best family portrait locations in Kansas City
Outdoor sessions are easy and relaxed
I know families like to have portraits made in natural spaces where they’ll feel comfortable and relaxed which is why I love the variety and freshness that portraits on location offer.
Loose Park, Nelson-Atkins Museum and West Bottoms are classics
When people ask where to have their location portraits made I often reommend Loose Park, the Nelson-Atkins Museum, and the West Bottoms. I’ve been photographing in these spaces for years because they’re Kansas City classics and there’s loads of options for great portraits in each one—gorgeous grounds, fabulous color, bridges, steps, columns, ponds, flowers, color. And each one has easy parking, too.
Your home may be the ideal location for your portraits
You spend much of your life in and around your home, why not use it as the background for your family portraits? Portraits made at your home add a personal touch and young children are often more relaxed in an environment they know than one that’s new and different.
Comfortable clothing is a must
It’s important to wear comfortable, unfussy clothing for outdoor portraits. If your family has very young children you will most likely be seated in some of your portraits so consider that when deciding on what to wear. Certain poses will show the feet so be sure to consider shoes when dressing. Bare feet are adorable in family portraits, even family portraits made outside, so long as the weather isn’t too cold.
Clothing with colors and tones that go together makes for visually pleasing portraits
Clothes don’t have to match; for a unified look consider dressing in color families—blues, greens, rusts, reds, blacks/charcaols—these all look great outside. If you’re not sure your clothing ‘works’ together try placing the pieces together on a bed or table and look at it to see if anything jumps out or simply doesn’t go; if that’s the case remove that item and try another.
My location portraits are quick, efficient and fun
I know children get restless and being photographed can be stressful which is why I work quickly and efficiently without rushing. I photograph the entire family together, the children individually, siblings together, parents together, and any other combinations you’d like—just ask!