You can't beat a good front porch picture. Whether the kids are going back to school or the family is all dressed up for a special occasion, your front porch is the perfect photo spot. So follow along to learn the best tips for how to to take great front porch photos. All photos by Joplin family and senior photographer, April Hurst Photography.
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It's the first day of school, and the kids are wearing their new clothes and have their backpacks ready! Quick, line them up on the porch and snap the first day photo. It's a must, but first let me share a few tips to get an even better first day photo op or simply how to use that front porch to capture any occasion. As a mom myself and a family photographer, I've got a some things up my sleeve to make photographing your own kids a little easier.
Tip 1 | Do Your Photos Before the First Day!
Yes, it's true. I do back to school photos of my kids each year, but I do them before the first day of school. As a teacher myself, it's also my first day back to school. And whether you work outside the home or you're a stay-at-home mama, the first day can be stressful. The kids have been out of school all summer, and now it's go-time. Sometimes it's just hard to get out of the house that early, and some kids have the first day jitters. So at my house, we buy the outfits early and we do our back to school photos before the first day.
For me, it's a great mom-hack. I, personally, don't have to be dressed up or headed out the door so my stress level is lower, and in turn, my kids aren't stressed. I can take a few minutes to enjoy the moment and get a couple of photos that I really like. My kids are more cooperative, too, when we're not in a rush. I call that a win.
Tip 2 | Time of Day
This is my favorite tip for front porch photos! You must take them at the right time of day for your home, and that can be different for everyone. To get a great front porch pic, you need shade on the porch. There's nothing worse than facing your kids into bright sunlight and asking them to smile. Instead, you'll get squinty eyes and complaints. The best light for this type of photos is what photographers call "open shade". It means you have a shaded area, but plenty of light just beyond your porch to give you beautiful images.
For your house, a shaded porch may happen in the morning. However, if it happens in the evening take advantage of the right light at the right time of day for you.
Tip 3 | Let the Kids Include a Prop or the Beloved Family Pet
Sometimes my kids are willing participants in photos, but oftentimes, a good bribe is involved. If it's a simple and quick front porch photo, I can usually just call for the family dog and they're happy with that. For back to school, it's also fun to let them include a prop like showing off their new backpack or including some sports equipment that represents their current obsession. Using a pet they love or something they're excited about will give a willing participant. This little trick works wonders!
Tip 4 | Use Different Angles and Positions on the Porch
Lastly, since you've got them all dressed up and you're doing a trial run, get some variety in the shots. Even your front porch has options. Have them stand to see who is taller now, have them sit on the step together (maybe even hug)! Simply change your own angle to get a different vantage point or have them walk away from the door to include your beautiful home in the shot. You'll be glad you took a few extra minutes to get some different perspectives.
I can't wait to see your very own front porch pics. Here are a few of our Back to School shoots at my house. I can't wait to capture this year's soon. I have a feeling little brother may actually be just as tall as sis by the time school starts. In the meantime, soak up the last few weeks of summer. It'll be gone before we know it. And if you're looking for family photos in Joplin or the surrounding area, I'd love to connect with you. Reach out HERE.
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Gratefully,
April
Enjoy today's moments that will soon be your beautiful memories. We all know life moves too fast. I'm a Joplin area family and senior photographer who will capture the moments you cherish. I serve Joplin, Webb City, Carthage, Carl Junction and beyond.
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