Choosing to have an outdoor photo session is a lesson in letting go, just a little bit…
One thing I love about doing outdoor sessions is that nature plays a BIG-ass role, and that it can be totally unpredictable. A lot of photographers—and families—may not enjoy this aspect…it can make planning tricky. For the photographer: What settings will I use? How will I direct for best light? What if the sky doesn’t dazzle? For the family: What will we wear to match the surroundings? What if conditions aren’t perfect? What if they sky doesn’t dazzle?
Personally, I love the not knowing. Outdoor photography is a really good exercise in letting go. Let’s let ourselves be surprised. Let’s see what happens. Let’s see what this moment presents to us. Let’s make a memory that is uncontrolled and real, so when you hold your photos ten or twenty years from now you say, “Wow! Remember that crazy thing that happened with the sky on that day? That was really fantastic, and I’m glad we experienced it together.”
We do a lot of planning in our modern lives, so much so it feels like everything we do is planned. This can lead to a lack of awe. Letting nature play a role in even just that hour you have a photo session can evoke awe, not just for that one hour, but every single time you look at your photographs.
The ten photos in this blog are from the same one-hour session with Oshie, Kona, and their parents. The sky changed quite a bit from the beginning to the end—what a beautiful experience, and stunning photos. This is not something that can be controlled, not every session will have bold, colorful skies, but it’s awe-some to see what you are given. There is such beauty in it all. Overcast, soft gray skies lends the most beautiful, flattering light, and some of my favorite photographs have been on unassuming sky days.
Letting go feels amazing. What you will be given will be always be beautiful if you are with who you love. •
Amy Olivieri Photographer specializes in documentary-style, candid family, dog and event photography in the Jacksonville, Atlantic Beach, and St. Augustine, Florida areas. I would love to begin planning YOUR photo session. View more of my life with dogs and pet end of life photography work HERE. Having a birthday party or small event? Check out some of my event work. If you’re interested in a family, newborn, engagement, or grandparent session and would like to learn more, click HERE. To get in touch, simply go HERE. I really look forward to hearing from you!
