Bringing the Warmth of Home to the Great Outdoors: How to Make Outdoor Family Photos Feel Cozy

As a Anne Arundel County family lifestyle photographer, my goal is to capture your family in a space that allows everyone to feel relaxed and like themselves. For many families, that’s their home – a space that’s cozy and as a result, their photos feel very “homey”. But, for a lot of other families, their favorite spot is an outdoor location. No matter where your session takes place, I want your photos to have that homey and cozy vibe. But, how do we make the great outdoors feel that intimate? It’s actually a lot easier than you think! Here’s my 4 tips for how to make outdoor family photos feel cozy! 

Let moments unfold naturally!

One of the reasons that sessions at home feel natural is because they are. We’re letting moments unfold at home like they would on a normal day when I’m not there with my camera. I encourage my families to play and cuddle. We can do the same thing outside. Little movements like playing spin around out on the grassy space suddenly make your big outdoor space feel more intimate. Embrace each moment, no matter where your session takes place and your photos will feel more like home.

Going barefoot! 

This is the easiest way to change things from looking formal to being more casual! You can wear jeans and a t-shirt but if you’ve got heels or your brand new sneakers on, it feels instantly less casual. So, plan your session in a space that you can be barefoot (or bring a blanket to stand on!). Those little toes (especially on your babies) make everything feel way more relaxed and real. 

Coordinated and casual attire! 

Speaking of styling, having coordinated and casual attire also makes things look more “homey”. Even if we’re outside, just like at home, comfort is paramount. I encourage families to dress in their favorite, relaxed outfits – the kind you’d wear on a leisurely Sunday at home. Think soft fabrics, favorite jeans, or flowy dresses that move with the breeze. The more comfortable you feel, the more your natural personalities will shine through your photos. Trust me. 

Documenting particular moments!

So this tip is more for me than you. But, by choosing to document close up details, tighter images of cuddles, and embracing movement, your session feels much more natural and cozy. If everyone is staring at the camera with big smiles all the time, your final photos will feel more forced and formal. There’s no way around it. Capturing organic moments in an intimate way will allow your final gallery to feel more like you.

Like I said, no matter where you choose to have your session, I want to capture what makes your family special. It’s important to me that you feel comfortable enough to interact like you normally would – and have the vibes in your final photos match those special moments. I never want your photos to feel cookie cutter or boring. Instead, I will always aim to document those homey and cozy feelings for your family! 

Ready to book your family’s photos for 2024? Let’s talk!

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