Family Photoshoots - what to expect
A beach family photoshoot in Galway, Ireland
You want to book a photoshoot but you hate getting your photo taken and know the kids will throw a tantrum and you will be mortified. Is that you? If it is, read on so I can help you understand what happens during the shoot.
And breathe…
By the end of the shoot I will have captured all of you, your personalities, not just head shots.
I actually don’t know anyone who loves getting their photo taken, it’s weird to have to stand still and smile at a person behind a camera. This is why I have never gone down the route of studio photography. The thoughts of sitting in a darkened room and have my kids quietly sit still to get their photo taken is not my idea of fun. It reminds me of the line in “Snail and the Whale” where the teacher tells the kids to “Sit straight, don’t talk.”
I have the opposite rule - I want you and your kids to move and yes I really do need to hear about why your 3 year old is bringing home that stick. Little people have lots of important stories and if they can’t be listened to they will get frustrated, so if you think they are wasting my time by telling me about their favourite superhero, they are not, they are forming a bond with me and allowing me to take their image while they are most relaxed.
Stopping to allow your kids to focus on what interests them allows me to photograph them at their most relaxed state.
Location, Location, Location -
Chose a place where you are happy to play.
Let them run free and the photos will really capture your kids.
Together we will chose a place where you and your kids are most comfortable. If it is the beach, then I will ask you to take off your shoes, if your kids are waterbabies, let them bring their swimwear - I will go in the water with them.
If it is the woods, are you happy for your kids to explore off path, dress them for it. Don’t worry about wet toes, put on their wellies.
If it is a park, let them have a go on the swing. Is it your garden, have some games ready.
I come with you and photograph you at play. It is at these times we are all happiest.
What to wear
“It is always better to be slightly underdressed.” Coco Chanel
You want to be relaxed but you also want to look good, these photoshoots are a snapshot of this moment in time so please do think about what you and your kids are going to wear.
Dress for the weather, is it cold/warm? If you need to wear a jacket, do! Will you be sweating in that heavy shirt - wear a t shirt. If we are going to be rained out of it, we can rearrange - no problem.
Try to all wear a similar tone or colour so no one person stands out more than the rest. Let your faces and smiles set you apart, not a brightly coloured top.
BUT having three young boys myself I know all about headstrong kids who insist that they will wear the most garish item of clothing they have and nothing else, let them. Bring the top you want them to wear and after a while they may swop for you. Or maybe a photo of a tutu wearing superhero in the woods is exactly what you need to remind you of these beautiful unpredictable days when, let’s face it, the kids really rule the house.
The best photos are the moments when it seems no one is watching
The aim of the photoshoot is allow you time as a family where you are together, I will help direct play if needed and I will worry about getting all the right shots. You just have to relax, breathe and if you have any energy left, play.
Afterwards
After our shoot, I will send you your private online gallery of images to view and download. I will give you approximately 40 images and have no maximum number - If they are good photos they are yours
I will not share any of your family moments online prior to your consent. Online sharing is completely optional. This is your family and these are your babies, if you are happy for me to use some of your images online in my website or on my social media accounts I will get you to sign a contract to agree to that. Your gallery homepage will appear on my website but access can only be obtained by those with the password - whoever you decide to share it with.
I will NEVER share footage of your gallery during, or after editing. I feel that these are your private moments and if you choose for me to share them, then fantastic, thank you, if you do not, I completely understand.
What’s next
Hopefully this has alleviated any of your concerns but if you have any questions please do contact me directly here and I will respond asap. If you are feeling more relaxed then please do book now!
We are happiest
when we play