Let's Talk Location for Senior and Family Portraits
Choosing the right location and clothing for your photoshoot can greatly enhance the mood and storytelling of your portraits. Here are several options to consider:
Outdoor Parks and Local Garden Spots
Spokane and Eastern Idaho are home to numerous beautiful parks that offer diverse landscapes. Manito Park boasts lush gardens and vibrant flowerbeds, while local flower gardens allow for a more intimate/private experience with an array of different settings. They tend to have more of a country vibe. If you are a girly girl then a garden spot or outdoor park can really show this.
Outfit Ideas for an outdoor Park or Garden Portrait Session
Soft Pastels:
Light pink or lavender dress with flowy fabric.
Paired with nude or white sandals and delicate jewelry.
A light cardigan for cooler moments.
Earthy Tones:
Olive green or rust-colored jumpsuit.
Accentuated with a wide-brim hat and woven belt.
Brown ankle boots for a rustic touch.
Romantic Floral Prints:
A midi dress with a subtle floral pattern, like small daisies or wildflowers.
Complement with strappy heels and a matching clutch.
A simple hair accessory, like a flower crown or a barrette.
Classic Denim:
Light wash denim overalls paired with a white or pastel top.
Topped off with floral sneakers or espadrilles.
Keep accessories minimal, perhaps with a charm bracelet.
Soft Textures:
A lace or chiffon blouse with a flowing maxi skirt.
Choose colors that complement the garden's flowers, like cream and soft blue.
Finish with delicate earrings and a loose braid for a soft look.
Layered Look:
A fitted turtleneck under a floral print dress for contrast.
Knee-high boots to add an edgy touch.
A statement belt to cinch the waist and add definition.
Sporty Chic:
A cute floral cropped top with high-waisted shorts.
Pair with white sneakers for a casual vibe.
Add a light bomber jacket for layering if needed.
Monochromatic Palette:
All-white outfit with different textures to create interest (think lace, cotton, and linen).
Accessorize with a bold color like red or cobalt blue to pop against the surroundings.
Minimalistic jewelry to keep the focus on the outfit.
Graphic Tees with a Twist:
Pair a vintage graphic tee with a floral skirt.
Complete the look with chunky sandals or combat boots.
Layer with a denim jacket for added style.
Boho Vibes:
Flowy maxi dress with bohemian prints and a cinched waist.
Layered necklaces and big hoop earrings.
Wear with flat sandals or slip-on espadrilles for comfort.
Choose outfits that reflect your personal style while harmonizing with the natural beauty of the garden setting.Urban Settings
Consider a rooftop in downtown Spokane for a more modern backdrop or downtown CDA for safe urban location. The city’s unique architecture and vibrant street art provide an edgy and contemporary feel to your images.
River Setting
For a more serene environment, the river and nature trails around Spokane offer beautiful and picturesque backdrops. With trees, tall grass, large river rocks this location screams PNW
Outfit Ideas for a River Portrait Session
When planning for a river portrait session, it's essential to choose outfits that complement the natural setting while also ensuring comfort and style. Here are some outfit ideas to help you stand out against the serene backdrop of the water:
For Women
Flowy Maxi Dresses
Opt for lightweight, flowy maxis in soft colors such as pastels or earth tones. Fabrics that catch the wind, like chiffon or rayon, can create beautiful movement in photos.Bohemian Style
A bohemian-inspired look with a patterned wrap dress or a tiered midi dress paired with ankle boots can add a relaxed, artistic touch.Casual Chich
Pair high-waisted jeans with a tucked-in, lightweight blouse. Accessorize with a statement necklace or earrings to elevate the look.Layered Look
A fitted tank or tee under a denim jacket paired with a flowing skirt or wide-leg pants. Add a pop of color with your footwear or accessories.
For Men
Smart Casual
A tailored button-up shirt with rolled-up sleeves paired with chinos or shorts. Choose neutral colors or subtle patterns to keep it classic.Layered Casual
A plain or graphic tee under a lightweight flannel shirt. Combine with jeans or cargo shorts, depending on the season.Sporty Look
A simple polo shirt or a crew neck tee paired with comfortable joggers or shorts. This look is ideal for an active, outdoorsy vibe.Earthy Tones
Opt for khaki or olive green pants with a relaxed-fit shirt in complementary colors. Earth tones harmonize beautifully with the river backdrop.
General Tips
Avoid Busy Patterns: While some patterns can work, excessive designs may distract from the overall composition.
Footwear: Choose comfortable shoes that suit the terrain. Sandals or slip-ons work well for rocky riverbanks, while boots might be suitable for a more rugged area.
Accessorize Wisely: Keep accessories simple to avoid overpowering the outfit. A hat or a few delicate pieces of jewelry can enhance your look without stealing the attention.
Consider Colors: Soft blues, greens, and neutrals can enhance the natural surroundings, while brighter colors can create a striking contrast against the water.
By choosing outfits that resonate with the tranquil beauty of the river environment, you ensure that the focus remains on the genuine moments captured during your portrait session.Historical Sites
Incorporating elements of history can add depth to your portraits. Consider locations like Riverside Place.
Private Property
If you have access to a family home, a quaint backyard, or even a serene garden, these personal spaces can evoke genuine emotions and create intimate portraits that showcase your unique story. I’m always happy to try new locations and being able to capture you in a place that means something to you is my absolute favorite!
Outfit Ideas for Seasonal Portrait Session
Be authentically you.
Seasonal Locations
Depending on the time of year, you might want to consider seasonal backdrops. Autumn leaves, spring blooms, summer fields, or winter wonderlands can all influence the tone of your photos.
Outfit Ideas for Seasonal Portrait Session
Fall Portraits
Colors: Earth tones such as mustard yellow, burnt orange, deep red, and olive green.
Layering: Cardigans, scarves, and light jackets can add depth to your look.
Textures: Incorporate materials like knits, denim, and suede for a cozy feel.
Footwear: Ankle boots or stylish sneakers can complement your outfit while staying comfortable.
Winter Portraits
Colors: Rich jewel tones like emerald, sapphire, and ruby or classic neutrals like gray, black, and white.
Layers: Use sweaters or turtlenecks under blazers or warm coats. Don’t forget knit hats and gloves for added texture.
Accessories: Add pops of color with scarves or statement jewelry.
Footwear: Consider stylish boots or dressy shoes that can withstand winter conditions.
Spring Portraits
Colors: Pastels such as soft pinks, light blues, mint greens, and creamy whites.
Fabrics: Lightweight fabrics like cotton and linen are perfect for warmer weather.
Styles: Flowy dresses for women or crisp button-up shirts for men can enhance the fresh feel of spring.
Footwear: Sandals or loafers work well with spring outfits, allowing for a casual yet polished look.
Summer Portraits
Colors: Bright and vibrant colors like coral, turquoise, sunny yellow, and classic white.
Styles: Light fabrics like linen or cotton blends are ideal for staying cool. Consider sleeveless tops or maxi dresses.
Patterns: Floral prints and stripes can add a playful touch to your summer portraits.
Footwear: Casual sandals or beachy flats complete the look while keeping it relaxed.
General Tips
Coordinate, Don’t Match: Choose a color palette that complements everyone’s outfits without being overly matching.
Personal Touch: Incorporate accessories that reflect your personality, such as hats, jewelry, or a statement bag.
Comfort is Key: Ensure everyone feels comfortable in their outfits to capture genuine expressions and emotions.
By thoughtfully selecting outfits tailored to the season, you'll create striking portraits that evoke genuine emotions and memories.
My thoughts:
Select a location that resonates with you and reflects your personality or style to make the portraits truly yours. The choice of location significantly influences the overall aesthetic and mood of your photo session. Different environments can evoke varying emotions, highlight unique characteristics, and enhance the storytelling aspect of your portraits.
For instance, urban settings can introduce a modern, edgy feel to your images, showcasing vibrant colors, geometric lines, and an energetic atmosphere. This backdrop is perfect for high school seniors looking to convey a sense of individuality and style. The textures of buildings and streets add depth, while graffiti and street art provide a perfect canvas for creativity.
Conversely, natural settings like parks, beaches, or forests offer a more serene and timeless quality. The soft, diffused light available in these locations can create a dreamy, ethereal feel, ideal for family portraits or senior sessions focused on connection and authenticity. The natural greenery and earthy tones help frame the subjects beautifully, enhancing the overall warmth and emotion of the images.
Choosing a location that resonates with your personality or story also plays a crucial role. A favorite park from childhood or a beloved local coffee shop can deepen the meaning behind your photos, making them more personal. By incorporating elements of your life and experiences, the images will feel more genuine and original.
In summary, location is a powerful tool in portrait photography. It shapes the aesthetic, mood, and emotional impact of your session, ensuring that your photos not only capture moments but also tell your unique story.