YOUR
FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY FAQS
Booking a family photographer can be both exciting and daunting. I don’t want you to have any worries which is why I’ve compiled these family photography FAQs.
My laid-back family photography sessions are an opportunity to have fun with your family doing the things you love. My aim is quite simply to take photographs that look and feel like your family. There’s no awkward posing, no cheesiness and no hard sell.
FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY FAQS
WHAT IS YOUR STYLE OF PHOTOGRAPHY?
My photography style has been described as storytelling, expressive and fun. I combine traditional portraiture and documentary styles of photography to capture each family.
I’m drawn to movement, expression and character – elements which capture the everyday beauty of family and the natural connections they share.
WHAT IS A FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION LIKE?
It’s just like a walk with a friend. Before the shoot we’ll have talked and I’ll have learnt about your family and the things you love to do. There’s no awkward posing or smiling on cue, just a relaxed and fun photoshoot where you can be yourselves. And while we’re out – doing the things you love to do – I’ll take photos of your everyday moments that tell a story of your family.
WHAT TIME OF DAY IS GOOD FOR A PHOTOSHOOT?
I love early mornings. I know this is not for everyone so we can shoot at other times but first let me try to persuade you. Morning light is lovely and at that time of day we’re less likely to be interrupted by passers-by. Also, mornings tend to be when young children are at their most awake and ready for a mini adventure.
But if mornings are not for you or you have older children who aren’t tied to naps, later in the day when the sunlight is soft and warm is another great time.
I'M WORRIED MY CHILDREN WILL MISBEHAVE
I can understand why you would think that your children are not going to last through a full two-hour photoshoot without a melt down. I have children myself and two hours can be a long time.
But we’re going outside where we can play, sit down, climb trees, have snacks, blow bubbles or do whatever your family loves to do when you go out together.
Will your children play up at some point – probably. Does it matter – no. It’s just another wonderful part of their developing personality. This is not a formal, posed photoshoot, this is family time and it’s relaxed and fun.
I'M WORRIED MY HUSBAND WILL MISBEHAVE!
I can understand this. Often Dads are told they’re coming on a photoshoot and they don’t quite know what to expect and are worried they’re going to be asked to behave in a totally unnatural way.
That’s not how I run my photoshoots.
Before we even meet up for your session we’ll have had a chat. I’ll have learnt about every single person I’ll be photographing. I’ll know about the things that interest you, what you love to do together and what concerns you have.
We talk a lot on the shoot – it’s just like a walk with a friend. I want you all to be comfortable and enjoy this family time and do the things you love to do. And while you do the things you love – I’ll take pictures.
And if at the end of the shoot Dad has carried and tickled his children, been hugged by everyone and cheated at Tag – I know it’s been a good morning.
I'M WORRIED ABOUT HOW I WILL LOOK
We all worry about this but honestly, you don’t need to. I’ll guide you to flattering light and share some tips with you and we’ll have talked before the shoot to I can plan for any concerns you have.
Your family knows what you look like and loves you just as you are. In the years to come all that they will care about is that you were present in their photographs. You will be so glad that you preserved this moment in your family’s story and that no-one was missing.
WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR TO OUR FAMILY PHOTOSHOOT?
The main thing is that you are comfortable so wear something that you feel good in. You want to look like yourselves so don’t feel under any pressure to dress differently.
I’d recommend not wearing clothes with big logos because it can draw attention away from the lovely family in the photos.
Also have a think about how all your outfits will look side by side. Try laying them out on a bed beforehand. Do they work together?
Muted and natural colours are a good choice as a base for your outfits. You can then mix in other tones and patterns so that they work together.
Please bear in mind that bright colours can cause colour casts so avoid wearing them near your face.
WHAT AGES ARE BEST TO BE PHOTOGRAPHED?
Quite simply every age! From the youngest of children to their young-at-heart grandparents.
Your children are growing and changing daily. They’re developing new skills and abilities with you by their side giving them all the support they need. This time next year they’ll be into something different, they’ll have grown up a lot and you will still be there with your love and encouragement.
But because you’re there all the time – and if you’re like most overworked parents surviving in a sleep-deprived fog – it’s hard to remember all of the detail.
Whatever age you’re at, it can be a relief to know that you’ve got those memories captured so that you can look forward to the next exciting chapter of your family’s adventure.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I EXPECT TO SPEND?
The family session fee of £150 for a weekend or £95 for a weekday outside of school holidays. It includes a consultation, 2 hours of photography and my time selecting and digitally processing the best images from your session.
Printed products and digital images are extra and I offer an exciting range by skilled artisans that are customised to your style.
Depending on whether you’re looking for just a few prints, digitals, a collection or wall gallery, clients can spend from £450 to £1400. Please send me a message if you’d like to see my full pricing menu and I can get that sent to you.
WHEN WILL I GET MY PHOTOGRAPHS?
In around two weeks after your photoshoot – after I’ve selected your best images and digitally processed them – you will be given access to your online gallery. The gallery will be available for five days for you to share with friends and family and make your choices.
Photographic products can take up to four weeks to arrive as each one is made to order and handcrafted. Digital images are available for immediate download.
Did you find the answer to your questions here? Not to worry if you didn’t. You may find what you’re looking for on my Products and Prices page. Or you can just send me a message and we can have a chat.