Summer is thisclose and I’m back just in time to share some thoughts with you about outdoor family photo sessions. Today, I am going to talk a bit about one of my favorite locations for Silver Spring, MD family photos. I’ll also share some guidelines for you on the best times for a family photo session, and also what each member of your family can expect.
Silver Spring, MD Family Photos
It can feel like there is an endless list of details to consider when you are thinking about having a family photo session. One of my goals, and frankly my job as your photographer, is to make this process easy for you. There are a number of steps I take with that goal in mind, one of them being scouting locations so I can give you guidance on where we should hold your session and when. One of the best places for Silver Spring, MD family photos is Sligo Creek Trail. Located near downtown Silver Spring, Sligo Creek feels to me like a bit of an urban oasis. It is lush and green in the spring and summer months, and beautifully colorful in the fall. There are a number of nice design features as well like bridges that can add layers and texture to photos. It is easily accessible and there is plenty of parking as well. So, lots of points in the “yes” column for this one.
When is the best time for an outdoor family photo session?
This one will not be too much of a surprise for Washington, DC area residents. The best times for an outdoor family photo session here are: Spring, Fall, and even early Winter. I don’t have to tell you that summer here is literally steamy. So if you are considering a summer session, I would recommend early morning, late evening, or an in home session.
Within those parameters, the best times of day for a family photo session are either in the morning within a couple hours of sunrise or evening within an hour or two of sunset. Both of those times are known as golden hour and the light at that time is really flattering.
What you expect before and during your family photo session?
My goal for your session is that you will: have fun, be comfortable, and feel that the experience was easy.
This of course begins well before we meet for your photos. Once your session is booked, I will share a few key resources to make sure that you feel ready for your family photo session. First, my session prep guide which has information on choosing a location, some light wardrobe guidance, and information on how to prepare and what I recommend bringing to your session. That guide also has my phone number so that you have a way to contact me on session day. After we confirm a location, I will send you a calendar invitation that has your family photo session date, time, location, and exact meeting point. One week before your session I will send you a pre session email that recaps everything.
During your session, I’ll start by giving you a high level overview of the plan. This may include me pointing out where within the location we will move around to take photos. For example, if your family photo session is in Silver Spring, MD at Sligo Creek Trail that could include the trail itself, one or two of the bridges, and going down by the creek. I will also give you some loose guidance on what to do during each set of photos. For example, most of the time I will prompt you not to look at me and instead to engage in an activity, game, or conversation with each other.
What next?
If you are interested in learning more, take a look at my family photo session information page and my family photo portfolio. Then, you can either fill out the contact form on my website or send me an email (jen@jenjosephphotography.com) to get in touch about a session.
Have questions about anything I talked about here? Leave me a comment below!
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