Why At-Home Shoots can be Better Than Outdoor Shoots.
One of the first things you need to decide when planning a family photoshoot is where the shoot will take place.
We are so lucky that Northamptonshire offers so many beautiful locations for outdoor shoots. We have the option of beautiful woodlands such as Delapre Abbey and Harlestone Firs as well as some incredible parks and play areas where the kids can have fun. These can all offer some beautiful backdrops to your photos but is this actually what you are looking for?
When deciding where your shoot will take place you need to ask yourself why you are having the photos in the first place and what you are looking to get out of the final images? What are your family’s individual needs and where will they feel most comfortable having their photos taken? The best family photos are always going to come from a family that is relaxed and having fun at the photoshoot.
Don’t get me wrong, you can absolutely get some amazing family photos at outdoor shoots and I really enjoy these, however, some of the really magical moments often happen at an at home shoot and I shall tell you why…
Why At-Home Shoots Can be Better Than Outdoor Shoots
Photo Backdrops
As I mentioned before, there is no denying that Northamptonshire offers many locations which provide beautiful backdrops for photos. But is this what you’re actually looking for in your final images? If it is great! However, what I look for when I pick up my camera is your story. This moment in time for your family. This might mean it’s the endless amount of toy cars your toddler has or the unfinished homework sat on the kitchen table. If these are in the background of your photos then they are adding to the richness of that story. Of course, these don’t need to be there, you can have a big tidy up before the shoot. But, even the house you are currently living in or the way it’s decorated add to your story. It provides a way for you to look back at the photos in years to come and say things like, ‘look how obsessed you were with cars’ or ‘this is the house we lived in when you were born’ or even, ‘oooh, remember that wallpaper? I hated that, I’m so glad we redecorated!’ You’re never going to look at a photo and think, ‘I loved standing under that tree’ or ‘that blanket was so comfy for us all to sit on’. Being at home adds a whole new level to the story each photo tells. It puts the focus of the photos on the people rather than trying to get the beautiful landscape in the background. It allows for more attention to be on the meaningful face expressions or interactions between one another.
Distractions
One of the things people find most awkward about a photoshoot is what to do while the photographer is clicking away. I totally get this, I have been in the same situation, it’s like your whole body freezes and the cheesiest of all smiles seems to be stuck to your face. If you are at an outdoor shoot then sure, you can take a couple of toys and props but these are very limited and something I will touch on later. When standing in a woodland, there is only so much to do and so kids (and even adults) can get bored very quickly and easily. Or, it can go the other way, if you want photos under a beautiful tree but your 3-year-old is determined to follow a duck that just waddled past, then this can get frustrating and tiresome for the whole family.
Comfort
Another advantage of why having an at-home shoot can be better than outdoor shoots is a big one for smaller children but definitely still applies to the whole family. As I mentioned in my last point, having your picture taken can feel weird, especially to a child who is shy or nervous. Add to this, being in an unknown or unfamiliar place and it can really put you out of your comfort zone. For a child (or adult) being in their home – their safe space – is much more relaxing. If they take a while to warm up then they can do so surrounded by their own toys and comforts and so will often relax into the shoot a lot quicker. If it’s meaningful and heartfelt images you are looking for then you are much more likely to get these where a child feels relaxed and safe.
Read also: How to Get Beautiful Photos with Your Children (Even If They Won’t Sit Still!)
Endless Props
As I touched on before, being at home means you have an endless supply of props so you don’t have to worry about finding something to do or ways to keep the kids entertained. This means the shoot can be much more child led as you can leave it up to them to what they want to do rather than trying to find ways to keep them amused. It’s also a great way to capture a child’s specific interest. For example, if they are really interested in craft you can have this all set up for them so they can be photographed doing what they love. A photo of a child doing their cutting and sticking in the middle of a woodland might look a bit strange! For younger kids especially, it means you have access to unlimited outfit changes incase of accidents. And lastly it also means less posing as you aren’t constantly trying to figure out what to do with your arms or face, you are kept busy and distracted by what’s going on around you.
Space To Take Time Out
A shoot usually lasts between 1 – 2 hours, this time seems to fly by but for younger children or those who are a bit camera shy this can feel like a long time. When you are at home it’s easier to take a 5 minute break. A child can have some quiet time in their room or an adult can take a break to make a cup of tea. At an outdoor shoot, there isn’t often anywhere to hide. Sure, you can ask the photographer to stop taking photos for a bit but you are all still there in the wide open public.
Best of both worlds
If choosing to have an at-home shoot then this doesn’t mean you can’t have some photos outdoors too. While the majority of the shoot will be inside, most photographers will be happy to spend a bit of time in the garden or if you have a park or other outdoor space a short walk away then you can pop there.
Weather
We all know the British weather can be unpredictable. For a photoshoot to be outdoors you rely heavily on nice weather and rain will almost certainly mean your shoot has to be postponed. You are also limited to Spring/ Summer/ Autumn for the nice light and dry days. However, an indoor shoot means you can go ahead whatever the weather or season.So they are my top reasons for why at-home shoots can be better than outdoor shoots. If you would like to learn more about what a shoot with my involves then you can download my brochure or email me at hello@rebeccamorganphotography to chat about what you are after.
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