I absolutely get that there’s a lot to take in when choosing the right photographer for your family. I hope that these blog posts will help you get a better feel for my approach to family photography.
10 ideas for photographing your children together Family life can be pretty hectic at times, so photographs that capture the fleeting, cheeky glances between siblings are often treasured for years. Sometimes children can be (understandably) reluctant to behave as they usually would when you have the camera out. Here are some ideas to help you…
Most photographers specialise in either natural light or studio light photography. I chose natural light, because I love it.
In a nutshell, the advantages of natural light are:
Very flattering for skin tones
Allows photography in your natural home environment
Quick and easy to set up in your home
Allows me total flexibility with viewpoints
Less overwhelming for babies and children
As every pawparent knows, pets are 100% part of the family. You love them, your kids love them – they should be in your family photos.
Having had both dogs and cats myself, I’m experienced with how to attract their attention. Sometimes that calls for treats or toys, but more often than not, the classic question “what’s this?” works like magic!
Families often ask what happens if it rains on the day of an outdoor family portrait session, or if the forecast doesn’t look good beforehand.
OK, this is England. It rains pretty often. The upside of this is that I’m well versed in how to manage rain, and to still give you wonderful family photographs that you’ll love.
I’m often asked how to decide which session length to book for their newborn photo session. I hope this guide will help you to see which is best for you.
You might also find it helpful to see examples below from 3-4 hour sessions and from 2-hour sessions. You can also hear from families why they chose the session length they did – and what they’d recommend.
Do get in touch to discuss what you’d like from the photographs. I’m very happy to offer guidance on what will be most appropriate for you.
Something I often get asked by families is which park to choose for their portrait session.
I always suggest choosing a park that’s special to you. Where do you spend time as a family? These locations will bring back lots of memories for you.
One of the best things about living in London is the extraordinary amount of green space. We’re spoilt rotten!
The beautiful parks and commons are a gift for family portrait sessions. They provide lots of variety in backdrops – and lots of space for your children to run around and enjoy themselves.
Most parents tell me they’re not crazy about being photographed, or feel awkward in front of the camera. If you feel like that too, you’re not alone!
Don’t worry – my years of experience mean I can help you all relax and not feel silly being photographed.
Children really do grow up incredibly fast – blink and you’ll have a pre-schooler standing where your tiny newborn once lay.
There’ll be so many phases that are adorable where you’ll think “We really should get family photographs sorted out soon.”
Did you know, though, that there are particular ages and stages that work particularly well for photographs?
Parents often ask how we go about scheduling the newborn photo session. Babies don’t arrive like clockwork! Here’s an overview of my recommendations, based on lots of research and on my years of experience. Find out what we’ll do if your baby is born earlier or later than expected.
Working out where to hang a framed print is worth taking a little time over. Get it wrong and it looks a little slap dash. Get it right, and perfectly placed frames on your wall can transform a room.
With this expert guide, you’ll find out how to hang one frame, several frames or a gallery wall.
I managed a photography gallery in London, and over the years I learnt all the pro tips and tricks for hanging pictures for exhibitions. Now, as a full-time family photographer, I’m often advising clients on where and how to hang their artwork.
Parents often ask if their home will work, what I’ll do if it’s not a picture-perfect home, if it’s cluttered, small or dark. I totally get that these are very real concerns. Having lived in a North-facing flat, I really empathise!
It’s easy to say that I can always make any home work, but I thought it might be better to show this in action. To give you an idea of how I’d approach a cluttered room, I whizzed round my daughter Zoe’s bedroom to show you where I’d take photographs. Read on for those snaps!
Clients often ask me what a giclée fine art print is. I thought I’d take the opportunity to share with you the differences between a fine art print and a digital print. What are the pros and cons of each?
giclee-fine-art-prints
I only offer giclée fine art prints, because they’re the highest quality prints available. I want my clients to have the most beautiful print possible of their photograph, and one that will stand the test of time.
Mums often ask me whether it’s ok to have a newborn portrait session if they’re having a caesarean section. It’s fine!
See below for how we’d go about scheduling your session, allowing lots of flexibility for you and your baby.
Around 40% of babies experience some level of reflux. It’s a condition that I’m very experienced with working with. It’s always possible to take beautiful photographs of babies with reflux, it just takes a little patience and lots of experience.
No matter what medical condition a baby has, or his/her mood on the day, I work at their pace. I won’t rush either you or your baby.
Family portrait sessions tend to start at 10am. This is because children are often at their jolliest in the mornings, and the light is the most beautiful then too.
I take my daughter to school, and still have time to pack my camera bag and answer a few emails at home before setting off!
I absolutely get that for many parents, photographs outdoors in a pretty location is their priority. And we can absolutely take those photographs!
Experience has shown me, though, that for babies and young children, it’s always best to meet at home first. Home is where they feel most comfortable and relaxed. If you’re mostly interested in the outdoor photographs, we can look to head out as soon as your little one seems happy.
Photographing siblings with a newborn is a bit of an art form in itself. I’m very comfortable and familiar with this situation – I have photographed hundreds of families with siblings.
I totally understand how nervous parents can feel about a session like this will go, though. The experience will be so different from a newborn portrait session with just one baby. How will it work with a toddler in the mix?
Well, my years of experience mean that I can read your oldest child’s mood as well as your newborn’s. I adapt the format of the portrait session according to their needs. If one child wants a break, that’s fine! If your toddler wants some time being the star, that’s also fine – I can work with whatever they like doing.
Clients often ask what the best time of year is for their portrait session to take place.
This guide will help you see the pros and cons of each season for your photographs.
I can give you beautiful photographs no matter the season.
I incorporate the best of each season into your photographs.
Photography is a technical and complex skill. Inevitably, a wide array of professional terms is involved.
I try my utmost to speak in plain English and not to slip into “industry speak” but there are certain words that are hard to avoid.
I’ve collated some of the most common terms, to unpick what can seem like impenetrable jargon.