Does Photoshoot Location Matter?
One of the first things people ask when booking a session is, naturally, where we should take our photos. You've seen images on Pinterest, or that your friends have taken and immediately start brainstorming. You worry about the weather, and if the perfect location is going to be fogged in (I’m looking at you San Francisco!), or if it will be clear. You might even wonder, wait, does my photoshoot location even matter? I'm here to tell you to stop worrying because I have a photoshoot location secret to let you in on.
Photoshoot locations just don’t matter.
Alright, that’s not totally true. For some types of photography, they totally does. For the type where everyone stands in front of a monument and smiles stiffly, then you want the Golden Gate Bridge in that picture. For the posed maternity shoots with flowers in your hair and props in tow, you will definitely want the majestic forested background. But for me, for my type of photography, it just doesn't matter.
You see, lifestyle photography focuses on emotion. My aim is to capture your family as you are, and more importantly, your connection as a family. I want smiles, big ones, real ones, and when they happen, I'm going to get so far up in your business that you won't know where the heck the picture was taken. These connections can be captured in a forest, lakeside, under a willow tree, or they can happen in one of my favorite places to photograph families, in your home.
In fact, if they do happen somewhere that you love and visit regularly, your family, and your children will be more comfortable. In-home sessions are where I work most often and get the most genuine smiles out of little ones, as they show me their favorite toys, and how they dance with mom in the kitchen. If you are considering an in-home session and are on the fence, reach out! In-home is my jam and I’m happy to chat about any concerns you have before you book.
However, if you are outdoor adventurers and decide that an outdoor session suits your family better, I’ve got you! Instead of just picking a location you’ve seen in friends photos or on Pinterest, go with the one that aligns to you and your family. I have six amazing locations to choose from, and they represent all the best things about the Bay Area. You have the rolling hills of Marin, a grassy hiking trail, wooded parks, redwoods, the Presidio and of course, the Golden Gate Bridge. Think about where your family sends the most time, the quirks of each location and timing that works best for your family.
But remember, the location is so, so, so, so low on the list of concerns for your shoot. We are focusing on YOU, not the background.
Get your own joy-filled photoshoot filled with tight hugs and huge smiles!