![\"Boy](\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/outdoor_photoshoots_2.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\nThe most basic consideration in learning how to do a photoshoot outside is your approach. More specifically, should you control the scene, or just document moments as they happen? According to Saraya, the ability to shift between both is key.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve found it\u2019s best to utilise a mixture of the two. I always arrive at a location 15 minutes before the subjects, purely to check the light and look for possible backdrops for images. This ensures I have key shots already planned and, once captured, I\u2019m free to be more creative.<\/p>\n
\u201cNothing is entirely set in stone. If I discover an interesting idea while shooting, I\u2019ll always follow that new avenue.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor the photographer, I suppose the difference between the planned and impromptu images is confidence. Pre-prepared shots ensure you have something strong to offer the client.\u201d Naturally, the same applies if you\u2019re capturing your own moments.<\/p>\n
\u201cOften, the unplanned images are the more interesting and experimental ones,\u201d Saraya continues. \u201cThese are the shots that help develop my creativity and give us the opportunity to stand out as photographers!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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![\"Young](\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/outdoor_photoshoots_3.jpg?width=581&height=363\")
<\/li>\n![\"Young](\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/outdoor_photoshoots_4.jpg?width=581&height=363\")
<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWhen, where and how?<\/h2>\n
As with any facet of photography, lighting is everything when it comes to outdoor family shots. Within her creative process, Saraya focuses on two things.<\/p>\n
\u201cNaturally, I look for the most flattering light for my subject which, more often than not, is during the golden hours. However, this isn\u2019t always realistic.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen working with children, I\u2019m aware that they\u2019re generally more energetic and expressive in the mornings. So, I advise my clients to think about timings if they have younger ones. Considering their routine will always give you a better chance of successful portraits.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t tend to supplement the natural light with flash, but I do take a reflector to lift it when needed. Again, though, be cautious not to lose the momentum of the session \u2013 especially with children.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
![\"Young](\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/outdoor_photoshoots_5.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\nJust like pint-sized subjects, groups also require special attention. It\u2019s a crucial step in learning how to take a good family portrait.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe challenge is the ability to capture everyone looking their best. I do this by spending more time shooting than I normally would with a singular subject. I\u2019ll also set a longer playback, to review the expressions and placement of each person, then reshoot if I need to,\u201d says Saraya.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe wonderful thing is that group shots make natural connections easier. I love the interaction and energy of a family or group of close friends. I simply set up the frame and ask them to look at each other, then watch them come to life in front of my lens.\u201d<\/p>\n
The same may not be said for more bashful solo subjects.<\/p>\n
\u201cReading body language, making people feel comfortable and drawing out emotion are skills that, for me, come above the technicalities of photography.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith children, I try to make the shoot fun and will play games all the way through, so they are not really aware of the camera. With any subject, some attention will lead to more relaxed and natural expressions. And to capture a really engaging, professional portrait, probably the most important element with children is to get down to their level viewpoint and take the image on their eye line.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
![\"Young](\"https:\/\/fujifilm-x.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/outdoor_photoshoots_6.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nFUJIFILM X-T2 + XF50-140mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR \u2013 F2.8, ISO 100, 1\/125 sec<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Secondary as it is in this pro\u2019s own workflow, some consideration of the camera is a must. Without a set of well-captured pictures, an outdoor family photoshoot is just a day out \u2013 nice as it may be.<\/p>\n
Saraya carries less than many would imagine of a professional, but it goes to show that one powerful tool is better than many. For her, it\u2019s the FUJIFILM X-T4<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Go-to portrait lenses include the XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR<\/a> and XF50-140mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR<\/a> to cover all bases. Her photo bag is rounded out by spare cards and batteries, a tripod and a small first aid box.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy motto is travel light, work simply and have everything I need to-hand in an instant!\u201d<\/p>\n
There\u2019s also nothing unnecessarily complex about the way Saraya uses her set-up.<\/p>\n
\u201cI expose solely in manual mode. If something isn\u2019t correct, it\u2019s simple for me to change a setting to achieve the intended outcome.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n