How To Plan an Outdoor Photoshoot in South Georgia
Everything you need to know for a beautiful, comfortable, and stress-free outdoor photo session in South Georgia.
Choose the Right Time of Day
One of the biggest things to think about when planning an outdoor photo shoot is what time of day you want to take your pictures. Here in South Georgia, our lighting can change quite a bit throughout the day. Early mornings can give you soft, natural light, while midday tends to be much brighter and more direct. And, of course, there’s nothing quite like that warm, golden glow you get around sunset. (Golden hour is a personal favorite of mine.) However, there really isn’t one “perfect” time for every session—it all depends on the look and feel you’re going for. I always recommend thinking about the location, the type of photos you want, and what kind of lighting will work best for your session.
Above you’ll notice that all 4 photos were taken at completely different times of day, and they all ended up looking absolutely stunning, leaving the clients feeling satisfied about the results they were striving for.
See more examples of how I use natural light in my solo portrait portfolio, featuring outdoor portraits taken throughout South Georgia.
Consider the Weather
If you’re planning an outdoor photo shoot in South Georgia, definitely keep the weather in mind! Our summers can be very hot and humid, so I usually recommend scheduling sessions early in the morning or later in the evening when the temperatures are a little more comfortable. A helpful reminder to anyone who is booking their photoshoot in the summer is to bring water and bug spray! (I actually keep bug spray in my camera bag now because the gnats and mosquitoes are no joke here!! )
Winter can be a little trickier because South Georgia weather can be unpredictable, and some days can be surprisingly cold, so make sure you dress appropriately and bring layers if needed. And then, of course, there’s rain! A little rain doesn’t always mean you have to cancel your session. If you’re willing to embrace it, rainy sessions can actually create some of the most beautiful and romantic photos. As you can see in the photo above, sometimes the weather can become part of the magic!
Consider the Season
The season you choose for your outdoor photo shoot in South Georgia can completely change the look and feel of your photos. If you love bright, lush, green backgrounds, summer is a great time for an outdoor session, although you’ll want to keep those warmer temperatures in mind. Fall can bring beautiful orange, yellow, and brown tones, while winter gives you a more muted, natural look and often comes with cooler temperatures that can make being outside much more comfortable. Spring can also bring fresh greenery and new blooms.
As a South Georgia photographer, I always recommend thinking about the type of background and overall feel you want for your photos before choosing your session date. The season you book can make a bigger difference than you might expect!
Pick a Location That Fits Your Vision
Another important part of planning your photo shoot is choosing a location that feels right for you. Indoor photo shoots can be beautiful and meaningful, especially when they take place somewhere that already feels like home, but when you take your session outdoors, the possibilities really open up!
You could have your photos taken right in your own backyard, in a beautiful field out in the country, around a downtown or city area, or somewhere else that has meaning to you. Outdoor sessions also give you more space to move around and create a variety of images.
As a Valdosta, Georgia photographer, I have worked with many local clients who often choose Downtown Valdosta, as their preferred photo location because of the endless options of photo backdrops. Downtown Valdosta has a wide variety of beautiful painted walls, and colorful buildings that clients love!
Whether you’re looking for a cozy family session at home or a wide-open South Georgia outdoor photography session, there are so many locations to choose from, and your options are almost endless!
Dress For the Environment
When choosing what to wear for your photo shoot, think about both the environment and what makes you feel confident. Of course, dressing appropriately for the weather is important, especially here in South Georgia, but you can also choose colors that complement your skin tone and look beautiful against the location you’ve chosen.
For example, if you’re taking photos outside during the summer and surrounded by green trees and grass, wearing red can create a beautiful pop of color because red and green are complementary colors. Black and white are also great choices because they tend to look beautiful against almost any background.
For ladies, flowy dresses and skirts can add a really beautiful element to candid photos, especially when you’re walking, spinning, or twirling. Most importantly, though, wear something that feels like you. Your clothing is another way to show your personality and make your photos feel more personal and meaningful. Don’t overthink it—choose something you feel comfortable and confident in, and let your personality shine through!
Browse my Family Portrait Sessions to get some outfit inspo!
Embrace the Candid Moments
One of my favorite parts of being a photographer is capturing the moments that happen in between the poses. Of course, it’s my job to guide you into poses and help you know what to do, but sometimes I’ll give you a little photo prompt or activity and let you run with it. Maybe that means holding hands and skipping together, twirling each other around, riding your horse, or simply interacting with the people you love. These little prompts can help you feel more comfortable in front of the camera while allowing your real personality to come through.
And sometimes, the best moments are the ones we never planned for at all—a genuine laugh, a silly thing your child does, or a spontaneous moment that happens naturally and just happens to be captured. You don’t have to worry about looking perfect or posing perfectly the entire time. In fact, some of the most meaningful photos come from those unplanned, candid moments, especially during family photo shoots when kids are being completely and unapologetically themselves.
So relax, have fun, and trust the process—you may just find that your favorite photo is the one you never knew was coming!
Don’t Be Afraid of Cloudy/Rainy Days
Don’t let a cloudy or rainy day automatically make you want to reschedule your photo shoot! As I mentioned earlier, rain can create some really beautiful and unique photos, but cloudy weather can be just as gorgeous.
Overcast skies can give your photos a soft, moody, and almost dreamy look that you simply can’t get from a bright, sunny day. You also don’t have to have the sun rising or setting to get beautiful lighting. Cloudy skies act almost like a natural diffuser, helping to soften the light and prevent harsh shadows or the sun from being directly in your face.
At the same time, there’s usually still plenty of natural light to keep your photos bright and clear without making them look too dark or grainy. Sometimes, cloudy skies really are the way to go—and you might be surprised by just how beautiful your photos turn out!
Leave Room for Spontaneity
Sometimes, even the best-planned photo shoot doesn’t go exactly as expected—and that’s completely okay! The four photos above are from a family session where I originally planned to photograph them in a beautiful field with tall grass. Once we arrived, we found out that one of the family members was allergic to grass, so we had to think quickly and change locations. We ended up driving about 20 minutes to a new spot with shorter grass, and we were still able to create some beautiful photos!
This is a great example of why it’s important to leave a little room for spontaneity during your South Georgia photography session. Whether it’s an unexpected allergy, changing weather, a location that doesn’t work out, or simply finding a new idea along the way, don’t be afraid to change plans.
Trust your photographer, trust the process, and remember that sometimes the unexpected changes can lead to some of the best photos!
Work With a Photographer Who Knows the Area
When planning an outdoor photo shoot, working with a photographer who knows the Valdosta, Georgia and South Georgia area can make the whole experience much easier.
As a local photographer, I know of a variety of beautiful locations around the area and can help you find a spot that fits the look and feel you’re going for. I’m also always open to new ideas and exploring new locations, especially when it comes to families and ranch owners. If you own a ranch or farm, your own property can make an incredible backdrop for photos, and I love being able to incorporate the land, horses, and surroundings that make your home special.
Whether you already have a location in mind or need help finding the perfect spot, I’m happy to work with you to make your session personal and meaningful.
Ready to plan your session? [Book a photo shoot with me here →]
