Choosing the Right Photo Session for You.
Parents with little ones often want to capture special moments with their kids through photography. However, choosing the right kind of photo session can be challenging and at times seem too cumbersome. There are many options to consider, whether it be indoors vs. outdoor, posed or candid, mini or full session, and so on. Today we’ll discuss the key factors to consider when choosing the right photo session for you and your family.
Age and Personality of the Children
The age and personality of the children should be a primary consideration when choosing a photo session. Younger children may not have the attention span for a long, posed session, while older children may be more cooperative but have less interest in family portraits. Consider what type of setting and activities would be most engaging for the age and personality of the children.
Indoor vs. Outdoor
The choice between indoor and outdoor sessions depends on personal preferences and the season. With outdoor sessions you’re provided natural light and beautiful scenery, which can add depth and interest to your photos. Indoor sessions, on the other hand, provide a controlled environment and access to different backdrops and lighting. If you have young children, an indoor session may be more suitable as it provides a controlled environment.
Candid vs. Posed
Posed shots are great for a event or large group photos, while candid shots capture genuine moments and emotions. Posed shots can be more formal and structured, whereas candid shots allow for the subject to be more relaxed. Great, so how do you choose? Younger children may feel more comfortable with candid shots as it allows them to play and explore naturally. Older children may be more willing to pose for formal portraits. A mix of both types of shots can create a balanced and comprehensive photo album, so having an idea for the kind of look and feel you’re wanting to achieve with your photo shoot can help significantly with the decision making process.
Individual vs. Family Portraits
Individual portraits of each child can be a meaningful addition to your photo album. Family portraits capture the bond between family members and are perfect for displaying on the wall or sending out as holiday cards. When designing your photo shoot consider combining both individual and family portraits in your session.
Professional vs. DIY
Want to know a little industry secret? You don’t need to have a professional photographer to take amazing photographs. shhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Choosing between a professional photographer or taking photos yourself can depend on your budget and level of experience. A professional photographer can provide high-quality images and guidance on poses and lighting. DIY sessions can be fun and cost-effective, but may not produce the same level of quality. It ultimately comes down to what you’re wanting to achieve. Even I, as an established photographer, prefer to hire a professional photographer for family photo sessions. Could I set my lights up and use a remote trigger to capture images from my tripod mounted camera? Yes, but very seldom would I be able to capture the right moment, even by letting poses happen organically. For me, it just makes more sense to have another professional available to direct poses and capture the candid moments.
At the end of the day, the bottom line comes down to deciding what look you’re going for and what would work best for your individual family. No one can tell you better than yourself the kind of images you would love, including a professional photographer. The best thing to do is make sure you have an open line with your hired professional(or your family) to help determine the outcome of your upcoming shoot.
My advice, just have fun.