When it comes to small spaces and locations, it can be tricky to figure out how to best maximize your time and creativity. Luckily I’ve come up with some tips for the next time you find yourself in a less than spacious setting.

For this family session we went to Capitol Park Cactus Garden in Sacramento. This area of the park is very small but Mahnaz & Ubaid loved it so much from when we shot here before, that they wanted to come back!

Utilize Every Inch Of Space

This area of the park in particular was very tiny but it’s in the shape of a circle, so we walked around it and used every spot we could to give a full and beautiful gallery that still offered variety!

Kathleen took her time and ensured we captured every pose we had in mind. We did not have to bring anything to our shoot as Kathleen provided everything. We are so happy with our photos and are so glad we had Kathleen take them. There is no one else we would trust.

Mahnaz, mother

Mixing Up Angles

With small spaces, you definitely have to get creative! Start with getting your standard medium focal-length shots, then get close-ups and some extra wide shots. Don’t be afraid to photograph from above or to get angles that you don’t usually get. Maybe even some that are out of your comfort zone! In addition to helping expand your client’s gallery, you could also help expand your own creativity.

Turn Around

Spice things up a little and think outside the box! Even if what’s behind you might not be specifically part of the area where you’re photographing. Think outside of the ordinary! Oftentimes you’ll be surprised and it can provide some different background elements for you. They may end up being your favorite shots! In our session, there were other elements of the park behind us and it’s possible to utilize them as extra posing spots.

This is the second year in a row that we’ve taken their photos in this location. Mahnaz loved it so much that she wanted more photos there this year, which made it even more important to make the most of this small area of the park. Mahnaz and Ubaid are a couple that started as clients and became great friends. I’ve known them since their oldest son was two and have been able to take photos of them a dozen times over the last five years.

Kathleen, photographer

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