As the old real estate adage goes, “Location, location, location!”
In my opinion, the “where” of your family session should be a personal choice. The location you choose can highlight facets of your family’s personality, and add even more layers of memories for future-you to look back on fondly.
PSST… I made you a location quiz! Scroll down to the very end if you want to skip the reading! 👇
As you plan your next session, here are some location types to consider.
Personal + outrageously convenient.
YOUR HOME
Not just for newborn sessions, your home is the heart of your life. There are SO many pros to using your own home for your family portraits, but here are just a few:
🚽 It is convenient! No drive time, no wrinkling outfits or changing at the location. The bathroom is handy. The kitchen is handy (hello, snacks!).
💛 Everyone is already comfortable there. This is extra helpful if you have a sensitive or shy member of the family.
🐾 It’s easy to include the furry family members.
🖼 It is already a reflection of your family! Your style, important mementos, family heirlooms, etc., are all within reach.
You may be thinking your house would have to be spotless. THAT IS A LIE (she says in an Umbridge-like voice). I don’t even know what spotless looks like anymore—I don’t expect you to make that miracle happen.
We will only use 2 or 3 rooms anyway. Plus, the outdoors is still an option. The photograph below was taken in this family’s yard where they spend a lot of their time together.
Just because we’re at home, doesn’t mean we have to stay indoors.
2. THE GREAT OUTDOORS
The world is always a beautiful backdrop for family portraits. It can be soft, dramatic, or even minimal. Choosing to have an outdoor session comes with endless possibilities but should still play up some of your family’s uniqueness and be practical if possible.
When you’re trying to come up with a specific spot, here are some things to think about:
🌲 Where do you go as a family when you spend time outdoors?
❤️ Is there a spot that is sentimental to you? Like where you got engaged or went on your first date?
🚘 Is there parking nearby or are we hiking a bit?
🛟 Is anyone afraid of, or, can’t be trusted around water?
🪨 Is one of your munchkins a runner/climber/etc. where safety is a concern?
🌡 What is the weather like around the time of the session? Does that make being outside less appealing?
🛋 Does your home have decor that would work with or against the look or color palette of the location?
The creek at Rotary Park in Clarksville is beautiful at sunset.
3. DOWNTOWN CLARKSVILLE
Who doesn’t love a stroll down main street? Heading downtown makes your city part of your story!
These are favorite sessions of mine because we always work in some of your favorite haunts and probably use little tucked away nooks and crannies you haven’t noticed before.
It’s also the perfect opportunity to work in a fun activity, like a family ice cream date, giving your session oodles of variety and a nice bribe for the kids!
Downtown Clarksville can be on display, or we can just use industrial elements and textures.
4. SOMEWHERE NEW
The romance of travel has always come through art. Literature, painting, music, and of course, photography. It’s inspirational to experience new things and if that is something you like to do as a family, it should absolutely be in your family portraits!
Alternatively, consistently visiting the same place regularly— like a cabin in the woods, or a favorite beach— is an excellent reason to use that for your family session location as well.
Bonus: YOU don’t have to take all the photos which means less stress, or at least less to do, and no one is left out because they’re behind the camera!
Core Memory made.
So, which one are you choosing for your next session? Let me know in the comments!
Are you still at a loss? Or maybe ALL of them sound good? The Family Session Location Quiz will help you to figure out where your next session should be! Enter your info below and you’ll get the Location Quiz sent to your inbox!