Pros & Cons of Indoor vs Outdoor Photo Sessions

Playing in the late afternoon golden hour sun.

Snuggling with your baby in the comfort of your own home.

Laughing with your favorite people in the beauty of nature.

Keeping warm at a photo studio so no one is shivering during family photos...

These are all various things to consider when choosing to do an outdoor shoot vs. an indoor session. In order to make the best choice for your family's needs, let's take a deeper look into your options for your next photo shoot!

Outdoor Sessions

I think there are two types of professional photographers: Those that thrive outside with natural backdrops and those who prefer studio photography! Sure, that's pretty black and white and there's a time and place for each type of session, but generally it comes down to style. Looking through my website, you'll see the majority of my galleries are filled with outdoor photos. I do shoot mainly on-location outside, be it in a forest, beach, with a mountain view or a park. As a family photographer,  I enjoy having the space to roam around, getting a variety of backgrounds and letting kids play around so I can get plenty of candid moments! 

With that said, the time of year of course plays a major factor in choosing between a indoor or outdoor session. The busiest time of year for outdoor family photography is hands down during the fall. There weather is still cooperative, not too chilly or rainy and lots of people love having fall colors in their photos. But don't forget, summer and spring are still lovely times to get photos done outside! 

Keep in mind that I have a very flexible rain policy as well. If you're hoping for a more scenic shoot, but are wary of bad weather, I got your back! I keep an eye on the forecast the week of your shoot and always check in with you if there's rain coming. We can always make a plan B for rain, because let's face it, weather around the Puget Sound can get pretty dreary and wet! You can't be a professional photographer in the Seattle-Tacoma area and not be flexible with the rain.

Pros of Outdoor Shoots

• Natural lighting and golden glow if shot before sunset

• Outdoor locations can capture scenic backdrops, like Mt. Rainier

• Great for families with energetic kids

• Outdoor settings provide more variety for your gallery

• Mother nature can give a special touch (think fall leaves, spring blooms, summer sunsets)

• Perfect for large groups and extended family portraits

Cons of Outdoor Shoots

• Weather unpredictability (rain, strong winds, extreme temperatures)

• Seasonal wardrobe challenges

• Public distractions or crowds

• Time of day restrictions, as lighting is best at golden hour

Indoor Sessions

On the flip side, I do see plenty of value in shooting at indoor locations. Sometimes it's a style preference and sometimes it's a matter of convenience. Studio shoots definitely have a different look and feel to them, but are great if you're wanting classic timeless photos! If you're looking to do an indoor session, I have a handful of photography studios that I recommend around the area. 

Mornings usually have the best light for indoor spaces, as I don't use studio lighting, only natural window light. This creates a different look than your more traditional flash photography, but in my opinion, brings out the natural warmth of skin tones. It's a personal preference and you can decide what is best for your taste.

Newborn Sessions

I always suggest indoor newborn sessions for multiple reasons. They provide a safe, warm and comfortable environment for not just the newborn baby, but the whole family. Those early days with a baby can feel like a blur and often it's easier to just take professional photos in the comfort of your own living room or bedroom to make it easy on everyone!  

You can also opt for a newborn session at a local studio. There are several in the Tacoma, Puyallup and Seattle area that offer a clean, white or neutral area for your session. Most offer an option for adding a bed set up to make the photos extra cozy; perfect for those baby snuggles! Studios are a great option if you don't want to stress of cleaning up your house for photos or feel like your house doesn't get enough natural light. If you're deciding between doing a newborn photo shoot at your house or a studio, here are some questions to consider:

• Do you have the energy to pack up the diaper bag and drive to a studio?

• Do you love the vibe of your house and want to have that as part of your newborn photos?

• Do you have older kids that would be more comfortable staying home?

• Do you have nice natural light in your bedroom, nursery or living room?

• Do you want a timeless and minimalist look to your photos?          

Family Studio Session

With a family shoot, you have much more flexibility in deciding on an indoor vs. and outdoor session. You decision is simply based on your personal preferences! Most often families opt for a studio setting when weather is going to be unpredictable. Once November hits in the Tacoma area, we are way more likely to have a shoot get rained out or the temperatures are simply too cold for families, especially those with young kids or perhaps grandparents. Choosing a professional studio is the way to go in these seasons! 

One of my favorite spots for indoor photography is Wild Hearts Farm. It's been a great option over the years because it's got a mix of outdoor and indoor settings, so we can play it by ear if the weather actually turns out being nicer than the forecast predicted! There is an indoor studio space, with heating and various props like a bed and stools for sitting, but it also has a cute greenhouse option outdoors, that gets decorated seasonally. While there is no heating in what they call the glass house, it has more a natural setting and can still shelter from light rain! 

Sometimes families just want a more classic and formal look for their photos. Maybe frolicking in a field or mountain tops aren't your thing!  The good news is you can choose the best location for your needs. Maybe next year you'll want an outdoor session and this year you're keeping it more minimal. I've loved working at The Content Vault in Puyallup and the Loft photo studio in Tacoma, perfect for those families who looking for more a clean or formal vibe.

Pros of Indoor Shoots

• Controlled environment (i.e. lighting and temperature)

• No concerns weather conditions 

• Comfortable for newborns and young children

• Clean, timeless aesthetic

• Consistent lighting

Cons of Indoor Shoots

• Less visual variety than outdoor locations

• Can feel more structured for some families

• Limited space for exploring and playing

• Studio availability may impact scheduling

The most important thing is that you're choosing the setting that is right for your creative vision!  You can always opt for something totally different for your shoot next year. Hopefully these considerations help you make an informed decision and feel free to always bounce ideas off of me as well. I can help guide you into what will work best for your next photo shoot. Reach out to book something and get on my calendar!