Studio portraits were once the only option you had. Then location sessions blew up as the newest and greatest thing. And both can give you beautiful portraits. So, why choose a studio session over location?
#1 - Studio sessions are easier to schedule.
They aren't dependent on the weather. So many times I've had to reschedule location sessions due to weather. Either too cold, too rainy, or sometimes even too hot. The temperature is always just right in the studio, and it never rains inside.
They aren't dependent on the time of day. When I do location sessions, I always want to do them within an hour and a half of sunset. That is the best time of day for outdoor lighting, but not always the best time of day when it comes to Timmy's nap time or your work schedule. You can choose the best time for you and your family and not try to make everything work around sunset.
#2 - Studio sessions are more convenient.
Easy access and parking. Depending on where you do a location session, parking might be difficult and you might have to walk quite a ways to get to the exact location of your shoot.
Changing your clothes is easy. No crouching down out of view in your car or hoping to find a (dirty) bathroom.
Bathroom. Enough said here.
Changing Table. I have one in the studio for you to use to change a diaper or to set your little one on to change outfits.
#3 - Studio sessions are more comfortable.
Temperature and conditions are controlled. No need to sweat or freeze during your session. (Well, I'll be sweating, because I almost always do during sessions. Fair warning. But you don't have to.) Want a little air-blown look to your hair? We can do that with a fan at the right speed and direction. But you won't have to worry about it blowing your hair across your face or blowing up your skirt.
Nature's nags won't be an issue. The last thing you need during a session is a miserable mosquito attack, itchy grass or to take home a tick. Not to mention those sneaky snakes.
#4 - Studio sessions have less distractions.
No strangers will be watching you. Depending on the location, there could be many onlookers surrounding your session which isn't comfortable for some people.
Kids can't run off as easily. There's plenty of silly chaos in the studio, but sometimes not having a totally free roam option helps.
#5 - Studio sessions can offer variety.
Backdrops. You can have a choice of what background colors not only go well with your outfits, but would also go well with your home decor if you get your images off your computer and onto your walls - which you should.
Wardrobe. If you want to switch up your outfits, you can easily change during your session time and add more variety to your gallery.
Props. I have a selection of settees, chairs, benches, and stools - as well as baskets, rugs, and blankets for the babies. Or you can choose to have no props at all, just you and the backdrop.
#6 - Studio sessions always have perfect lighting.
No worrying about harsh sun or lack of sun. I use a strobe and diffuser for a beautiful soft light that
is always perfect no matter what time of day. And it can look the same, if not better, than real sunlight.
#7 - Studio sessions focus on the subjects, not the surroundings.
Not season specific. Your portraits can hang on your wall in the winter and not have a spring or fall theme going on in the background, or vice versa.
Location doesn't distract from the subjects. The beauty of the park or lake or whatever is in the background won't take away from the beauty of who is in the picture.
More classic, timeless look.
So, both studio and location sessions can be fun and beautiful. You just have to decide if you want a theme in the background and everything that goes along with that, or if you want simplicity that allows the subjects to be the focus and give you a more timeless look.
Comments