Wondering what an outdoor shoot is like? Here are the most frequently asked questions on outdoor photography shoots in County Durham.
What makes a good location for our family photoshoot?
There are plenty of locations across County Durham & the North East that make great backdrops for family and couples photographs. We have beautiful beaches from Roker, to Seaham, Crimdon and Seaton Carew, and great parks like Mowbray Park, Hardwick Park, Roker Park, and plenty of other gorgeous locations along the way like Durham riverbank, Penshaw Monument, Castle Eden Dene nature reserve and more.
You might already know where you'd like your photoshoot, like your favourite place to visit on a weekend. If not, don't worry! Just have a think about what you'd like your photos to look and feel like, and I can recommend some places.
What should we wear?
There’s no specific rule! I always say wear something you would be happy to be photographed in, but most importantly something you feel good in. The only thing I would perhaps avoid is an outfit that is entirely black or all dark colours, and clothes with big logos, but it's entirely up to you.
Consider the weather, too. We know too well that it can be unpredictable, so it's a good idea to check the forecast before you head out.
What if it rains?
I'll keep an eye on the forecast leading up to your shoot. A bit of light rain won't stop us getting some gorgeous photos, but if the forecast is for heavy rain, we can simply do the shoot earlier or later in the day, if the weather lets up, or reschedule to another day (free of charge). Brightly coloured raincoats, umbrellas, and wellies can make for some really vibrant shots and add pops of colour to a grey day.
Is there anything we need to bring?
Nope, just yourselves! If your kids have short attention spans, it’s worth maybe bringing a toy or something they can play together with, unless we’re going to a park where they’ll be entertained.
You could also consider bringing -
a hairbrush, or bobble, if it's going to be windy
a blanket, to get some nice seated photos
towels or a change of clothing if we do head to the beach and you fancy a splash in the sea!
It's your shoot so it's entirely up to you.
How long will it take?
Outdoor shoots on average last between 45 minutes and an hour. Doorstep shoots are on average 30 mins.
Is that enough time?
More than enough time! During that time we can move around the location and get a great variety of shots. Doorstep shoots naturally take less time as they’re in a smaller space than a park, but we can still get plenty of shots in half an hour.
What if my kids don’t stay still enough to pose for a photo?
Posed photoshoots can sometimes be a nightmare for kids (and adults!) who don’t want to stand around for ages forcing smiles - they just want to have fun! That’s why my photography style is informal, relaxed and candid - capturing your family’s personality & vibe. The best photos are taken when you’re having fun, laughing, and being yourselves, not standing around. We will try to get a couple of family shots, as they are lovely to have, but your favourite images will most likely be the ones you weren’t expecting or posing for.
How many photos/images do we get?
From an outdoor shoot that lasts up to an hour, you'll typically get 30-50 images from the shoot.
When and how do we get our photos?
All photos are added to a password protected page on the site that you'll be sent a link to. From here, you can download them directly onto your device, and then use them however you choose. It can take 2-3 weeks after the shoot to receive the full set, but I'll always give you a sneak peek a day or two after your shoot!
Are there any hidden costs?
Nope! You pay for the shoot and that includes digital copies of your photographs, which you can access and download directly from your page on my site.