Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Family Photography (That Everyone Thinks But Doesn't Always Ask)
12 years ago I started this little family photography business of mine. I have photographed hundreds of families in that time. Each one unique in their own way.
Some families arrive with one sleepy baby and others turn up with 8 energetic kids, 2 grandparents and a dog.
Over the years I've noticed something else too. No matter how different every family is, they almost all ask the same questions before their session. So if you’re wondering what to wear, what do we do if the weather is bad, can I remove the big white pimple that has popped up on your nose the day before your session? Then take a look at the most Frequently asked questions below :)
Frequently Asked Questions
We have six children. Is that too many?
Absolutely not! I have photographed families of many sizes. The more the merrier. Even if it does make getting a portrait of everyone looking and smiling at the camera quite the challenge, the in-between moments of siblings are always so special.
What happens if it rains?
We live in the UK. It is a regular occurrence. We keep an eye on the weather forecast in the days leading up to the session. If the weather is looking like a wash out, we simply reschedules to another date. Sometimes we have to decide on the morning of the session. It is best to keep open minded. If it is overcast we usually just go ahead with the session unless bright, sunny images are what you are really hoping for. If my schedule isn’t too busy I will try to accommodate this the best I can.
I’m worried my children won’t behave
Honestly some of the best images are when they are just being their wild selves. Jumping around, running off or climbing trees. The best sessions are the ones where kids are allowed to play and to be silly. I advise against prepping children with the ole ‘remember to do your smile, not the silly one, your nice smile’. It makes them self conscious and inevitably they can’t do their ‘lovely smile’ because they are thinking too much about how they are smiling. Make them laugh instead. Say silly words, or tell them a joke you know will make them laugh. Allow the session to be silly and you will no doubt get the best smiles.
If your child is not usually a smiler, then accept them for who they are. I will always do my best to capture who they really are.
What should we wear?
Clothes you feel good in. If you feel uncomfortable in your outfit, it will show in your portraits. I have written a more detailed blog with outfit inspiration, tips on what to wear and what not to wear. Click Here to View.
Will you pose us?
Somewhat. I give prompts and tell you which direction to face but I try to capture movement and your family interacting with each other. So I may get you all to stand in a certain place and face a direction, but I will mostly give you prompts such as, “look at who is the loudest in the house”. I will encourage children to climb a tree, search for flowers or to tickle daddy. My favourite portraits are always the ones where you’re playing and interacting instead of looking at smiling at the camera.
Can Grandparents or the dog come too?
Of course. However, I suggest booking a full session if you wish to have extended family portraits. Mini sessions are limited to 30minutes. Sometimes it will take 10/15minutes for children to warm in to the session, it can feel rushed if we need to get individual family photos, photos of the child on their own and extended family photos if we only have 15/20mins of a happy child. Dogs are always welcome. Just please bring a lead and be mindful to pick up after your pet.
My partner hates having their photo taken. Help!
Over 12 years I have lost count how many times I have had Dads say after a session, “I actually really enjoyed that”. It is good to remind them, the session isn’t about them. It is about the kids and your family unit. It is time to spend just playing and creating memories them. These images will forever be there to remind you of how when they were 6 they always refused to wear shoes, or when they were toddling they would always grab on to your necklace, how once they were small enough to sit on Dads shoulders. Bring cake, bring a football or brings their favourite books. Make the session personal to your family. The first 10mins are always awkward for Dads but even the most reluctant Dads ease in to it before they know it.
How do we book?
I advise booking at least a month before you wish to be photographed, longer if you are hoping for a weekend session. You simply need to contact me via the Contact Page and we will talk through your dream session :)