Hertfordshire Family Photoshoots -FAQs

You’ll receive a range of shots, from fly-on-the-wall moments to a few natural ‘team’ shots.

I’m not a fan of awkward, super-posed photos, I prefer to keep it simple and natural, BUT I’m always on the lookout for great light and lovely compositions, so you can expect me to point out good spots, maybe suggest where to sit or stand – and then I’ll stand back and let the action unfold. I spend the majority of the shoot focused on the documentary action, but I know it’s important to get shots of you all together, so expect a little gentle direction for this before we quickly get back to it.

But don’t just take my word for it. Have a look for yourself on my portfolio or blog.

I won’t direct you too much, as I don’t like to influence how you naturally are with each other. That said, the more interaction and eye contact, the better your images will be.

Please don’t hold back or try to get out of shot because you ‘don’t want to ruin the photo’. I guarantee that there’s more chance of a photo being ruined by someone trying (unsuccessfully) to make themselves invisible behind a curtain (my wide angle lens will find you!) than getting involved and being part of the moment.

Togetherness is what it’s all about, so, if holding hands, linking arms, piggy backs and cuddles come naturally, let them overflow. Remember to talk to each other and keep each other involved.

Whether you’re naturally tactile, or naturally reserved, be yourselves, but be together.

You can read a three year-old’s top tips on how to nail your family photoshoot here.

What do you feel good in? There’s no right or wrong when it comes to the best clothing to wear for your shoot – you have to feel comfortable and confident in whatever you choose to wear. Just dress for the weather (if you’re having an outdoor shoot) and dress as you.

Gone are the days of everyone wearing coordinated black. This shoot is all about you and how you really are as a family – not a fake version of you. But, since you ask, if it’s important to you, think about how and where you want to use the images (on the wall, on a bookshelf or in an album) and visualise your clothing ahead of the shoot.

That depends on the package you’ve booked. I believe that the best way to achieve a truly documentary gallery is for me to be with you for a minimum of two hours, so that everyone forgets I’m there – genuine warm smiles and belly laughs are sooo much better than self conscious grimaces.

It happens. Don’t worry. Meltdowns and shyness always seem to happen at the most inconvenient moments, but that’s life so we just roll with it.

I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve, and besides, shots of grumpy kids can still be beautiful. They’re often my favourite of the gallery – a grumpy scowl can say a thousand words. It’s all about capturing you and your family – just as you are.

Likewise, if you have a newborn or very young baby, we’ll work around nap and feed times as much as possible. If they’re sleeping, I’ll capture that – and save the smiles and giggles until they wake.

Every family is different and my shoots are focussed around each special group and tailored to the individuals within it.

If you have members of your group who have additional needs please let me know so that I can plan the shoot accordingly. 

I want everyone to be included and this may mean me adapting my style or the location or the activities we do. Let me know, talk to me about what works and what doesn’t, and let’s plan a session where everyone is welcome and part of it.

No way!

There’s no need to embark on a full-scale tidy and clean mission before your shoot. This isn’t a shoot for Hello! or Ideal Home magazine – it’s a shoot for simple and honest memories for your own family album. It’s important that I’m able to capture your home as it typically is – toys out, books out, shoes by the door and so on. All of these little details help tell the story of your home and family life. Perfectly imperfect is how I think of it.

Buuuutttttt….

If you’d rather not have shots of your undies drying on the radiator, I’d recommend a quick whip round the house to tidy away the stuff you really don’t want in your gallery.

Hanger (n: extreme rage caused by hunger) is a thing! Fact.

Babies and children need food and I’m 99.9999% sure there’s a direct correlation between hunger and grouchiness. If it’s possible to make sure that everyone has had food just before the shoot that would be helpful, but please don’t worry about feeding your children as and when required during the session. If you’d like shots of you feeding your baby/ies I can incorporate that, or I can focus instead on siblings, or just take a breather. Whatever works for you.

Only if you let me. I am proud of the work that I do and the images I create and appreciate being able to share them when possible on my website and social media pages. Sharing my images in this way is essential to my business. After all, it’s how clients get to see my style of work and is probably how you found or researched me too.

I never use children’s names with images (other than if you’ve given me express permission, or if you’ve asked me to tag you on social media). You’ll receive a password protected online gallery to view your photos so you can see your moments before anyone else. Once you’ve had a look just let me know if there’s any you’d rather I didn’t share.

Have a look at my Instagram or Facebook to see how I typically use images and just let me know if you have any concerns,

Absolutely! Print and share away! Sharing the love with friends and family is what it’s all about after all.

As the photographer and creator of the images, the copyright stays with me (that’s just the way the law goes), but all my packages allow you to download, print and share with friends and family all of the images you’ve bought.