Tips for planning your family photo session

If you have ever tried to get the everyone on the same page for photos, you might wonder what to wear, where to take the photos, what time of day is best for light, etc. Below we are going to talk tips for planning your family photo session.

What to wear

The most common question I get is what should we wear. My suggestion is to find a color palette that everyone can work within. Think beige, light blue, and peach. Burgundy, dark green, and cream. The colors that I don’t suggest are black and white.
Large patterns make that person stand out. If everyone in the group is in solid colors and there is one person in a pattern, that person will stand out. If you like patterns, I would suggest everyone get on board with the same type such as all plaid or all floral.

Location

If you are in Hocking Hills for your family gathering, then I generally go to the cabin where you are staying. The trails in the hills can get really crowded and make it difficult for large groups of people…too many distractions in the background. If you are a small family of 3 or 4, Upper Falls or Ash Cave could still work.
If you are from the Columbus/Lancaster, Ohio area, parks such as Inniswoods Metro Garden, Jeffrey Mansion in Bexley, or Chestnut Ridge park in Carroll are some of my favorites. Inniswoods and Jeffrey Mansion do not allow pets so keep that in mind if you want your furry family member in the photos.

Time of day

Early morning or early evening works best for soft light. Mid-day tends to have harsher light if it’s a sunny day. Cloudy days are my favorite.
Each season has it’s best time of day. Winter shoots are generally best around 4 p.m. whereas summer shoots are best around 8 a.m. or 7 p.m.
Lastly, if your session falls on a super sunny day we may be limited to our shooting area. A deck at the cabin may be our best alternative or a tiny, shaded area. I do bring lights to supplement if needed. This does bring a more posed feel to the photos as we can’t just run and play with a lot of movement.

Lastly, remember that all sessions will have a different feel depending on your family dynamic, time of day, weather, and location. I always do my best to make everyone feel comfortable and work within the circumstances I have that day.

I hope these tips for planning your family photo session are helpful. You can check out my other blog posts about family sessions at https://amyrebecca.com/family-photos-in-hocking-hills/ https://amyrebecca.com/hocking-hills-family-sessions/

Please enjoy a recent family session in Hocking Hills…