Choosing the right location can make your family photoshoot a more enjoyable experience. So following on from my blog about beach locations I will now look at the reality of choosing the woods for your photoshoot.

The woods are suitable for all ages and provide a stunning backdrop to beautiful portraits.

• Babies love the calming surroundings of the woods. The ever changing sky of leaves will hold their attention and the diffused light means you don’t have to worry about looking for shade for your precious little baby. It is possible to bring a blanket and take photos of your baby lying down.

• Toddlers will be excited to wander and explore woods. They have a fascination with sticks, leaves and flowers and it is almost a given that the majority of the photos will feature a stick! If your toddler isn’t used to woods there is a risk that they will fall at some point, given the uneven nature of the woodland floor. Are you happy to have scuffed knees in your photo - if yes then this is the spot for you!

• The woods are exciting for younger kids and while they won’t play at speed they will slow down to climb trees and rocks. There is an almost magical sense to the woods and looking for fairy doors or creatures can ignite the imagination in all children. it is the perfect place for close up portraits.

• Tweens and Teens can use a wooded location to show off their climbing skills. Trees, rock and walls allow them to dictate the pace. In the calm surrounds you may find your teen is happier to be still for a portrait photo to be taken.

• Pets this is an exciting location to include your family pet and will bring a new dimension to your family photos, however if they take after a rabbit it might throw the photoshoot a curve ball! It may be better bring your pet to the beach or the park where there is more open space.

• Couples The woods are romantic and offer magical lighting. Who wouldn’t have a photo where the sun naturally creates fairy lights behind you through the trees?

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