Tips for outdoor family sessions during spring

Finally with the onset of spring brings in a great enthusiasm for outdoors. Family sessions especially with younger children are very popular this time. While the grass is still reviving from the after effects of harsh canadian winter and the leaves are just starting to break dormancy- this is one of the busiest time for photographers.

 There are a few tried and tested handy tips that work great for family sessions during spring. 

1.  Bright clothings- I cannot stress how much colours have a significant impact on our sensory and can elevate positive emotions. While the spring background in canadian prairies are not the lushest unlike spring in warmer climates, bright clothing adorned by kids help to pop up the ambiance of the picture captured. Warm color tones against the pale background adds an advantage of adding a great visual effect. 

2. Weather- Springtime in the prairies are known to display abrupt weather changes. Within a span of 24 hours the weather can change from windy to snowy to bright and sunny. As a kids and family photographer I keep a close eye on the weather and wind speed hour by hour. Days with minimal wind are the best. Windy days especially from the north are not my favourite to plan an outdoor family session.

3. Sunny days vs cloudy days- There are pros and cons of each these conditions year round for outdoor photoshoots. However, during spring their effect is more obvious. Bright spring sun can get intolerably harsh either for skintones or helping to keep the eyes open for participants at all ages. I remind my clients to bring their sunglasses just in case its needed. Overwhelmingly cloudy days are not the best options either. Post processing work definitely comes handy to get rid of the grains or improve the overall exposure.

4. Selecting time of the day- For family sessions I prefer the later part of the afternoon. The days start to get longer and sun rays are visible 8pm or later, scheduling a session becomes easier during spring compared to winter. Without any mosquitoes outdoor adorned by beautiful golden rays of the sun cant be a better ambiance for the families or a photographer like myself! Morning especially during spring contains frost or dew on the ground. This increases chances to develop foggy lenses that are not my favourite. Air is drier later part of the day and therefore are always preferable.