How to Choose a Location for a Family Photoshoot
Do you know where you’ll be taking your next family photos?
No? You are not alone. Let me help with How to choose a location for a family photoshoot.
How to choose a location for a family photoshoot when there are so many options? What are you supposed to look for? What makes one location better than another?
As a photographer, I can list off technical things that would make a location great. For example spots with lots of shade make my life easier. Or look for a place with lots of leading lines without lots of cars. While these things can make for some cool photos. The most important thing is finding a location you love, that your family feels comfortable at.
A great photographer is going to know how to photograph your family at your location.
You might be thinking, “That’s great, Kimberly. But please tell me what to look for? The Bay Area has so many great spots.” So, let’s figure out what is important to you.
Five Factors and Questions to Consider when choosing locations for a family photoshoot:
1. Meaning – Is this location special to you?
This is number 1 for a reason. If a location has meaning to you, the photos will mean more. And a great photographer will find ways to make the location work. This can be as simple as it is one of your favorite places in the city. Or it can be deeper. I’ve taken family photos where Mom and Dad got married years before. Find a place that makes you happy, and you will be happier in your photos. 1.
Have a location that makes your heart sing? Then the rest of these factors don’t hold that much weight.
2. Variety of a location and Landmarks – How much variety are you looking for? Are their any landmarks you would like in your photos?
You don’t need everything and the kitchen sink to make a location great. But if you want a location with lots of different looks in one places, make sure you don’t take your photos at the beach. Beaches tend to not have a lot of variety. As I said before, you don’t have to have a lot of variety, be aware of what you are looking for when you are doing your search. The Beach is a great spot if you are looking for one simple clean look.
Do you need to have the Golden Gate Bridge in your photos? That’s great! You know one of your requirements for choosing a location. There’s more than one location where you can have the Bridge in your photos. Use the other questions listed to narrow down your choices.
3. Your Personal Style – What is your personal style, and does this location match yours?
I’ve said it before. These are your photos, and they are going up on your walls. Just like you should wear clothes that make you happy, you should take your photos at a place that makes you happy.
Are you very minimalist, and have lots of large open white space in your home? Putting up photos at the park with lots of trees and flowers might seem to clash with your decor and style. Try looking for an open location. A hilltop with views of the city or ocean might be a nice match. Another minimal type of location is something urban. Look for a location that has large open space, and buildings that aren’t too ornate or colorful.
And the opposite is true too. Are you eclectic and have lots of fun trinkets and cool wallpaper in your home? Look for a location that reflects your style. A park that has a cool old tree or some funky statue in the middle of it might be your place. City streets are also fun and eclectic, especially ones with street art!
4. Parking – What’s parking like? Is it hard to find? Free?
If you are like me, then you HATE driving around looking for parking. Sometimes I am 30 minutes early to an event because I was afraid parking was going to be bad. When going to a location for a family photo shoot I always think about parking. I try to pick out locations that have easy and free street parking. And if that’s not the case, I make sure to let my clients know.
Getting to a shoot on time with two toddlers can be stressful enough. Let’s not add trying to find parking to that equation. And if you need to, be prepared.
5. Weather – What is the weather going to be like at this location this time of day/year?
The Bay Area and its microclimates. Think about the neighborhood you want to take your photos in. Does it tend to be foggy like the Outer Sunset? Or is it hot in the summer like Oakland? These are all things to think about, and one isn’t better than the other. Foggy shoots are so beautiful and very San Francisco. But I live in the Outer Sunset, so I’m used to that.
Super sunny is not ideal for photos. Overcast/cloudy light can make for some really beautiful photographs. Because of this, it’s smart not to take the photos in the middle of the day.
Wind is a big part of the weather. And wind can play a large factor in your shoot. Here are things to keep in mind.
Places that tend to be windy: Beaches, open parks, and spaces up on hills, areas near the ocean or waterfront
Places that have less wind: Parks shielded by trees, your home, parks that are inland and not up on hills.
There you have it! That’s How to choose a location for a family photoshoot
By answering these questions you should be able to narrow down your search. Still need a little help? I have put together lists of my favorite locations for shoots. Each part of the Bay Area has their own section.