The best location for a family photo shoot often depends on the family’s style and preference, but here are some of my favorite location types and why I prefer them. A family might have in mind a certain aesthetic, but there are a variety of other factors can play important roles also.

Natural Areas

When I am searching for new locations for photoshoots I often looks for natural areas on Googe Maps. They are shown in green and that is the first sign telling me this is a public area that I can bring or meet clients. It means the land has been set aside for public use and enjoyment. There are usually lots of trees and greenery, a perfect surrounding for outdoor family photos. Some natural areas in Corvallis are Bald Hill Natural Area, Jackson Frazier Wetland, and Avery Park and Natural Area.

Mountains

Mountains are super great to have in family photos. For starters they are usually beautiful backdrops, but they also serve a great purpose…blocking out direct sun. For the most beautiful photo shoots I will place the sun behind my subjects, then use said mountain to bob back and forth up and down getting various angles of the sun and putting it in fun places around my client’s heads.

Rivers, Lakes or Beaches!

Bodies of water are always super fun to have a family shoot. They add an extra dynamic to the photos visually, but also create something for your family to interact with too. At the river kids can play with and throw rocks in the water…who doesn’t love to do that? At the beach you have the sand to entertain everyone, while the water in the background looks beautiful. Sometimes at the right time of day you can even get reflections in the water.

Open Fields and Rolling Hills

This is a another great type of spot to have your family photo shoot. My favorite time for this type of location is on cloudy days when there is a lot of color in the clouds You can bring color and drama to your photo shoot with moody clouds that happen to be in the sky.

Other things to look for in a location is a fun building or structure that can be utilized and add a different dynamic to photos. Some examples of this is the Bald Hill Barn or the white house at William L. Finley Wildlife Reserve, or the dinosaur bones at Avery Park. An ideal location would include aspects of all or most of these locations types. And then the last thing to keep in mind, is where the sun is setting. If the sun sets behind a parking lot then it just won’t work to shoot in that location, unless you know its definitely going to be a cloudy day and the sun won’t be sneaking out to put unflattering shadows on faces. Are you ready to book your family’s photo shoot and have a location in mind? Click here and lets start planning!