In-Home Versus Outdoor Family Photos in Colorado Springs

Deciding on an outdoor or in-home session for your family, maternity or newborn photos in Colorado Springs can be a very hard decision! Even I, as the photographer, have a hard time deciding which one I prefer. On one hand, you cannot beat the epic landscapes we have in and around Colorado Springs. Oh, and that natural light…it’s my favorite! However, there is something so special about documenting your life in the place you spend most of your time and the place you call home. Here are some things you might want to consider when trying to decide.

Pros for Outdoor Photography Sessions:

• We have epic landscapes and mountain views in Colorado Springs that make a beautiful backdrop for your photos.
• Add in that beautiful golden light setting behind the mountains and I am in heaven.
• Kids tend to be very happy in nature and can easily find things to make them happy. Think about playing with rocks, picking flowers or just running freely through a field.

Cons for Outdoor Photography Sessions:

• I start my outdoor sessions about 1.5 hours before sunset for the best light (or close to sunrise if you prefer mornings). Some parents worry about their kids staying up that late, especially in the Summer months. This is usually not a problem in early spring or late fall. However, you might be surprised at how long the kids can stay up (happily) when they are playing in nature.
• Weather can play a big role. Afternoon thunderstorms in the Summer or freezing cold in the Winter are legitimate concerns. This can definitely influence what you wear to your session, how long the kids can last and the possibility of rescheduling. I do always leave room in my schedule for reschedules, but this might also require a little bit of flexibility on your part.

Pros for In-Home Photography Sessions:

• Memories in your own home are sometimes more meaningful and more beautiful. Think about your kids looking at pictures and remembering how the house was decorated, their favorite toys in the background, or that kitchen they spent hours hanging out with the family in.
• Little children, especially babies, might be more comfortable in familiar surroundings and in controlled temperatures. 
• Weather plays much less of a role in causing reschedules. We can shoot in any temperature and do not have to worry quite as much about the dangers of lightning, etc. However, if it is an extremely overcast day, I might still suggest that we consider rescheduling.
• We do not have to start as close to sunset time as we would for outdoor photos. If we do in-home sessions, we can work them in the morning, the afternoon, or even the middle of the day. 

Cons for In-Home Photography Sessions:

• Some people would stress too much about making their home look perfect for the photos. I can assure you that your home does not need to be a showhome to create beautiful and meaningful photos, but I also understand the extra work that can go into preparing.
• If you were looking for that golden light that so many of my pictures have, it is just a completely different type of light you get with an in-home session.
• Light can be more difficult, especially if your home has few windows or darker wall colors, but I can still make it beautiful.

Some other things to think about. If we do an at home session for you, we can definitely utilize your yard as well. If we did that, I would want to start maybe 2-2.5 hours before sunset. We could start inside and then move outside as the sun gets lower. 

Try not to stress too much about this decision. Either choice is a great choice. If you are the type that likes to get photos taken almost every year, maybe alternate between the two options to get the best of both worlds!