The Basics of Outdoor Portrait Photography

Take your family outdoors for that special family portrait. Why? There are several reasons for taking family portraits outdoors. Enjoy the beauty of nature as a natural backdrop and take advantage of the natural lighting. Professional photographers know that the external flash, studio lighting and reflectors indoors all work to mimic the beauty of outdoor natural light.

Taking family portraits outdoors is the easiest way for a beginner photographer with a digital compact camera with built in flash to get professional results and a quality framed portrait. Take advantage of the natural lighting and beauty of nature by taking family portraits outdoors.

The Best Natural Lighting for Taking Family Portraits Outdoors

Although natural lighting is great for outdoor photography, not all outdoor lighting is ideal. Mid-day is the least acceptable time of day to take family portraits outdoors. If you have been exposed to photography, you may have heard the reference “Golden Hours” for the most ideal time to take outdoor photographs. Photographers take advantage of the soft light and lack of harsh shadows the hour before sunset and after dawn. Gather together for family portraits outdoors as close to these times as you can for best results.

An overcast day is another good option for your family portraits outdoors. If you can wait for a day with high overcast, also called bright overcast, this natural lighting provides brightness with softness that professionals try to duplicate in their studios with soft boxes. Timing is everything, and if the timing of your portrait won’t fit any of these options, look for shade that isn’t too dark.

Outdoor Portrait Settings

The ideal setting for a family portrait outdoors is where the family lives. A backyard setting is comfortable and captures the family in familiar surroundings. There may be a park that is special to your family and will be a reminder of special memories if used as a backdrop for a special portrait. Along with the time of day for perfect lighting, another consideration if you go away from your own backyard is how busy the chosen location will be. You will want to choose a time that is least crowded to eliminate distractions and interruptions.

Personalize the family portrait with a setting that is special to them. A family hobby can provide a fun setting for the family portrait outdoors. Whether the family hikes, sails, or is into horses, there are great options for bringing their hobby into their family portrait. A nature trail with a magnificent rock outcropping, a serene pasture bordered by a white picket fence, or the deck of the family’s boat could be the perfect setting for an outdoor family portrait.

A few things you should be aware of if you opt for the sea, beach or snow for your family portraits outdoors. Use beach mode on a digital camera or, if you use a DSLR or SLR, use a polarizing filter to help with glare. The flash should bet set to “On” and not “Automatic” to help reduce shadows on the family. Never face the family towards the sun or they will be squinting.

Be sure to remove or hide clutter or anything that will detract from the finished product. If you want to use outdoor natural lighting but aren’t happy with the available background, attach fabric to a fence for a soft backdrop. Always check for lawn sprinklers and any possible distractions behind the family.

Use the Portrait mode or set your Aperture Priority for a smaller depth of field if you want to diminish the overall background,

Compose your shot with focus on the family, but consider posing the family near a beautiful feature in their yard for a unique setting.

Whether taking family portraits outdoors for your own family or for another, these portrait tips will help produce a beautiful framed picture that will be lovingly hung on the wall.