out my camera and told myself to just practice a few shots and we’ll do the “real thing” another day. As I was posing and directing her, I realized that we didn’t need a fancy dress or her hair curled. We didn’t need an epic location. The weed patch in the back yard, her frizzy uncurled hair, and her white t-shirt were perfect. We spend about 20 minutes being silly, laughing, and snapping pictures. And guess what! These are my favorite pictures I’ve taken of her all year.
When it comes time for you to schedule a photo session, worry less about the perfect location. Worry less about the perfect outfit. Worry less about your children looking perfect. Trust me to choose an appropriate location, whether grand or small. Trust me to capture the light just right, and trust me to get those genuine smiles and loving family interactions.
– Candi
