“Louise puts her subjects at ease to create beautifully natural images.” Practical Photography Magazine
My photographs have been published in the Observer, Vogue, Tatler and Baby London magazine.
I’ve been interviewed by the NCT magazine, Natural Parent magazine, for Shotkit’s survey of the world’s best photographers and by Photo Academy magazine.
Recognised as expert in the field of family photography, I’ve written articles with advice for family photographers in international publications and websites such as Practical Photography magazine, the Canon magazine, Creative Photographer, Digital Photography School and FStoppers.
My photographs have been exhibited internationally, including in Ireland and in the USA.
“Capturing real, precious memories that you can treasure forever” Natural Parent Magazine
Natural Parent Magazine
I was honoured to be interviewed by Natural Parent magazine.
Vogue
I was featured in VOGUE’s collection of “the most talented and desirable child photographers in the UK."
The Observer
I’m thrilled that a photograph I took for Magnet Mouse's gorgeous range of baby-wear appeared in The Observer.
ITV News website
My photograph was in an exhibition featured by ITV News.
Baby London magazine
I’m thrilled that a photograph I took for Magnet Mouse's gorgeous range of baby-wear appeared in Baby London magazine.
NCT Greenwich magazine interview
"A leading family photographer.”
I’m delighted to have been interviewed as a professional child photographer for a feature on having a family portrait taken.
The article below includes tips on how to choose the best child photographer for your family, how to make the most of your family portrait session and some tips for the day itself:
Photographer’s tips for the best family portrait
It’s a familiar story – you take hundreds of snaps of your children each month and try your best to capture every gorgeous expression and activity, only to find that phone pictures do not print very well – and you are never in the shot with them! Many end up wishing they had made time to have some professional photographs taken.
Having a session with a family photographer is a great way to record a fleeting moment in your child’s life. To help guide you through the process of having a family portrait, we spoke to Louise Rose Photography – a leading family photographer and a South West London mum.
The key to getting a family portrait that you are really pleased with is to do your homework first!
Choose your photographer
Some people feel daunted by the idea of being photographed. The best way to overcome this is to choose a photographer who is a good fit for your family, whom you get on with and whose photographs you really like. It will help you to end up with photographs you will cherish for years to come.
Ask your friends who photographed their families, and if they would recommend them. Louise says: “I’m really proud that most of my work comes from personal recommendations. It shows that those families were really pleased with the results.”
Find out how they work and what they offer
Family photographers have very different approaches – some are more formal and specialise in posed studio shots, some have a more relaxed approach and will photograph you at home. Look at their websites and see what kind of photographs appeal to you. Louise told us: “I photograph families in their own homes because that is where they tend to be most relaxed – and I can capture the children’s and parents’ genuine expressions.”
Find out how long a session lasts for and how many photographs you will get. Read testimonials on photographers’ websites. Do they have insurance? Are they CRB checked?
Check whether you will receive digital files, whether you can order prints and frames, and whether you will be able to share the photographs with friends and family.
For example, Louise Rose Photography offers a range of packages, including prints, high-resolution digital files, password-protected online slideshows, smartphone apps, frames, photo books and gift boxes. “Photographs really come to life when they are printed and families decorate their homes with them,” says Louise.
Your portrait session
A good family photographer will understand the importance of working with your child’s routine rather than prescribing set times. Pick a time of day where your children are well rested and have eaten recently. Louise told us, “I offer midweek as well as weekend sessions, so parents can choose the day and time that suits them best”.
On the day
Louise gave us some tips for the day itself:
- Your photographer will probably give you a set of handy pointers before your shoot.Try to find a minute to read through them beforehand – they’ll have built up reams of advice over the years.
- Mention to your baby / children that someone’s coming to take photos of them, and that it’ll be fun.
- Make sure you’re all wearing clothes you feel comfortable in (which isn’t necessarily the same as your child’s cutest outfit!).
- Have toys close to hand that your child loves – the more relaxed they feel, the better the photographs will be, and the more you’ll enjoy the experience.
- If you want something specific from your portrait session (a shot to use for a birth announcement card, a portrait with a particular toy, a portrait with you all in, or no posed shots at all), don’t be shy about letting your photographer know.
Getting inspired
Once parents see professional photographs of their children, many become eager to learn how to take great shots themselves. Louise offers private tuition and provides a crash course in just two hours. She told us: “It is such a thrill to teach parents how to use their cameras and to know they have now got the technical skills to go out and take their own fantastic photographs!”
Local Mums Online
"Photographer with the perfect mix. Louise combines her impressive photographic knowledge with her experience as a parent to offer a flexible, family-friendly approach ... beautiful photographs taken by someone with a stunning portfolio but who knows how to put you and your family at ease."
Photography News: 10 tips for great outdoor family photos
How to take great family photographs outdoors - read the article here.
PhotoFocus: engaging children on a portrait session
How to engage children for a successful photo shoot - read the article here.