If you're thinking about booking a family photoshoot but aren't quite sure what to expect, you're definitely not alone.
A lot of families worry that their children won't sit still, that they'll be difficult to photograph, or that everyone will have to spend an hour standing perfectly and smiling at the camera.
That's not how I like to photograph families.
My family photography sessions in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire
are relaxed, natural and centred around your family as you are. There's no expectation for everyone to behave perfectly or for every photograph to be perfectly posed.
A relaxed family photoshoot
My aim is to make your session feel more like spending some time together than having your photograph taken.
We'll take some photographs where I gently guide you, but I'll also give you plenty of opportunities to interact naturally with each other. This might be playing with your children, having cuddles, walking together or simply letting them be themselves.
Children don't always do exactly what we expect and that's okay.
Some of my favourite photographs can come from the moments in between the poses.
What happens during a family photography session?
We'll start by getting everyone comfortable and letting the children get used to me and the camera.
I'll give you some simple direction when it's helpful, but you don't need to know how to pose.
Depending on your family, we might have some photographs together, some of the children individually and lots of little moments in between.
If your children are full of energy, we'll work with that. If they're shy, we'll take things a little slower.
The session is about capturing your family as you are, rather than trying to make you fit into a particular style of photography.
Studio or outdoor family photography?
I offer family photography sessions both in my studio and outdoors around Bromsgrove and the surrounding areas.
A studio session can be a great option if you want simple, timeless portraits without worrying about the weather.
Outdoor sessions are lovely if your children enjoy having a little more space to explore and you want a more natural setting.
There's no right or wrong choice — it really comes down to what suits your family.
What should we wear for family photos?
The most important thing is to wear something you feel comfortable in.
I generally recommend choosing a few colours that work well together rather than everyone wearing exactly the same thing. Neutral, earthy and muted colours tend to photograph beautifully and keep the focus on your family.
You don't need to buy completely new outfits for your session. Often, you'll already have everything you need in your wardrobe.
What if my child doesn't cooperate?
This is probably one of the most common worries I hear from parents.
Your child doesn't need to sit still, smile on demand or behave perfectly for us to get beautiful photographs.
We'll work with their personality rather than against it.
Sometimes the best photographs happen when children are running around, laughing, cuddling you or simply doing their own thing.
And if we need to take a little break, we can.
Most importantly, enjoy it
I don't want you to spend your whole session worrying about whether you're doing everything right.
I'll guide you when you need it and capture the moments that happen naturally along the way.
Your family doesn't have to be perfect. You just have to be yourselves.
If you're looking for relaxed family photography in Bromsgrove, I'd love to help you create photographs that capture this stage of your family's life — exactly as it is now.