Outdoor, Natural-Light Photography
Planning an outdoor photoshoot? This “Outdoor Calendar” highlights popular times for capturing stunning flower blooms, vibrant autumn foliage, and other breathtaking natural landscapes. However, don’t feel limited by these suggestions! Share any special locations you have in mind, and we can work together to make them shine in your photos.
Capturing Magic with the Little Ones:
- Mornings are Golden: For children under 6, morning sessions are ideal. They tend to be happier and more cooperative at this time of day. Late Spring, Early Summer and Early Autumn mornings are excellent choices.
- Temperature Matters: Early mornings, especially outside of summer, can be chilly. Aim for temperatures above 55-60°F to ensure your child’s comfort.
- Light and Location: I prioritize capturing photos with the most flattering light, which is typically in the morning or late afternoon. Harsh midday light is not desirable.
Ultimately, you know your child best. This information is meant to provide some helpful “expert advice” as you plan your session.
Outdoor Location Options:
Early Spring | Springtime | Summer | Autumn | Year-Round
Early Spring – Blossoming Trees
Cherry Blossom Tunnel: Capture a fairytale-like scene by walking beneath a canopy of blooming cherry trees.
Sunset Symphony: Capture the delicate beauty of blossoming trees bathed in the soft light of sunset.
Okame Cherry Blossoms
Be captivated by vibrant pink blossoms that explode with color. Okame cherry blossoms offer a unique and eye-catching backdrop for unforgettable photos.
Feb. 18 – 21
Bradford Pear Blossoms
Bathe in a cloud of soft white blooms. Bradford pear trees offer a stunning backdrop for portraits that capture the essence of spring.
Feb. 25 – Mar. 8
Yoshino Cherry Blossoms
Walk beneath a canopy of delicate white blooms. These iconic blossoms create a fairytale-like atmosphere, perfect for portraits that celebrate fleeting springtime beauty.
Mar. 11 – 23
Spring – Green Foliage & Wildflowers
Wisteria Way: Capture the cascading beauty of wisteria vines adorning a charming trellis or pergola.
Dandelion Wishes: Blow on a field of dandelions and capture the whimsical spirit of spring.
Blooming Orchard: Pose amidst a vibrant orchard filled with blossoming fruit trees.
Buttercup Meadow
Immerse yourself in a sea of cheerful sunshine yellow. A buttercup meadow creates a whimsical and playful backdrop for portraits that capture the carefree spirit of spring.
Apr. 15 – May 3
Heather's Park - Spring
Unwind in a charming and familiar setting. Heather’s backyard park offers a relaxed and natural atmosphere, perfect for capturing candid family moments or celebrating milestones with loved ones.
April 15 – May 31
Daisies
Delicate white blooms add a touch of elegance to your photos. Heather’s bed of daisies creates a timeless and romantic backdrop for portraits.
May 13 – 31
Golden Wispy Grasses
Sway with the gentle breeze in a field of golden light. These wispy grasses create a dreamy and ethereal backdrop for portraits that capture the essence of a sun-drenched spring afternoon..
May 13 – 31
Year-Round Outdoor Backgrounds
West Milford Farm
A Heather FAVE!!
Experience elegant charm of a modern farm setting. Lush pastures, charming barns, and wild flower fields create a picturesque backdrop for portraits that celebrate the beauty of nature in a manicured setting.
Cumming, GA
Wedding venue with barn, fields and greenhouse
+$75/hour – weekdays only
Mayberry Acres
Embrace the simple pleasures of country life. Curated country sets, lush pastures, charming barns, an airy greenhouse that whispers of tranquility, and friendly farm animals create a picturesque setting for family portraits or capturing timeless Americana vibes.
Hickory Flat, GA
White Barn, Charcoal Barn, Potting Shed, Vintage Cars & Campers, Log Wall + More
Location Fee – amount depends on set & day
Charming Towns
Step back in time with the nostalgic charm of a quintessential small town. Capture the essence of local shops, explore unique architecture, or simply relax on a tree-lined street. This backdrop provides a storybook setting for portraits that capture the warmth and togetherness of any season.
WarAngel Farms
Immerse yourselves in the beauty and tranquility of a working farm. Capture the majesty of horses, the gentle charm of alpacas, or the rustic elegance of a classic barn. This backdrop is perfect for family portraits, engagement photos, or capturing a love for animals.
Canton, GA – Hwy 20
Barn, Pastures, Horses, Mini Horses, Alpacas, plus more
+$75/hour – weekdays only
Zebra Gallerie
Unleash your inner artist with a backdrop bursting with color and creativity. This unique location provides playful and vibrant sets for portraits that capture a sense of wonder and individuality.
Kennesaw
White Barn, Black Greenhouse, Teal Greenhouse, Animals
Location Fee – depends on set & day
The Plyler Place
Embrace the magic of a bygone era with a variety of vintage-inspired backdrops. Choose from a romantic glass greenhouse, a serene lake with a rowboat, or a babbling stream. This versatile location is perfect for capturing timeless senior portraits, maternity or whimsical family photos.
West Woodstock near the lake
Glass Greenhouse, Lake, Dock, rowboat, Stream, Holiday Setups, Vintage Trucks & Tractor, Branch Arch
Location Fee
Arcade
Inject some energy and fun into your photos with a classic arcade backdrop and neon lights.
Woodstock, GA
Porch-traits
Embrace the charm of Southern living with a porch session. Capture relaxed family moments.
Old Car City
Step back in time with a backdrop overflowing with edgy, rusting automobile history. Explore a collection of classic cars and capture photos that embody the nostalgia and timeless style of a bygone era.
November 7 – March 12
Close at 4pm. Session time is about 3pm
+$80 Entry fee (includes photographer & 1 client)
+$20 for anyone not having photos taken.
Campfire & Picnics
Gather around a crackling campfire and create lasting memories under the stars. This cozy and intimate setting is perfect for capturing the warmth of togetherness and celebrating special occasions outdoors.
Fees vary
Summer Scenes Sizzle with Fun
Golden Hour Glow: Capture the magic of golden hour with long shadows and warm light against a backdrop of rolling hills or a scenic lake.
Sun-Drenched Fields: Frolic in a field of tall grass bathed in warm sunlight.
Secret Waterfall: Hike to a hidden waterfall and capture the power and serenity of cascading water.
Water (Lake, Waterfall, Streams, etc.)
Dive into summer fun by the water’s edge. Capture carefree moments of splashing, swimming, or simply soaking up the sun. This versatile backdrop is perfect for portraits that celebrate the carefree spirit and warmth of summer.
June – September
Heather's Park - Summer
Unwind and create lasting memories in a familiar setting. Heather’s backyard park offers a relaxed and shady haven, perfect for capturing candid moments of laughter and joy with loved ones.
June – September
Small Town Charm
Embrace the nostalgic vibes of a quintessential small town. Capture the essence of summer festivals, explore historic architecture, or simply relax on a tree-lined street. This backdrop provides a storybook setting for portraits that capture the warmth and togetherness of the season.
June – September
Autumn’s Tapestry Unveiled
September 15 – Thanksgiving
Leaf-Peeping Adventure: Capture the vibrant autumn foliage along a scenic country road or hiking trail or local park.
Pumpkin Patch Fun: Get lost in a sea of pumpkins and capture the joy of fall harvest.
Blazing Foliage: Immerse yourself in a vibrant tapestry of red, orange, and yellow leaves. Capture the breathtaking beauty of fall foliage and create portraits that exude warmth and a sense of adventure.
Orchard Harvest: Celebrate the bounty of the season amidst a backdrop of apple trees laden with fruit. Capture the essence of autumn harvest traditions and create charming portraits filled with warmth and togetherness.
Goldenrod Fields
Bask in a sea of golden yellow. Towering goldenrod creates a vibrant and cheerful backdrop for portraits that celebrate the golden hues of autumn.
September – October 10
Heather's Park - Autumn
Embrace the changing season in a familiar haven. Heather’s backyard park, adorned with fall foliage, offers a charming and intimate setting for relaxed family portraits or capturing individual autumnal elegance.
Oct. 18 – Nov. 21
Canton GA Maples and Gingkos
Stroll beneath a canopy of fiery reds, ambers and golden yellows. Capture the iconic beauty of Canton’s maple or ginkgo trees, creating breathtaking portraits that embody the essence of fall in Georgia.
October 18 – November 21
The Holidays
December – After Thanksgiving through New Years
The Holidays at Mayberry Acres
Styled mini sessions will take place in a beautifully decorated Canton Barn, featuring a charming charcoal exterior, on December 1 and 8.
Winter Small Town
While Mother Nature takes a winter nap, I use the architecture of my small town as a backdrop for those that still want outdoor photos and lighting.
Thanksgiving through New Years. Afternoon appointments.
FAQs
Capturing Memories: Perfect Timing for Outdoor Family Portraits
Looking for beautiful outdoor portraits with young children?
Here's a guide to scheduling your session:
- Golden Hours: Early mornings and late afternoons offer the most comfortable temperatures and flattering light. May and October are ideal months, but late April, early June, and late September might work too, depending on the weather.
- Weekend Availability: Weekends are popular, so securing the "perfect" time slot might be limited. We only offer about 14 appointments per weekend, so plan ahead!
What about the weather?
- Rescheduling for Comfort: If the forecast predicts rain (over 40% chance) or uncomfortable temperatures (below 55°F or above 85°F), we'll offer you alternative dates or a studio session. We might also need to adjust your session time slightly based on the day's weather conditions.
- Ideal Conditions: The sweet spot for outdoor sessions is between 60°F and 80°F. We can manage cooler temperatures (down to 50°F) for adult-only sessions. Wind speeds should ideally be below 8 mph.
- Embrace All Light: I enjoy capturing photos on both sunny and cloudy days. While they create different moods, cloud cover alone isn't a reason to reschedule.
Studio vs. Outdoor:
- Outdoor sessions can be trickier to schedule due to their dependence on weather, sunlight, and blooming seasons. We can only schedule one outdoor session per day during "magic hour" (just after sunrise or right before sunset). This timing might not be ideal for young children's nap schedules or early bedtimes. Rescheduling due to weather is also more common with outdoor sessions.
- Studio sessions offer a more comfortable and reliable option, always guaranteeing beautiful results.
What's Included:
- All portrait sessions are inclusive and come with a set of digital images (1800x1200 resolution).
- I have backup equipment and full insurance for your peace of mind.
Retainers and Rescheduling:
- A retainer is required to book your preferred date and time. We require 24 hours' notice to avoid losing your retainer.
- We understand that bad weather and illness happen. If needed, we'll work together to find a new session time or move indoors.
Number of Photos:
- The number of final images you receive will depend on the specific shoot (what we're capturing, number of people involved, etc.).
When Littles Don't Cooperate:
- Sometimes, even the best efforts can't coax a smile from a child. This is perfectly normal! We'll work with their natural energy to capture genuine moments.
Let's Capture Your Memories!
I hope this information helps you decide if an outdoor session is the right fit for your family.