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Is an outdoor session for you? – Hamilton Family Photography

Let’s talk about location, my friends. Truly it only falls under two categories : indoor and outdoor. Both are lovely and have advantages and disadvantages. In the end, it is what truly represents you and what you are envisioning of documenting that makes the difference. And don’t forget about the weather.. we are in Canada, after all. 

An outdoor session is for you, if : 

You want a natural setting aside from the studio – Hamilton Family Photography

Sure, studio sessions can be a safe and a secure choice, but the outdoor locations for phoot day offer something natural. The trees, the plants, the leaves, the sunshine outside offers a totally different setting than inside a studio. You cannot recreate all these things and bring them inside a studio even when you wanted to. And even if you did, it is not the same. There are many parks available around Hamilton and Burlington that are great options for an outdoor location. Dundurn Castle is one of my favourite spot for family photos. I wrote a post about it in 4 seasons. Cityview Park is another favourite of mine. Here is a family photography session there during the Fall.

How do you like those colours?

You have an outdoor location that holds a special meaning – Hamilton Family Photography

Is there a trail you and your family always hike? This is Cityview Park for us. Is there park where a special milestone took place for you and your family? Or maybe there is a farm where flowers only grow seasonally that you have always dreamed of having photos in? For us, this is the Sunflower Farm every year in August. Whatever that might be, outdoor location for photo day is a great choice especially if it meant deeper than just pretty. For the family photography session below, they chose the Paletta Mansion since they frequently stroll the area.

Will you go into the water like the did?

You are OK with the unpredictable and can go with the flow – Hamilton Family Photography

Here is the thing with having a session outdoor, there are many elements at play. Top of mind is the weather. Does it call for rain or will it be sunshine for your session day? If forecast is calling for rain, we check in 2 days before and arrive at a mutual decision if we are to reschedule or not. Let’s say it is sunny BUT  it is also windy. Can you handle some wind or will you be worried about your hair not being picture perfect? What about some dirt and mud?

As outdoor setting is less controlled, we can never guarantee how exactly it will be like but what you can control is how you handle these elements, and if you find yourself answering “yes I can handle all these things”, then an outdoor location is perfect for you!

The weather allows for it – Hamilton Family Photography

I want to preface this with I shy away from photographing outdoor sessions during frost period. This is usually around  late October – late April. I have learned from previous experience that no matter how we try to bundle up, and get excited about a sesion, usually kids will be miserable. And by chain of events, the parents will be too. During this season, this is when I will suggest alternate options for sessions. There are in studio options, in home sessions and some creative alternatives like a Greenhouse/Nursery. See photos from a mom and me session done during Winter time at Connon Nurseries Waterdown.

But if you are really set in an outdoor location during frost period, be ready to truly bundle up because during this time, warmth is better than pretty. We can strategize together to make sure your wardrobe is both functional and aesthetically how you wanted it to be. I am now booking into spring and summer! If you want to know more about all my outdoor locations for photo sessions, let’s connect!

Bright and Airy – Hamilton Family Photography

Hello there, Mama! I am so happy you reached this part of the post. I am Ericka Ana, the photographer behind Ericka Ana Photography. I am a full service motherhood photographer specializing in Newborn, Maternity and Family Photography. I service Hamilton, Burlington, Mississauga, Ancaster, Oakville and surrounding areas. My aim is to capture your happy, sentimental and joyful memories and make sure they live in your homes through printed photographs and framed wall pieces. Let’s connect on Instagram!