Dayton, OH: Summer Family Session
The Cox Arboretum in Dayton, OH is no secret to locals or photographers when it comes to prime photo locations. This MetroPark is absolutely gorgeous and very well-maintained throughout each season. Thankfully, it’s large enough that when it's prom season or the flowers are blooming, there’s plenty of foliage to hide yourself from photobombers. The best part about finding well-kept parks with gardens is the variety of backdrops available for a session. There are many more opportunities to walk from place to place to shake up the look of your overall gallery!
A note for people who have stage fright! If you are already feeling on edge about taking photos, then picking a location with lots of other people might not be the best choice for you. My family on this evening had no problems with other park-goers walking by or waiting our turn to get into an area that was also being used by other photographers. For whatever reason, when a camera is involved, there’s a general curiosity about who and what is being photographed. So if you want complete privacy while being out at a public park for your session, be sure to specify your location preferences to be more secluded.
Client Tips!
Let the kids run wild. Let them stick out their tongues, play in the dirt, tell jokes, and really just let them be! I understand the urge as a parent to tell your kids to sit still, smile, and look at the camera. I promise you, that shot is easy to get. The pictures that are worth it are the ones where your kids feel like they have permission to show their true personality. It takes a minute for babies, kids, and even teens to loosen up when having a long black lens pointed right at them. Giving them the freedom to interact with me, their setting, and maybe even props that are included, will give your kids the opportunity to showcase their natural behavior that you see on a daily basis. And then one day, if a wedding slideshow of childhood photos is needed, you'll have an arsenal of pictures ready!