How to Choose the Best Location for Your Photo Session
Choosing a location for your photo session can be tough, and it can greatly impact the look and feel of your photos. There’s a lot to consider- what season, what time of day, what to wear, indoor vs outdoor — but no worries we’ve got you covered! Here are some of our top tips that hopefully will help you in selecting a time and location for your photo session.
Consider Your Personality & Style
We made this our number one because it’s important that your happiness shines through in your photos, and you are as comfortable as possible! Whether booking your photography session as a couple or with your family, it is important to consider your personalities, style and what speaks to both of you (or all of you!). Consider selecting a location you like to go to together, or even somewhere new! If photographing with small children, maybe you want to avoid photos at the beach if they get very distracted or messy from the sand and opt instead for a local park that also has some water features. It’s important what you wear reflects your style and personality as well. And don’t forget to consider incorporating your pets if you’d like!
Choose a Location That is Meaningful
When suggesting locations to clients, especially for engagement sessions and surprise proposals, we always ask if there is somewhere meaningful or memorable that they have in mind. Whether it be your favorite local cafe or park, where your significant other proposed, the place where you first met, your favorite park bench, a street you enjoy taking walks down together or where you had your first date- choosing a location that holds a place in your hearts makes the photos all that much sweeter and meaningful.
Look for Interesting Backdrops
Natural backdrops, beautiful architecture and locations along the water make for great backgrounds for any photo. From spring to fall, we have our list of favorite parks and beaches around Westchester and Connecticut.
In Westchester, Harbor Island Park in Mamaroneck is one of our favorites due its various natural backdrops amongst the park. In the spring, there are beautiful cherry blossom trees as well as the beach itself. Kensico Dam is on our list as well, as you can walk amongst the expansive grounds with the beautiful architecture of the dam as well as walk along the top of the dam for additional views.
In Connecticut, Waveny Park is usually our number-one go-to because of the multiple natural backdrops within the park. They have beautiful brick arches, a stone path, gorgeous flowers in the spring and summer, and beautiful fall foliage. We have photographed a variety of special moments and milestones here including maternity sessions, graduation photos, engagement photos, newborn sessions, and weddings — and it remains on the top of our list.
Another top recommendation of ours is Binney Park in Greenwich. If you’re looking for lush greenery along with some water backdrops and stunning stone bridges — then this is your spot! Lastly, some preferred local beaches of ours are Tod’s Point in Greenwich, Cove Island in Stamford, and Sherwood Island in Westport.
Consider the Lighting
Time of day greatly impacts your photos. If outdoors, we advise avoiding the mid-day sun due to the potentially harsh light which can create unflattering shadows. Early morning is best for the soft light and calm atmosphere, or late afternoon around sunset, most commonly known as “golden hour”. The natural lighting outdoors during golden hour is a photographers dream! Golden hour provides beautiful soft light and warm colors, so you can understand why this is a popular time for outdoor portraits.
Check for Any Permits or Fees
Sometimes a photography permit or entry fee is required at a location. We always work with clients upon booking a session to make sure they are aware of any fees or needed permits. It’s a good rule of thumb to always check in advance to avoid any surprises on the day of your session! This is usually true for botanical gardens, public parks, and museums, but that information can always be found on their website.
We photograph sessions in-home, at our studio located in Greenwich, CT, and on-location all year round. Please reach out to us here, we would love to help you plan and book your next photo session! Any questions, please comment below :)
