Part 2 of a two-part series on choosing between studio and outdoor portrait sessions.
In Part 1, we played inside the studio, where it was more private, climate-controlled, and simply perfect for one-on-one time, confidence, and comfort. Today, we’re flinging the doors open and heading outside.
Because sometimes, a fairy needs room to run and dance.
If you’ve ever pictured yourself in a flowing gown running through the trees, perched on a huge boulder like a warrior, or lounging at the water’s edge with a shimmering tail. An outdoor session might be exactly what you want.
Let’s step out into the wild and make some magic.
What an Outdoor Session Feels Like
An on- location session is an adventure in itself. We meet at a spot that fits your story, whether that’s the mountains of Wrightwood, the Mormon rock formations in the high desert, or our sandy Southern California coastline.
Then we can explore.
Instead of a backdrop made of paper or fabric, you get the actual world. Wind in your hair. Pine needles under your feet. Real light filtering through trees. You’re not just posing in a setting; you’re living the story.
It’s a different kind of magic than the studio has.
Room to Dance and Frolic
The studio is wonderful for light control and precision. The outdoors is made for jumping and adventure.
Outside, you can run through a meadow with your gown trailing behind you, spin until your skirt fans out like a flower, or walk barefoot along a forest path. That movement creates portraits full of life and energy. The kind that feels like you’re living in a fantasy.
If you’re someone who feels awkward standing still but comes alive when you’re moving, an outdoor session can feel more natural. The session becomes play, and the portraits follow.
Wrightwood: An Enchanted Forest
We are so lucky to have Wrightwood in our backyard. Tall pine trees, moss and boulders, filtered light, and seasons that change. It’s the closest thing to a storybook woodland you’ll find in Southern California. (Yes, Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead exist, but I’m on the opposite side of the 15 fwy).
Wrightwood is perfect for:
Fairies and woodland elves who belong among the trees
Fantasy maternity sessions with flowy gowns and running through the forest
Forest witches, druids, and sorceresses with a moodier, mystical vibe
Renaissance and medieval looks that feel at home in the wilderness
Every season in the mountains brings a different mood. Spring feels fresh and hopeful. Fall glows warm and golden. And winter, when we get snow, can turn the whole forest into an ice queen’s dream.
Desert Rocks for an Out-of-This-World Adventure
The High Desert has a landscape you simply can’t fake. Huge rocks and boulders, big blue skies, and rustic terrain that sometimes looks like it belongs on another planet.
That makes it the perfect setting for a sci-fi, galaxy-far-away type session. Think desert-planet explorers, space rebels, bounty hunters, and warrior heroes. You can climb the rocks with the horizon behind you. Add a flowy cloak or a costume you’ve been dying to wear, and we’ll create portraits that look like you’re in a movie.
It’s not only for sci-fi fans, either. Desert rocks make an incredible stage for warrior queens, wandering nomads, and anyone who wants to feel larger than life.
Mermaids, Sirens, and Sea Nymphs
Some stories begin at the water’s edge. Let’s dip our toes in.
A beach session is excitement for anyone who has ever dreamed of being a mermaid. Picture a shimmering tail draped across the sand, waves washing around you, and soft coastal light glowing on your skin. Or go darker and more mysterious with a siren feel, you lying on the rocks as the sun sinks into the ocean.
Beach sessions are also lovely for sea goddesses, ocean fairies, and flowing fantasy maternity portraits with the waves as your backdrop. There’s something about the sound of the ocean that makes everyone relaxed and calm.
Natural Light and Real Scenery
Indoors, I build the light. Outdoors, I chase it, and there’s nothing quite like it. Sometimes it even angers me. Ha!
Golden hour in the forest. Soft, even light on an overcast coastal afternoon. The last splash of sunset over the desert. These moments are fleeting, and that’s part of what makes them special. Combined with my fine art training, natural light creates a painterly, luminous feel that’s truly one of a kind.
And real scenery adds depth and texture that make your portraits feel immersive and authentic. When those images become wall art in your home, you’re not just looking at a portrait. You’re looking at a place, and remembering a moment.
An Experience You’ll Remember Forever
A location session isn’t just about the portraits. It’s an outing, a little adventure, a day you’ll talk about for years.
Clients often tell me the experience itself became a core memory: the giggles while climbing on huge rocks, the cold water on their toes, the moment they twirled in the forest and felt completely free. It’s a chance to step outside of everyday life and play pretend again, the way we did as kids.
And the joy? It shows up in every image.
Who is This For? The Adventurous Spirit
A location session is a wonderful fit for:
Fantasy lovers who want their story set in a real-world landscape
Fantasy maternity clients dreaming of posing in the trees in a gown
Seniors and graduates who want something artistic and unforgettable
Cosplayers and costume enthusiasts whose look deserves an epic setting
Anyone craving adventure who comes alive outdoors
Planning Tips for Your Outdoor Session
Planning ahead will make your outdoor session go smoothly.
Here’s what I recommend:
Choose the season wisely
Here in the High Desert, spring and fall are the sweet spots. Summer can be brutally hot, and winter can be freezing cold. We’ll plan around the weather together (or save those months for inside the studio).
Timing and light
Most outdoor sessions are scheduled around the sun, when the light is soft, warm, and flattering. Early mornings, so the sun is behind the rocks and trees. Or an hour or two before the sun sets, creating gorgeous warm light as well. Noon during the spring is okay. Noon during summer, not okay.
Wear comfortable shoes
We may walk a bit to reach the perfect spot. Bring comfy shoes and change into your fancy footwear once we arrive. We might have to tread rocky trails and worn-out bridges.
Plan your looks around the outdoors
Flowy fabrics look stunning in motion. Colors that complement the landscape make everything feel cohesive. We’ll go over all of this during your consultation call. Jewel tones look beautiful in a darker backdrop, while light colors look nice next to the sand. That being said, light colors pop on a dark background.
Embrace the wind and dirt
Nature isn’t perfect, and that’s part of the charm. A breeze catching your gown can create the most magical portrait of the whole session. The wind in your hair creates beautiful portraits. I do recommend some extra hairspray, though, to keep hair out of your eyes.
Studio vs. Outdoor: Which One Is Right for You?
Studio Session:
Intimate, private
Year-round scheduling
Precise, controlled light
Setup for fine art
Comfortable, posed
Best for confidence
Multiple looks
Outdoor Session:
Adventurous, freeing
Best in spring and fall
Lots of space for movement
Space for running, twirling, exploring
Authentic scenery with real forests, rocks, and beach
Best for larger groups and adventurous families
Gorgeous landscapes
Still not sure? Think about how you want to feel. If you want to be pampered in a private space, choose the studio. If you want to run wild and free, choose the outdoors. And if you want a little of both, let’s talk. We’ll find the perfect fit for your story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do you photograph outdoor sessions?
Favorite locations include a few areas outside of Wrightwood, Horseman’s Campground, my own backyard, and a few other Southern California locations. We’ll choose the perfect spot together based on your story.
What’s the best time of year for an outdoor session in the High Desert?
Spring and fall are usually the most comfortable temperatures for both you and me. My camera taps out at 95 degrees and above. Winter can bring snow for magical ice-queen portraits, and summer sessions are usually best in the studio.
Can I do a fantasy maternity session outdoors?
Absolutely! Big, beautiful gowns in the forest or at the beach would make breathtaking maternity portraits. We’ll plan for your comfort every step of the way.
What happens if the weather doesn’t cooperate?
We’ll keep an eye on the forecast together and reschedule if conditions are unsafe or uncomfortable. Your experience matters more than sticking to a date. I once rescheduled an engagement session 3 times. No joke.
Do I get digital files?
My studio is print-based. Every session gets an in-person reveal where you choose wall art, heirloom albums, and printed artwork, because your adventure deserves to be held, not lost on a phone. You will receive a digital copy of each purchased image.
Ready for Your Adventure?
Whether you’re dreaming of dancing through the pine trees or conquering the desert rocks, an outdoor session turns your fantasy into a real-life adventure. And if you’ve been searching for a fantasy fine art photographer in the High Desert or Inland Empire who will happily chase the light (and you) through the forest, you’ve found your gal.
Missed Part 1? Read why a private studio session might be your perfect fit. Click here.
Ready to begin your story? If you have the magic, or need it handed to you.
Thanks for reading this very lengthy blog post. I wanted to share everything with you.
Hope to see you soon!
Cheers,
Annette
