Studio Family Portraits vs Outdoor Family Portraits – Four Differences
When it comes to family portraits, selecting a date, time, and location are the first few steps. The best time to take outdoor portraits is typically in the early morning or in the hour before the sun sets. Indoor portraits can be taken at any time. Outside of the timing of the session, there are several differences studio portraits and outdoor portraits. Here are four things to consider when booking studio family portraits vs outdoor family portraits.
Solid Colored Background Vs A Variety of Outdoor Backgrounds
One of the main differences between studio family portraits vs outdoor family portraits is the background. Studio portraits will be taken on a solid colored background (typically white, grey, or black). The advantage of studio portrait backgrounds is that they are clean and distraction free. Outdoor backgrounds are more dynamic and colorful; and depending on the time of the session, the sun can create bold lighting.
Studio Portraits Are More Controlled
Perhaps the biggest strength of studio family portraits is that everything is controlled. The lighting is soft and flattering; the weather is not an issue; and your hair and outfit can be maintained with little to no effort.
Outdoor Portraits Have More Space
Perhaps the biggest strength of outdoor portraits is that there is more space. With more space, some of the poses can incorporate movement – for example walking shots. And a lot of people like the out of focus background look of outdoor portraits. It is also my experience that most people feel more comfortable taking pictures when the Photographer is twenty or thirty feet away from you. Outdoor portraits make this very easy to do.
Certain Ages Do Well Outdoors vs Indoors
Another thing to consider is that certain ages do well indoors than outdoors. In my experience, families with children under 1 or over the age of 8 can do really great indoors. Children under 1 are not yet mobile and can take stationary portraits. Families with children that are between 2 and 7 have a harder time in confined spaces and may do better outdoors. At 8 years old, children are a little more equipped for a studio session. Also keep in mind that studio portraits have a limit to the amount of people a background can contain. For studio portraits, I recommend groups of no more than 10 people.
If you are considering taking family portraits, hopefully this brief post on studio family portraits vs outdoor family portraits has been helpful. Thanks!
