Undoubtedly, one variable that can drastically change the feel of your family session is the location. As a family photographer, and someone who has had family portrait sessions myself, the last thing I want to do is figure out one more thing!

Because the location will set the overall mood of your session, I have divided locations into 5 major categories for clients to review. Once clients determine a category they love, I will do the rest of the leg work in determining the exact session location.

SESSION LOCATION CATEGORIES

1.THE GREAT OUTDOORS

PROS: Living in rural Colorado, we have so many amazing natural areas at our disposal. Everything from wide open spaces with tall grasses, creek beds with sand and trees, even beautiful natural rock formations. Nature offers the most versatile backdrop and will compliment the majority of clothing styles. Another perk; children love nature. They feel free to play and explore, which keeps them busy but also relaxed!

CONS: Clients sometimes need to being an extra pair of walking shoes, as nature doesn’t always pair well with sandals or heels. Also, if grandparents or individuals with physical disabilities are joining the session, it may be difficult for them to walk/travel to certain locations.

2. PARKS & RECREATION

PROS: Town parks, walking trails and golf courses are great areas for photography sessions. These locations tend to be more manicured, offering green grass, park benches, and landscaping. If you are looking for something more polished, this is a great option for you. You may even have a beautiful yard that would foot the bill!

CONS: Sometimes these area can be busy with other people visiting. Also, if they offer a playground area for children, it may be distracting.

3. RUSTIC

PROS: There are some beautiful areas with original rustic buildings or beautifully preserved original homesteads. Weathered buildings, historic barns with faded paint and gravel country roads may be the perfect way to tell your families story. The textures and colors add a lot of visual interest to your photos and often times they are surrounded by overgrown natural areas that give your session variety.

CONS: These areas can sometimes take a little longer to get to (unless its on or near your home!) and may pose potential hazards for very young children.

This rustic building holds a special place for this family

When rustic meets nature - images in their beautiful wheat field

4. URBAN

PROS: Beautiful buildings, windows, alleys and sidewalks. This is a perfect location for the family who wants a location outside of the usual. The vast array of elements and backgrounds are exciting and the bright colors can certainly add some fun dynamic to your session.

CONS: Like the rustic locations this type of environment is best for families with school age or older children who will stay close by and be able to follow instructions easily.

5. HOME SWEET HOME

PROS: So many clients have beautiful homes both inside and out. A home session allows me to capture a variety of images where your family is the most comfortable. We can get your family outside in the garden, yard or tree lot, or we can stay inside and create a comfortable cozy lifestyle session. I love shooting on my clients personal property, as in turn it creates such personal memories for them.

CONS: The house will need to be tidy in the areas where you would like images taken, which may create additional stress before your session.