As an on-location photographer, one of the number one questions I get asked is, "Where should we do the photo shoot?" There isn't one right answer to this because it depends on what you want from the shoot, but here are my top 3 suggestions for a family photo shoot.
{Your Home}
Your home is the prime location for newborn photos for several reasons. 1) You're exhausted and don't have the energy to go anywhere, 2) You don't want to take your tiny bundle of joy out of the house yet, 3) You're exhausted and don't have the energy to go anywhere... yes, I said it twice. It's just true.
The home is a great choice not just for newborns, but also for family sessions. When your children are grown up and look back at their pictures, they'll have more to look at than their own young smiling faces, they'll have the memory of their childhood nest.
Most importantly, your children will be comfortable in their own space. Comfortable kids = cooperative kids = great images that reflect true personality. Whether you live in a modest apartment or a sprawling mansion, using your home is the easiest and most meaningful choice.
{Your Favorite Park or School Playground}
Where do your kids like to play most other than at home? Their favorite park. The same ideas apply here... they'll be comfortable and the location will add a special significance to the photos. "That's the park where you first learned to swing," you might explain to your little one a few years from now as you look back at your photos. You can get creative with this... do your kids like to play in a creek? Play GaGa ball? Hang upside down from the monkey bars? These are things you might like to remember.
{Somewhere Distinctly Signifying your City}
If you're in Austin, and LOVE Austin (and who doesn't?), you could choose somewhere that epitomizes the city: Auditorium shores, Barton Creek, the 360 bridge, the cows at the Arboretum... whatever it is that makes your city special to you and your family. Do be aware that some locations require special permits, but your photographer will be able to help you figure out if your desired location requires a reservation or permit.
