Some people want an indoor photoshoot because they are wanting a particular vibe or style, like a retro skating rink or an aquarium surrounded by fish. Some choose an indoor locaiton because that location means a lot to them personally, maybe its the hallways of the school where they first met 13 years ago or the restaurant where they went on their first date.

Other times, clients are looking for last minute inspiration for their photo session because we live in the midwest and that means crazy weather. April could mean 70 degrees and sunny with green grass and fragrant florals. Or, it could mean, snow covered grounds and trees that are still completely bare. September might mean pouring rain, hot humidity, or that perfect fall day you’re dreaming of. And, while rescheduling is always allowed and even encouraged depending on what type of session we are doing, sometimes it might be best to keep the date and look for an indoor location.

when to consider an indoor shoot

1.) You are on a deadline.

Some sessions are on a time limit. Like if maternity sessions or potentially engagement sessions (if you are set on having a photo on your save the dates and aren’t okay with sending one with just words). But if the day you scheduled your session it’s pouring rain, 15 degrees outside, or 115 degrees outside, you might want to consider an indoor option.

2.) Elderly people are involved.

It’s not uncommon for me to get a lot of requests for an extended family session around the holidays when everyone is traveling home to be together. Often it involves someone elderly, about to be 80 or 90 years old. So, in these situations, indoor is often better. Hiking trails to pose in front of fields of long grass isn’t always an option. So, hotel lobby’s with matching furniture, gorgeous fireplaces, and comfy couches for grandma to sit at in between shots is helpful.

3.) Newborn/young kids are involved.

Newborn sessions I generally do in the studio. And outside of the few family/sibling images that my newborn package includes, I don’t do family images in my studio for spacing and posing reasons. Which is why, when it comes to family sessions, I recommend rescheduling as opposed to choosing an indoor option.

When getting family photos or photos with their kids, clients often want raw, emotional, playful, candid feeling photos. Things like, your toddler running into your arms and thrown into the air like an airplane. You spinning your baby girl around in circles under the sunset. Your two kids, hand-in-hand, racing toward the camera. Piggy back rides, sitting on dad’s shoulders, etc. Many indoor locations have restrictions on noise and don’t allow or even have enough space for “play.”