We’ve all heard the cliches about how kids grow up so fast (“the days are long but the years are short”). The thing is though, those cliches exist for a reason. Babies go from tiny newborns to walking, talking toddlers in no time. Toddlers become children, children become teenagers. We know how fast the time flies and the memories become all the more precious as the years tick by.
Obvious career biases aside, I really do value photos more than any of my other possessions, especially since becoming a parent. I treasure the photos I have of my daughter, especially the ones of us as a family- including our dog. We’ve booked a family photo session every year and I love looking back on our memories and how much things have changed.
Enough about the value of family photos though. If you’ve found this post you already agree that family photos are important, which leads you to the next decision:
Is an outdoor family photo session right for you?
Most of us are familiar with a traditional studio session and for some it works: if you like posing and you prefer a staged setup it’s fine. But for other families (like mine!) the idea of sitting still and posing for an hour doesn’t sound like fun. None of us like forced smiles, and my wee one definitely won’t like being told to sit still.
If posing isn’t your thing- an outdoor session provides a more natural, candid alternative. Outdoor family photography is offered by lifestyle or documentary photographers who focus on capturing real moments and personalities rather than specific poses, in a natural setting: relaxed, casual and fun.
Here are five of the greatest benefits of booking an outdoor family photoshoot:
They help everyone to feel more relaxed and comfortable
If you don’t feel at home in your surroundings, it’s going to be hard to relax for photos! Most of us like to spend time outdoors (kids especially). Choosing your family’s favourite park, trail, beach or even your own back garden will help everyone feel more comfortable.
Kids will feel free to run around and explore, letting their personalities shine through and creating the perfect opportunity to capture the magic of childhood through their eyes. And it’ll be much less stressful for you if they don’t “cooperate” perfectly. There are no strict expectations to adhere too, it’s really just a playdate in the park while I snap away!
They allow kids to just be kids- and parents to be themselves too
Kids like to have fun- and outdoor sessions allow them to do just that! When you let kids just be kids and do their thing they relax, and that makes for a much more enjoyable session for them and for you. Your children can run around, explore, climb, jump and laugh and you can all spend some time together just being yourselves, stress free. There are no strict timelines or lists of poses to follow, instead we will go for a wander around your favourite outdoor place and snap photos as we go- capturing real personalities and genuine interactions (and smiles) between you and your child(ren).
Read my top tips for making the most of your family photo session here.
BONUS REASON- outdoor sessions allow pets to be involved, and have fun doing it too! Four legged family members are MOST welcome at my sessions. (As a big animal lover you get total bonus points if you bring your pet along). Pets are family members too, and we will get great photos of them running about and enjoying themselves outdoors.
They create new memories- a fun day out as a family
Use your session as an excuse to have a relaxed day out together and create some new memories. Time set aside to connect as a family and have some laughs along the way- what could be better?
You could plan a picnic lunch or an afternoon ice cream date for after the shoot (I’m not above bribery if it gets everyone involved!) Or make a full day of it and travel a little further out to explore somewhere new. If you think of it like an experience- rather than just an hour of getting your photos taken- everyone will have more fun!
The surroundings are more interesting and allow for lots of variety
You can only do so much in a white room. Choose an outdoor location though, and you have a world of variety at your feet. Whether it’s long grass/ rocks/sand and water at the beach or trees/foliage/ flowers/ and a river trail, being outdoors gives a diverse natural backdrop for your photos.
Beautiful outdoor settings are timeless. When you look back at the photos one day you’ll be able to show your kids where you liked to spend time as a family, and remind them of all the fun you had exploring together.
They result in timeless photos that are genuine and true to life
Trends come and go- but real life moments won’t go out of style. Photos that are candid, natural and real are the ones we treasure the most because they take us back to a moment in time. A reminder of a special point in our lives that was over before we knew it. Real life is so much more interesting- and beautiful- than ‘perfect’ poses (and a lot less cringey too!)
Ready to book an outdoor family photo session in Glasgow, Ayrshire or Lanarkshire?
I’ve got you covered! I’ll happily recommend some of my favourite family photo spots in Scotland if you don’t have somewhere in mind already. And I have lots of ideas for unique places if you’re up for a bit of a family adventure too!
We can time your session around your schedules, to ensure everyone is in top form for their shoot. I offer weekday, evening and weekend sessions and you can book up to three months in advance. If the weather doesn’t cooperate on your chosen date we can simply reschedule.
Drop me a message at hello@rhiannoneale.com or fill in the contact form here for more information.
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