There are quite a few differences between an In-Home session and an outdoor session. Honestly, I love doing both of these and I don’t generally prefer one over the other. I do want you to be as “in the know” as possible before you decide which to go with. So, let me help you decide which is right for your family.
A common misconception is that “you can only have in-home pictures if your home is picturesque,” this is 100% false. Your home doesn’t need to look like something out of Better Homes and Gardens for you to have a beautiful In-Home session. If fact, I usually only need a single good window to be able to make magic happen! That seems odd, I know, but it really is all I need.
An In-Home session is very intimate. It has that snuggly feeling when you look at those images. In-Home sessions are my go-to for Newborn sessions. They are also wonderful for families that like being in their element. They’re also great for those kiddos that like to be somewhere that’s familiar to them. I get it, sometimes you don’t want to have pictures in your home, in which case, you may want an Outdoor session.
Outdoor sessions have become the “norm” for Family photos, and I’m totally STOKED about it! We have come a long way away from those very posed JCPenny pictures of the 80s and 90s. Outdoor sessions are always fun for me, I get to interact with a family as they get to be free to be themselves. An outdoor session is a great option for families with kids that need to get the wiggles out!
Being outside gives kids an opportunity to run and play while we capture some super fun photos. It also gives some freedom for us to have some beautiful backgrounds! There are lots of Outdoor options that are even in more of an urban setting if that’s the vibe you want.
I know what you’re thinking, “well these both sound great,” and you’re totally right! They are both awesome options. I love being able to capture both of these very different settings for Family photos. If you’re still having trouble deciding, I always suggest thinking about what would reflect your family the best? Are you cozy and snuggly, or are you wild and boisterous? Do your kids enjoy being at home, or being outside where they can run around a bit?
With either of these options your family photos will be amazing! There really is no wrong answer here. I hope I was able to give a little insight on these two different types of session, and maybe help you decide which on best suits your family.
