Great family and couples photos are mainly the result of a good photographer, not the location. Still, choosing the right location for your session can significantly influence the atmosphere and final images. Here are some tips for choosing the right location, what to keep in mind when planning, and which apps can make everything easier.  

In this article, you’ll learn:

• How to choose locations for family or couples photography that help your clients feel comfortable and natural. 
• Why well-known or “epic” locations aren’t always the best choice. 
• When it’s better to shoot at home, outdoors, or in the city. 
• How to work with locations that have personal meaning for your clients.  
• What to consider in terms of light and time of day when planning a shoot. 
• Which apps can help you plan locations and lighting conditions for your session. 

Photograph your clients where they feel most comfortable. There’s no need to search for epic, breathtaking locations. These are often overcrowded, and if your couple is more introverted, the crowd can get in the way of natural expressions. It can also distract you, since you’ll constantly be checking whether anything or anyone is getting in your shot. Some people love nature, others prefer medieval castles, and some are drawn to the charm of rusty industrial settings. And for others, nothing beats the comfort of their own home.  

Of course, your clients’ favorite places and interests don’t automatically guarantee great results. They give you a framework to work with—a good starting point for the entire process. Each location has its own characteristics that need to be considered. At the same time, you need to work with the general principles of light to get the most out of it. Let’s take a look at how the process of choosing a location might unfold. 

Choosing a location with personal meaning for your clients

The best family photos often happen in the most ordinary places, where the family feels most comfortable. Your clients can give you valuable guidance here. Ask them about places that are meaningful to them. It might be their favorite café or a path they walk regularly. For family sessions, it could be a playground or favorite ice cream shop.  

You can ask your client: “What would you want to preserve in your memories if life were to change dramatically tomorrow?” Their answer might include everyday activities—baking with their children, picking fruit in the garden, walking the dog, or sharing a glass of wine with their partner. Over time, capturing these moments will become truly meaningful for them. 

When to choose an indoor session

Maybe your client hasn’t chosen a specific location, but you understand what connects them. When should you choose to shoot indoors?  

Home interiors are especially suitable for family photos with infants or young children who feel safest in a familiar environment. This helps them forget about the photographer.  

Children are easily distracted by their favorite toys or everyday activities. Many family sessions take place entirely at home. With very young children, there’s also a practical side. Parents have everything they need nearby, which helps them feel at ease. The home doesn’t need to look like it belongs in a magazine, it doesn’t even have to be perfectly tidy. What matters is that it’s an authentic environment that reflects the clients.  

Home can also be a great choice for couples sessions. Sometimes all you need is a garden, a terrace, a sofa, or a window with soft light. At-home sessions create very personal photos—it’s not about how “photogenic” the space is, but about the people in it. 

A studio is another indoor option, offering full control over lighting and other conditions. While it’s harder to create a spontaneous atmosphere in a studio, it’s a practical alternative during bad weather. You can also use other indoor spaces—these don’t have to be grand historical buildings. A simple wall with good light, an interesting color element, or even a botanical garden is enough.  

Outdoor family photos: Parks, cities, and nature

Most sessions take place outdoors. For older children, a favorite park or playground is a great choice. It encourages movement and fun, helping them forget they’re being photographed.   

With more active clients, you can go for a short walk, pick flowers in a meadow, or even fly a kite. A varied setting gives you more opportunities to capture authentic moments. You might visit a favorite monument, a lookout point, rock formations, or a field of daisies. These walks often feel like a pleasant stroll with friends, and it’s almost certain your clients will feel relaxed during them.  

A city walk creates a completely different atmosphere. The setting includes passersby, traffic, and the daily hustle and bustle of urban life. What makes the city most interesting is its unpredictability. You can capture spontaneous, unplanned moments and turn them into unique photographs.   

Working with light when choosing a location 

No matter where you shoot, you should always consider lighting conditions. This is especially true if you’re planning your session around the golden hour. Where will the sun be at sunset? Where will the light fall? When exactly does the sun set? It’s not enough to rely on approximate times from Google. In mountainous areas, for example, the sun can disappear behind the mountains much earlier than expected. 

Forest locations are another popular example. During the day, a dense forest can provide beautiful shade. The same goes for sunset. But if your timing is off, you may end up in very low light, with no sparkle in your subjects’ eyes. While this can work for a few mysterious or fairytale-like shots, it’s not ideal for an entire session. That’s why it helps to combine forest locations with open spaces like meadows, where you have access to plenty of good light.  

Mobile apps for finding the right location 

Several apps are extremely useful when planning your shoot. A good map app is essential. For example, Mapy.com offers detailed topographic and tourist maps that clearly show the terrain and points of interest. This gives you a good overview of nearby buildings, rivers, lakes, etc. Some apps also let you measure distances between points, helping you avoid unexpectedly long or difficult routes. 

Other useful apps include AllTrails, which provides hiking routes and real user photos. Google Maps is a classic for navigation. For weather, apps like Windy or Windguru offer reliable short-term forecasts and radar. Finally, The Photographer’s Ephemeris shows the exact position of the sun and moon for a specific time and location.

FAQs

What are the best places for family and couples photos? 

The best location is one where your clients feel comfortable and relaxed. This can be at home, in a park, on a playground, or somewhere they visit regularly.  

Is it better to do family photos at home or outdoors? 

It depends on the situation. Indoor sessions are especially suitable for young children who feel safe at home. Outdoor sessions offer more space and natural movement. 

When is the best time for outdoor family photos? 

The best time is during the golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, when the light is soft and warm.

What are good locations for couples photography? 

Natural settings like meadows, forests, or mountains are popular, as well as city streets, historical landmarks, or places that are meaningful for the couple. 

How can you find out where the sun will be during your shoot? 

Mobile applications like The Photographer’s Ephemeris show the exact position of the sun based on time and location. 

What mobile apps help with finding a location? 

Useful apps include Mapy.com, Google Maps, AllTrails, Windy, and The Photographer’s Ephemeris. They help with navigation, weather, and planning light.