Whether you’re planning a destination session for your engagement photos, celebrating a special milestone, or getting updated family photos, these tips will help your session go smoothly!
Last spring I had the honor of getting to hang with some of my favorite client-turned-best-friends for the dreamiest destination session in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina. We were all in town for their friends’ wedding (which I was also shooting) and it also just so happened to be Mike & Kristen’s first wedding anniversary. You already know I just HAD to take advantage of the opportunity and steal this adorable couple away for a little sunrise beach session.
I’m still dreaming about this magical session to this day and still convinced it is impossible to top. Mike & Kristen are literally the sweetest, most generous, loving couple ever and it was so special getting to capture this milestone and their love for each other at such a gorgeous destination. I would 1000% love to keep this an annual tradition!
Planning a destination family photography session? Here’s what you need to know:
I always LOVE traveling to new destinations for sessions with my clients—whether it’s for an engagement session, celebrating a family milestone, or just getting some updated family photos with your newest little addition! Destination sessions are always so fun and memorable, but they do require a bit more research and planning ahead. If you are considering traveling somewhere for your session keep reading. Below I’ve compiled a list of my best tips and tricks for seamlessly planning the perfect destination session.
1. Call locations ahead of time
When deciding on where to have your destination session, call any locations ahead of time to make sure they allow photography. Sometimes certain locations will require you to purchase a permit before taking professional photos, so make sure you factor this into your budget.
2. Arrive early to scout out the location
If you have time, travel out one day early and scout out the location in advance so you know what you can expect during your session. You can find all the prettiest spots and determine how much time you’ll need to allow for hiking. This is going to help you feel so much more comfortable and prepared on the day of your session, especially if you will be bringing young kiddos along with!
3. Look up sunrise and sunset times
If you are planning to do sunrise or sunset photos (which I highly recommend!), make sure to look up those times for the date and location of your session. They may be very different from where you live and you don’t want to accidentally miss your chance for those golden hour photos!
4. Bring plenty of outfit options
Pack plenty of layers and extra outfit options for everyone in your family so you are prepared for any surprises in the forecast. I always recommend bringing an extra pair of shoes as well incase your first option doesn’t work well with the terrain. If you have no clue what you (let alone the rest of your family) will wear for your session, I have several Pinterest boards filled with a TON of outfit inspo and ideas for all seasons that you can check out! You can also reach out to your photographer for additional help deciding what to wear!
5. Plan around tourist season
When you are planning the timing for your photography session, make sure to take tourists into account! Call the location in advance to check what times, days, and even times of the year are the slowest and aim for those times if you can. Then you can take full advantage of a beautiful backdrop that is free of any photobombing.
6. Turn your photography session into a trip!
You’re traveling all that way anyway, might as well see the sights while you are there right?! Consider making a weekend or even a week-long trip of your session to enjoy some quality time with your family and make some new fun new memories together! If you are celebrating a big milestone for your session, this is an even better reason to make an entire vacation out of it!
Want to plan a destination photography session but working with a strict budget?
Reach out to see where I will already be traveling this year so you don’t have to pay travel fees! Then just plan your annual family vacation then too so you don’t have to take more time off work or budget for additional travel costs. It’s basically the same as a local studio session at that point right?!
Check out these other blog posts for more tips to help you plan for a smooth family session:
