Here’s the thing about choosing where to take family photos:

Everyone assumes you need a perfect backdrop. Golden hour light at the beach. Peak fall color on the trails. That one location you saw on someone’s feed and saved for “someday.”

But I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately.

Sometimes the best family photos happen in the most ordinary places.

So which is better for family photos, at home or outside on location?

I’ve photographed families in both settings for years now.

And here’s what I’ve noticed:

For at-home family photos:

You’d be surprised how many incredible moments unfold in living rooms. Or kitchens. Or backyards. The genuine moments tucked within everyday living and the comfort of being cocooned in your own space.

Everyone’s shoulders drop. The kids show me their rooms. Dogs photobomb constantly.

Parents can actually sit down and enjoy the process without feeling like they’re herding cats in a public setting. (Gramps can even snooze on the sofa.)

Nobody’s stressed about forgetting a change of clothes or finding parking.
They’re just… there.
Being themselves.

Sure, you might feel inclined to tidy up a bit, but there’s a certain magic in the mess, too. A true snapshot of life right here, right now.

For outside family photos on location:

Now don’t get me wrong, there’s real magic in outdoor family photos, too.

That light at Sleeping Bear Dunes at 7 p.m.? It’s something else. The backdrop is stunning.
Everyone shows up dressed and ready. No dishes in the background. It might be your family’s favorite spot in the world to just breathe a little, to be together. It might be the one spot you can bribe everyone to actually show up for. It just depends on your people.

And Northern Michigan has no shortage of great spots for creating memories and documenting them in the great outdoors.

Some of my favorite outdoor family photo spots are:

The Real Question About Where to Take Family Photos

It’s not really about which is “better.” It’s about which fits your family right now.

If your kids are under 5, home might mean actual naps happen and nobody melts down after 30 minutes.

If you’ve got teenagers who roll their eyes at everything, neutral territory sometimes helps. Plus they can’t hide in their rooms.

Your family bonds over Saturday morning chaos? Let’s document that.

Your crew comes alive on hiking trails? Let’s go there.

The location matters less than you think…
The connection matters more than you know.

I’ve seen stunning photos happen in apartment hallways. And awkward disasters at the most beautiful venues.

The magic isn’t in the WHERE. It’s in the WHO and the HOW.

(Though I’ll admit, my own family photos from last week happened in our backyard. Mainly because nobody wanted to put on real pants. Including me.)

Still trying to figure out where to take your family photos?

Think about where your family is most themselves. Where the real stuff happens. Where you’d want to remember them exactly as they are right now.

Start there.

(And if you want to talk through the options, I’m always happy to help figure out what makes sense for your crew.)

Let’s discuss your perfect Northern Michigan family photo session →

I’m Dan–a Traverse City photographer, husband, and dad of four.

For the past 17 years, I’ve had the honor of documenting life as it really is: loud laughs, quiet glances, moments that matter. Whether it’s weddings or families, this work is personal. It’s about holding on to what matters and preserving those moments to look back on.

Learn more about my family sessions →