Whether it’s smiles or tears, come as you are

I think one of the most common questions I get before any of my family photography sessions (whether full or mini) is how to prepare. I think because my style is not a traditional ‘pose and shoot’ portrait session, it can be daunting to know what to expect. So I’ve put together this short list of frequently asked questions that families have asked before - in case they’re useful to read before you decide to book, or prepare for your shoot.

What exactly is family documentary photography?

Personally I hate having to pose for photographs and it turns out that lots of other people do too! But what I do love is capturing the everyday life of my family as it unfolds over time: both the highs and the lows. Family documentary photography is about storytelling, and for me that means artistically recording the exact moments that memories are made. There’s no direction from me, no posing (unless you want a couple of relaxed group shots) and it doesn’t matter if there’s naughtiness, grumpiness, hysterics, falls or fun. It’s about you being yourselves! My style captures everyday family life creatively - you’ll hardly notice I’m working my camera as I join in with leaf-kicking, puddle-splashing or sandpit-digging. Whether we do a shoot indoors or outdoors, my ultimate aim is to ‘bottle’ a natural reflection of your family at that very moment in time. If you’re looking for someone who takes formal, family portraits then I’m not the right photographer for you! The sessions are relaxed, informal and fun.

What happens if my kids are grumpy or cry on the day?

It’s fine - our lad can get like this too! It’s all part of the story isn’t it? If your kids are really upset during the shoot though, we’ll take a breather and see if we can get some magic to happen once they’ve calmed down.

What do we need to wear?

It’s entirely your choice. If we’re on an outdoor shoot you’ll need to make sure you’ve dressed for the weather! If pushed, I’d usually advise steering clear of striped/heavily patterned or logo-tastic clothes that could dominate your photographs (go for solid colour instead) but at the end of the day the idea is to photograph you and your family in real-life. So wear something comfortable, something familiar, something that’s ‘you’. You don’t need to act or look any different to normal! The point is to capture your family as we find you: come as you are.

Do we need to bring anything along to the session?
You’re welcome to bring along anything that you would usually take to somewhere outdoors - whether that’s kits, bubbles, balls or games.

There’s only me and my child is that OK?

Yes of course it is! The ‘family’ part of ‘family documentary photography’ is whatever that means to you.

Can we bring our dog?

Absolutely. All four-legged friends are welcome.

And what about human beings?!

For standard shoots and during social distancing it’s a max six people including me. But once the guidelines have lifted and/or you’d like to add any other family members into the mix let me know - I’ll need to charge you more as it adds time onto my editing (but it’s only an extra £25 per person).

What happens if the weather is dull or rainy and I’ve booked an outdoor shoot?

Unfortunately the weather in the UK is pretty unpredictable and if we waited for a lovely warm sunny day we could be postponing your shoot forever!

So your session will go ahead if the weather is dull or if it is lightly raining (we can have plenty of fun with brolleys and wellies!). But if it’s raining heavily, or I feel the weather is dangerous then we’ll postpone your session: I’ll make a call on the morning of the shoot.

With my seasonal mini-shoots this means you must be available at the same time, on the same day the following weekend. If inclement weather on that day means the session cannot go ahead too, I will refund your deposit in full or you can put it towards my standard family documentary session.

My child has ASD, can I still book a shoot?

Yes absolutely, I’ve personal and professional experience working with SEND children and adults. My step-son is profoundly autistic and my step-dad is in the advanced stages of dementia. I’m an inclusive photographer and I’ll take time to find out about the needs of your family beforehand.

When is the best time to book our shoot?

If you’ve booked a standard family shoot with me (opposed to a mini session) then it’s your choice what time we hold the session and where it takes place. You know when you and/or your kids are at their best. But from a light perspective, my main rule of thumb is either shoot first thing in the morning (typically starting around 8.30am - 9.30am in the spring/summer; 10.30am - 11.30am in the autumn/winter), when the light is at its best. Alternatively, if your kids are better later on in the day, late afternoon (or a couple of hours before sunset in the summertime as a late bedtime treat!) can give the most amazing conditions for a shoot. I’ll talk to you about what might suit you best when you make your booking.

Can I decide what the final photographs look like?

I’m afraid I have a house style which is how I achieve consistency across my work. You’re paying me not only for my time and experience but the knowledge of how to create professionally edited shots for you - so have a good look through my portfolio to make sure you’re booking the right photographer for you. If I’m not the right one, I’ll happily recommend others with differing styles.

Other questions?

I always hold a discovery call or home visit before any standard family documentary session. But if you’ve got any questions you’d like to ask before booking, or before your shoot send me an email.