Professional family photoshoots are a timeless way to capture the unique dynamic of family life. A photo session is a way to hit pause, so you can relive these moments for years to come. When one thinks of a family portrait session, scenic outdoor locations like the beach, preserves, or parks come to mind. However, you do not need a controlled or formal environment for beautiful and timeless family photos.

I believe every family should schedule a portrait session in their home at least once every few years. Think about it…your home is where you spend the most time. It is where memories are made and bonds are formed. It represents you and the love of your family. Photos in the home tend to be relaxed, natural and focused on you interacting and doing the things that you love.

Many times I am asked to schedule a photo session in the yard of a client’s home. I always love this idea, but there are some things to keep in mind to ensure that your session is a success. Here are a few tips to make your backyard family photo session go off without a hitch.

YOUR BACKYARD WILL NEED TO HAVE SHADE

As you know, lighting is everything when it comes to photography. The best time of day for lighting is 1-2 hours before sunset or very early in the morning. At these times of day, the lighting will most likely be soft and even because of the angle of the sun. If you want to shoot outside of these times, that is perfectly fine as long as your yard has ample shade. I never schedule photo sessions mid day when the sun is highest and harshest.

TRY TO KEEP DISTRACTIONS TO A MINIMUM

Another thing to consider when scheduling family portraits in your backyard are any distractions. If you have clutter in the yard you will want to clear that out. Backyard sessions will have more of a laidback and interactive approach, so if you children want to play on the swings, pr with their toys that is perfectly fine. However, you should remove any unnecessary clutter from the yard. You may also want to make sure that the yeard is properly landscaped a day or two prior to the session.

SPEND PART OF THE SESSION DOING THINGS YOU LOVE

One of the best parts of taking photos at your home is that it can be a lot of fun! I recommend using part of the session doing fun activities that you would normally do in your yard. Do you play tag in the yard? Swim in the pool? Climb a tree fort? Play basketball? BBQ? Roast s’mores by the fire pit? Whatever it is that you do, let’s engage in those activities during your photo session. The whole purpose of an in home family photo session is to have images that are unique to your family. Don’t worry….I will still sneak in a few posed images for your holiday cards, but I would rather you all focus on simply having fun with one another.

RECENT BACKYARD FAMILY PHOTO SESSION IN WEST HAMPTON BEACH

I have photographed this family for the past few years, In the past, their sessions were scheduled at the beach at sunset. This year, they wanted ot do something new and unique. I suggested their backyard and I am so glad they were on board with this idea. Not only is their yard amazing, but the backyard really allowed them to be themselves and have some fun. This family always has fun and their sessions in the past were very natural and relaxed, but I really believe this photo session at their home captures the essence of them. I especially love that they were willing to jump in the pool at the end of the session. This entire session made me smile…not only when I was photographing it, but while I was editing it as well. So much love and joy in this family that it is contagious. Here are a few of my favorites from the evening.

READY FOR A SESSION AT YOUR HOME?

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