Sian’s Signature Styles - Active Outdoor Kids

In this Signature Styles series I take a look a some of the photography styles that I’ve become known for and provide some insights into the types of work they are suitable for and how to get the best results if you want this style from your photo session

Whatever the time of year, there’s always something to marvel at when you’re a kid outdoors. Photographing kids outside gives me a chance to capture some of that wonder and share in the freedom that the outdoors brings. For kids who spend a lot of time outdoors anyway, being outside can make their photo session feel less odd, and they tend to relax quicker and forget all about the camera as they get back to doing what’s natural for them.

I often advise parents to choose a location that the kids are familiar with to increase that sense of normality, and help them relax.

Choice of clothing colour can make a massive difference in outdoor shots like these, so choosing colours that work together if you’re having a shoot for the whole family, and thinking about what colours will be in your chosen location can really help lift the images and give a stylish as well as natural look.

Make sure your kids have on good footwear that allows them to run and jump and make sure they can move freely in their clothes. This makes it easier for them to safely engage with the environment and is key to getting the action shots which kids always love.

Weather wise a slightly overcast day always gives you the best light and I don’t shoot with kids under 10 between 31st October and 1st April as it’s just too chilly and uncomfortable for them. Spring and autumn are the most popular times and early evening definitely has the best golden light and works well if you’ve also got teenagers to include in the session.

I always shoot a mixture of choreographed and candid shots during outdoor family sessions. By choreographed I mean that I’ll ask the kids to sit in a certain spot, or look in a certain direction and then I watch and see what they do and try to catch the best expressions, reactions and moments. I love to talk to them while we are working because when they talk about something they love you can get the best and most genuine expressions.