Many neighborhood parks and gardens have picturesque ponds, benches, and trees that photograph wonderfully. Outdoor botanical gardens usually have the best of all of the above.
In a botanical garden, you can capture some beautiful family portraits with minimal camera gear. A flash, diffuser, and a reflector are easy to carry and operate. These accessories will help to fill in any harsh shadows due to the bright daylight outdoors.
As with any photography session, if you are able to scout out the location ahead of time, do so. Knowing the spots that will photograph the best will save you and your client time. Depending on the age and attention span of the children, you will want to take the posed photographs while you have cooperation (so time is not on your side).
If able, have the family coordinate similar outfit choices. Complimentary colors as well as levels of dress are important. For example, if the family decides to photograph in jeans, the picture will turn out much more pleasing if everyone wears jeans. On the contrary, one person wearing jeans while the rest of the family is wearing formal attire will not result in a well coordinated picture. It is never recommended that the family where t-shirts with print, as these tend to be distracting and do not add to the picture.
Take-aways:
1) After taking the posed photographs of the family, let the children run around the park. Some of the best child portraits will be taken when they don't think anyone is watching.
2) If you are photographing at a botanical garden or park, verify the regulations prior to the session. Some places will not allow professional photographs or may require permits to photograph.
3) Remember to change your perspective. For photographs of children, you will almost always need to kneel down on the ground to take the picture from their level.
4) Remember to stop, enjoy the day in the park, and smell the flowers.
Happy Photographing!
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