We are told the location is important in respect of buying such things as a house, but what about a family portrait ?
I would say as a photographer it is even more important to get the right environment to create an image that will capture a moment for a lifetime.
The place however most associated with photographic portraiture is a studio, and although I still happily offer studio photoshoots I feel they don't always produce the best environment for this subject, although the studio is obviously the most convenient work place for the photographer, in that we can do one shoot after another there without being dependent on the weather etc. For none studio location I tend to divide these into two types of area for portraiture, either the persons own home or some other suitable location. The home is very effective especially with small children and babies as the environment is familiar to them and they are therefore most relaxed and natural in this setting. With other locations, this can really be as diverse as the sitter wants, it could be a favourite place the family like to go for a walk such as a lake, wood or beach, but it could also be equally somewhere with indoor features. Originally the term "environmental portraiture" was used to describe a portraiture settings if it wasn't in the studio, this has recently developed further with influence from magazines and other media to be much more about lifestyle or even fashion.
As a portrait photographer I really enjoy working in different location and with variations in the weather and seasons it is the opportunity to capture a truly magical image that is totally unique, rather than a more predictable studio image. Here are some examples, you can see the own home environment with the little girl both in her garden playing on her scooter and also in the house. For other locations the three children on the beach was great fun, and I think is simply priceless in terms of the interaction and expressions which this environment allowed to fully develop. Then there is the young lady in the bluebells with much has much more of the fashion look that she wanted(also top image).
If you are looking to have a family portrait done, also think about where you would like it done and then get in touch to discuss.
Thank you for looking
Marc;-)Labels: marc byram photography photographer kids children family portraiture portrait environmental location outdoor fun own home Cheshire Nantwich wood flowers sea beach garden house
