Making the decision to go ahead and book that session in is a big deal. It is a big investment and you want to get it right for you. Booking it in though is only part of the way there (good job you if you have done this!) next you need to decide on a location. Are you trying to decide if you would prefer an in home shoot or an outdoor shoot? Let me run through the benefits of each for you!
In Home Sessions
Most of my in home sessions tend to be newborn and occasionally some more intimate style maternity sessions. However don’t discount family session from being at home either! These sessions are perfect for families and I will tell you why. Your little (or big) ones are in their own environment which means they will often warm up quicker to strangers (me!) and we happy to show me around etc. They already know the rules for the environment so they know what they can and can’t do and behaviour wise it can often be easier and you will see their true personality come out, especially if they tend to be on the shy side.
I also love in home sessions because nothing says family and love like a big comfy bed for cuddles, tickles, wrestling, story reading etc. During an in home session you can do all those things that you love doing at home with your kids, quite moments brushing hair, talking at the kitchen bench, cooking, playing in the backyard, playing a board game even… the opportunities are endless.
Another benefit of in home sessions are they are often at a more family friendly time of the day. They are usually in the morning around 10am but can be any time during the day that suits your family as we aren’t restricted by the light as much. This said I would recommend you take notice of how much light comes in (and what time it comes in) the rooms you would mainly like to shoot in.
Outdoor
It is hard to beat that golden light! Almost all of my outdoor session are held in the last hour or so of light in the day. This is to make sure we get the most flattering light, avoid squinty eyes and harsh shadows/light. This is all very well when we have perfect weather and sunsets. A grey moody sky has it’s own appeal as well and I love how different the landscape can look under all the different weather types.
Autumn is my favourite season, not only the leaves but the change in daylight savings means the sunset is at a bit more of a family friendly timeslot. This said don’t worry too much about the late timeslots in the daylight savings season. I find most kids enjoy the change in routine and are usually entertained by being outside and seeing different things. They love being in nature and having your full attention that the time is often irrelevant.
The main thing about outdoor sessions is that I can’t guarantee the weather. We might get a perfect golden sunset, we might get a windy afternoon or we might get a stormy sky but just remember that each weather pattern has it’s own appeal and the main focus of the session is you guys and your love, not the weather, it just adds to the aesthetic and the mood.
