You don’t need to spend too much time on this site to know that we specialise in studio portraits and we don’t take family portraits outdoors. Even our business headshots are done in the studio environment (unless a client asks for specific lifestyle shots).

When I started Volare Photography I made a conscious decision to only do studio family portraits. I wanted to differentiate us from all the other photographers out there who would take their clients to the park, beach etc.

Just like anything photography styles have trends. Once upon a time studio portraits were the norm but nowadays a lot of family photography is done on location. However, there are still countless numbers of families who only want a studio look.

I thought it would be interesting to look at the pros and cons of outdoor family portraits vs studio family portraits. Don’t get me wrong there is nothing wrong with having your family portraits done outside, it just doesn’t suit my current style of work.

The photos shown here are of two families firstly photographed outside and then indoors in the studio.

After reading this list, just remember that the one thing that is more important than where your photos are taken is that your final images portray love, strong bonds and connections. You can be in the most magical location on earth or the finest studio with beautiful props but if you don’t have any emotion in your images then you have nothing.

The Pros of Outdoor Family Portraits

1/ If your family lives outdoors then it would make sense that the style of photography you choose to display in your home matches your personality and lifestyle choices. Perhaps your favourite thing you like to do as a family is head down to the beach every chance you get. If this was the case then photos of the kids building sand castles would be a truer reflection of your family than studio images.

2/ Natural light is beautiful light. A good photographer knows when and where to photograph so that they use the best light available to them to make your family look great. If done correctly natural light is lovely.

3/ Your kids and your pets (if they are a part of the session) have the freedom to run around and be themselves. You can get beautiful candid moments this way and some great action shots. However, giving the kids and pets this much freedom can have its downside. Read on to find out more.

The Cons of Outdoor Family Portraits

1/ You are at the mercy of the weather. The weather, especially in Melbourne, is unpredictable at the best of times. So this can restrict you with the time of year and time of day you want to have your photos done.

2/ Another factor to take into consideration is the outdoor elements. Wind can play havoc with mum’s hair and strong sunlight leaves nasty shadows and a lot of squinting.

3/ Unless you head off somewhere that is secluded, which many times is hard to do, you will be restricted to being photographed in very public places. This results in one of my pet hates which is background distractions. Things like parked cars, other people, garbage bins, electrical poles and signage all tend to make their way into your images and they are distracting. The worst is when you have a tree or pole growing out from someone’s head.

4/ Also if your family is a bit reserved and not too open about being affectionate in public then this can result in lifeless images.

5/ I mentioned earlier that being outdoors gives you more freedom to run around and be active. This is great however, these type of photos tend to capture people at the most awkward moments – weird faces, lots of wrinkles – I’m sure you know what I mean…we all have hundreds of them that never will see the light of day.

6/ Also sometimes it’s a good idea not to give the kids and pets full freedom. If your kids and pets are very hyperactive or tend not to listen when they get all excited, it would be hard then to reign them in so that you can get the type of photos that you want to display at home.

The Pros of Family Portraits done in the Studio

OK let’s talk about the advantages of family portraits done inside the studio.

1/ Firstly weather is not an issue. You can schedule a session any time of the day and any time of the year. The climate is controlled which is great if you have a young baby or also a newborn. AND no wind to give you a bad hair day.

2/ There are no distractions in the background. You can choose any colour backdrop you like, light or dark. It is simple, clean and the photos will suit any style of home. Oh and no chance of trees or poles growing out from someone’s head.

3/ Not only are there no distractions in the background, the fact that you are indoors, means that there is really nothing to distract the kids or pets. They will listen to you and if they don’t and decide to run off you don’t have far to go to catch them 🙂

4/ Privacy is not an issue. Families can play, laugh and be affectionate in a safe environment.

5/ A good studio photographer can use studio lights to create any mood – dark and moody to bright and cheery. You are not limited to what the sun or clouds are doing outside.

6/ In the studio, you can bring in lots of props. Fancy chairs, sporting equipment, play dress ups. Of course, you could do this outside as well but it is a lot easier to do indoors.

The Cons of Family Portraits done in the Studio

1/ Family portraits done in a studio environment may not suit the personality and lifestyle of all types of families. I have already spoken about families who love spending a lot of time outdoors. Well for these families being photographed in a studio may feel all wrong.

2/ Also being inside a studio may restrict the activities a child might like to do or the activities the parents may want their child doing for the photographs.

3/ If you have large extended family groups then these can be difficult to do in a studio environment. I have photographed up to 10 people before which included adults and kids in our studio but more than this and it gets difficult.

So there you have it a list of the pros and cons of having your family portraits done outdoors or in a portrait studio. I hope that it helps with your decision making process but please remember what I mentioned before. Whatever choice you make doesn’t matter if the images themselves don’t convey the feeling of love that you all share as a family.

Until next time, take care.

Warren