5 Spring & Summer Portrait Location Ideas
With warmer weather here, you might be starting to think about outdoor family portraits. On our recent trip to Florida, I made it my mission to get a good family photo of our family of six. Since we were in Florida, I thought it would be a great opportunity for a family portrait on the beach, however, we ran into some setbacks on the days we scheduled to shoot, and found ourselves heading home without any family photos. I was really bummed. Thanks to an extra effort on my husband’s part, we made a little detour to Savannah, Georgia and were able to get a few good shots on the beach at Tybee Island, and we got a little exploring in as well. We tried for a last minute shot in the city under the gorgeous live oaks and spanish moss, but due to it being so last minute and unplanned, we didn’t have a lot of luck. I’m always looking for beautiful new places to photograph and take portraits at. I get so excited when I find a hidden gem that offers character and might have gone unnoticed by most. When planning a portrait session with a client, I often get asked where we should shoot their session. There are many great options when planning your portrait location, but here are five of my favorite location types for family portraits.
1.) Orchards and other flowering trees can provide some of the most gorgeous backdrops for spring portraits. Blossoms can show at and last for varying times depending on the type of flowering tree and the weather that year, so this may take some flexibility when planning your shoot. Any orchard covered in blossoms would make a great photo backdrop, but in my opinion, the older the orchard, the better. I love an old apple orchard and all the beautiful character it provides. Of course, please get permission to photograph at the location if you’re shooting on private property.
These photos are some of my older work from 2013. The highlights are a bit blown, but it gives you a little bit of an idea of what the orchard can provide in a location.
2.) A field (if you can find a dry one) is another great location for spring or summer photo sessions. Whether it’s still bare and beat down from winter or already starting to show new growth and blooms, the open field provides a beautiful photo backdrop with lots of space for the whole family.
3.) A park, as long as it isn’t too crowded, is always a great option for a photo shoot. To avoid having strangers show up in your shots, try planning your session during a less busy time. Mornings or weekdays might be less crowded and give you the chance to get your portraits done without a lot of people around.
This casual shot was a last minute attempt to get a family portrait under those gorgeous trees before leaving Savannah. The park-like areas throughout Savannah were incredibly gorgeous and there were tons of them throughout the city.
4.) The beach is another gorgeous place to have your family portraits taken! Thankfully, in Michigan, we are blessed with the beauty of the great lakes, which provide many beautiful beaches. Whether the great lakes or the ocean, there is just something calming about a beautiful beach photo. A couple great tips for getting the best beach photos is to go early in the morning before the sun is too harsh and the beach is too crowded and/or to travel a little bit away from the main tourist areas/public beaches to find a less crowded section of beach. Of course, sunsets on the beach make for beautiful photos, and if you can find a less crowded section of beach, you can walk away with some amazing shots.
5.) Lakes or rivers are also gorgeous locations for a family portrait. Setting up in front of the lake or river in order to paint a beautiful background for your photo can provide a picture perfect portrait of you and your family!
No matter where you choose to have your family portrait taken, remember to relax and have a little bit of fun with it. Sometimes the candid shots are the best! And it always helps to look like you’re enjoying each other’s company, so have a little fun with it! 🙂 For some spring outfit inspiration and tips for choosing your family portrait outfits, go HERE.
I’d love to hear about your favorite portrait locations! Leave me a comment below!