Capturing Precious Memories: A Guide to Preparing for Your Outdoor Family Photo Session
- Heidi Patin
- Apr 16
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 19
Hello! My name is Heidi Patin, and I'm the main photographer at Through His Eyes Create. I'm located in Coeur d'Alene (CDA) Idaho, and I mostly service the surrounding areas for outdoor portraits sessions of all types; families, high school seniors, couples, and more. I wanted to create a guide to help families prepare for their photo sessions - I hope you find this information helpful!
At some point, we all want to keep those fleeting moments with our families alive in photographs. A wonderful way to achieve this is by scheduling an outdoor family photo session. In Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, the stunning landscapes and breathtaking natural beauty provide an ideal backdrop for capturing these cherished memories. Here’s how you can prepare for a fun and memorable photo session with your family.
Choosing the Right Location
Selecting the perfect spot is crucial for your family photos. Coeur d'Alene offers a variety of picturesque locations, including parks, lakeside beaches, and forested areas. These settings can significantly enhance the beauty of your pictures. Each location has its unique charm, providing a suitable backdrop for heartfelt moments.
When you contact me to book your family session, we'll schedule a zoom meeting where we'll go over all your session details, including picking a location. We'll talk about what "vibe" you're going for in your photos, or the type of location you're looking for, and I'll provide my own recommendations. If you're open to anything, I'll walk you through all my favorite spots and help you choose a great location.
Planning Your Outfits
What you wear can influence the overall mood and tone of your photos. Opt for clothing that reflects your family’s personality while also harmonizing with the outdoor setting.
Choose earthy tones or soft pastels that complement the vibrant greens and blues of Coeur d'Alene's landscapes. For instance, a family dressed in light beige and soft blue can beautifully contrast against a lake backdrop. Steer clear of busy patterns or loud logos that might divert attention from your family.
Mixing and matching colors can create visual interest. Take time to coordinate your outfits without being overly identical. For example, if one family member wears a pale yellow shirt, others could incorporate accents of yellow in their accessories.
During our zoom meeting for session planning, I'll tailor my outfit advise for you and your family based on the location we choose and the colors in that environment.
Timing Your Session
The timing of your photo session is vital. The golden hour—just after sunrise or right before sunset—offers soft, flattering light ideal for outdoor photography.
Scheduling your session during these times can transform your images, enhancing their warmth and vibrancy. For example, photos taken one hour after sunrise can depict a serene and dreamy atmosphere, while sunset shots often radiate a magical glow.
I prefer to shoot all my sessions in the evening. Once we pick a location together, I'll make some lighting calculations and let you know what the optimal time for shooting is on the date of your session.
Preparing Your Family
Ahead of the photo shoot, talk to your family about what to expect. Explain the purpose of capturing these memories.
Keep the atmosphere light and enjoyable. Plan engaging activities or games that you can do together during the session to help everyone feel at ease in front of the camera. For example, a simple game of tag or a silly dance can elicit genuine smiles and laughter.
During our session, I'll guide you and your family with a variety of poses and movement based prompts that will help make things feel natural, silly, authentic, and fun!
Consider bringing along props that hold significance for your family. A beloved picnic blanket or cherished toys can add a personal touch to the photographs.
Communicating with Your Photographer
Your family photographer plays a key role in your outdoor session. Share your vision and preferences with them ahead of the shoot.
Discuss the style of shots you envision, whether they be candid moments, posed family portraits, or a mix of both. For example, if you want to capture the interaction between siblings, let your photographer know. Reviewing their portfolio can also help ensure their style aligns with your expectations.
Embracing the Experience
Ultimately, preparing for your outdoor family photo session can enhance the experience and yield stunning photographs that you’ll treasure for years. By selecting the right photographer, location, coordinating outfits, timing your session wisely, preparing your family, and maintaining open communication with your photographer, you create the foundation for a memorable day.
Remember, it’s about savoring the moment together, appreciating the beauty around you, and allowing your family’s unique story to unfold—one frame at a time.
Invest time in preparation, and your CDA family photos will beautifully reflect the love and joy shared between you and your loved ones. Plan your session today at "Through His Eyes Create" and start capturing these precious memories!
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