It 100% might be the summer vibes talking, but everything is 10x better when it’s outside. Golden light, critters flying around and wildflowers are a few things I love SO MUCH, and Tennessee summers just really bring it all in the best damn way!!! So, if you’re planning a fam photoshoot soon… I’ll always recommend outdoor family pictures as a Knoxville family photographer. Not only do you get all of the things I mentioned, but it also gives you guys a TON of space to be yourselves!!
If you’re intrigued, I love you already. Keep reading to see everything to know about taking outdoor family pictures, plus some inspo from Amber and Melissa’s family maternity session at home!!
Why I LOVE Outdoor Family Pictures as a Knoxville Family Photographer
There are a million and one reasons that I love taking family photos outside. It gives the kids room to run, the lighting is pretty much always good AF, it gives cottagecore forest fairy energy, and it just feels so FREE.
You also get essentially limitless photo opportunities, depending on your location (which we’ll get into, of courseee), which is something that ALWAYS gets me as a Knoxville family photographer!!
The Kind of Family That Outdoor Family Pictures Fit Hella Well
When a fam reaches out and says that they want outdoor family pictures, I basically ALWAYS find that they’re the type of people who:
- Would rather let their kids play than beg them to smile
- Want photos with movement instead of everyone standing in a line
- Would characterize their family as affectionate, chaotic, goofy, quiet, wild (or some combination of all five)
- Want photos that ACTUALLY feel like this season of their life
- Don’t want their family photos to feel like a performance
- Have some high-energy kids who love to run around and get messy
- Are carefree, laidback, and cool AF
If that doesn’t sound like you, let me gently redirect you to my studio family photos blog post (which I truly do love just as much)!!
Everything to Know About Planning Your Outdoor Family Photos
Okay, let’s get into the planning side. I promise it’s not boring, because outdoor family pictures are just too damn fun all around!! Here’s everything you need to know for your session:
The Best Time of Year to Take Outdoor Family Pictures
As I said before… I’m a summer gal. I just LOVE a good southern summer!! Truly, though, any season works for outdoor family pictures. So if picturing yourself outside in the Tennessee summer heat makes you want to peel your skin off (valid), or you’re already shivering while imagining being outside in the winter, don’t feel like those are your only options, babes. There’s no “right” season. We’ll pick whatever makes sense for your family.
Spring family photos are perfect for the family who’s a little soft and calm. Summer is great for the bold, energetic ones. Fall is basically just picture-perfect in Tennessee for ANYBODY, and winter gives you the chance to get some really unique Christmas-themed photos (like this mini-session I offer)!!
When I’m your Knoxville family photographer, I’m always here to help you pick what works best for your family, and I’ll help you plan your outside family photos no matter what the weather’s like. I gotchu!! I’ll help you figure out the season, location, light, outfits, and timing based on YOUR family, not some blanket rule about what family photos are supposed to look like!! Have a toddler who melts down at 7:00 pm? Cool. We’re probably not planning your entire session around a “perfect” sunset time. Good photos aren’t worth making your entire family miserable for, TRUST.
Where to Take Your Outdoor Family Pictures Near Knoxville
Tennessee is pretty much the home of gorgeous outdoor spots, so if you’re looking for a family photoshoot location near Knoxville, you’re DEF covered.
Here are some spots that I love every time!!:
- Lakeshore Park – one of my favorites for Knoxville families who want a little bit of everything without turning family photos into a whole-ass expedition. There’s plenty of room for kids to move, gorgeous greenery, open areas, and enough variety that we can create a full gallery without dragging your family from location to location.
- Fort Dickerson Park – water views AND mountain views?? Sign me up!! Plus, it’s another place where your kids are free to roam without you having to chase them around everywhere.
- Downtown Knoxville – there are just some super cute city street spots and storefronts that would be ADORABLE for a small family!!! You can see some inspo from a downtown Knox engagement session I captured. Plus, being able to pop into a few storefronts to grab some drinks, candies, or treats?? Love that.
At-Home Family Photos
My last location on the list deserves its own spot, because outdoor family pictures at home?? They hit different.
Your home base is my personal FAVORITE option for family photos with kids. They’re the most comfy in their own space with their own toys, and not having to load everyone and everything up in the car?? HUGE bonus!!
If you’re reading this and thinking, “Yeah, no. Our backyard is NOT a photo location,” that’s just because you see it every damn day. Trust me. And that’s exactly why I love it. Ten years from now, you’re not only going to see what your family looked like, but you’ll also remember the backyard your babies ran around in, their favorite toys scattered everywhere, the dog following them around, and the tiny routines that felt completely ordinary at the time. And that’s the kind of session that I’m OBSESSED with getting pics of.
What to Wear for Outdoor Family Pictures (By Season!!)
Obviously, weather will be different every season, but there are a few main recommendations I have for family photo outfits no matter WHAT season you’re in:
- Coordinate, don’t match. Have a color palette that’s based around neutral or earthy colors, and have everyone’s outfits build on that!!
- I’m never going to tell you that you can’t wear something you love because of some random photography rule, but if everyone shows up in competing patterns… Your eyeballs are gonna have a lot going on when you look at your pics. Try choosing one or two statement pieces and building everyone else’s outfits around them instead!!
- Wear what makes you all COMFORTABLE!! We’ll never get photos that show off who you guys are if you’re not feeling comfortable, confident, and totally you in what you’re wearing!! Self-expression ALWAYS gets a yes from me.
For summer outdoor family pictures, wear something you won’t burn up in. Soft fabrics like linen or chiffon are always a good idea, and light base tones with pops of color are always a dream!! I love a family wearing neutrals with pops of hot pinks or bright yellows in things like jewelry and shoes. 10/10.
I am OBSESSED with pastels for spring. With blooming flowers and soft light, something about a pastel color palette just gives a soft, calm feel for your pics!! I’m also a sucker for flowy long dresses, and stripes for one of the designated pattern-wearers.
Denim + fall = a match made in Heaven. Tennessee fall brings the most INCREDIBLEEE color palette that you can base all your outfits on, but just know that if you wear denim-on-denim… You’ll be one of my fave clients ever.
For winter, you can either go classic and cozy with tons of layers, or a little funky and do Christmas sweaters!! I love the personality and character that it adds to your pics, and when you pair it with Santa hats and some fun, retro Christmas props??? Yeahhh, it has my heart.
What to Bring to an Outdoor Family Photoshoot
Your fave Knoxville family photographer has the ULTIMATE list of everything to bring to your outdoor family pictures. You know I gotchu!!:
- Water and snacks (even treats if you need them to get your kiddos to cooperate!!)
- Some of your kids’ favorite toys
- Any props you want (ultrasounds if they’re maternity photos, flowers, anything that makes your family who you are!!)
- Your pets, if you want to
- A change of clothes or shoes for the little ones
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- A blanket in case anyone needs to take a sit break
A Knoxville Family Photographer’s Tips for Getting Kids to Cooperate for Family Photos
You might be reading this and thinking, “Yeah, no, my kids would NEVER cooperate enough to do family photos.” Honestly, though… That’s the way it should be!!
The BEST family pics will come from when everyone is being themselves, so my top tip?? Don’t worry about getting your kids picture-perfect. Let them be kids!! A little messy, unpredictable, and wild makes for some of the best, most natural photos.
Amber, Melissa, & Indy’s Stinkin’ ADORABLE Summer-Inspired Fam/Maternity Photos!!
Amber and Melissa took basically every tip I’ve given in this blog post and rolled it into one absolute DREAM family photoshoot. They took their pictures outside, in the summer, at their home, in the COOLEST outfits, all while letting their little girl, Indy, be exactly who she is. LOVE!! And I have to say… their vibes are incredible. They’re the boho fairy moms of my dreams, and the pictures show it!!
Idk if my favorite part was the picnic where Indy ate watermelon slices, her playing fairies with her wand in her backyard, getting pictures with her chickens, or the little baby doll that she’s been taking care of while waiting on her baby sibling!! It was all TOO damn adorable.
These two found me because they were looking for an LGBTQ+ Knoxville family photographer, and I could NOTTT be more thrilled to have captured these moments for them. Two moms with another baby on the way is enough to have me crying in the club!! And the way they listened when I told them to relax, do their regular routine, pretend I wasn’t there, and not take anything too seriously?? Queens.
Wild Alchemy Photo | LGBTQ+ Knoxville Family Photographer
If you want family photos where your kids can run around, nobody has to pretend to be perfectly behaved, and you can actually enjoy hanging out with your favorite humans while I handle the rest… Yeah, we’re probably gonna get along real damn well!!
You can inquire right here, and we’ll plan the family session that feels FULLY like you!!
