Do you love family photographs but have reservations about booking a professional photographer? You're not alone. I'm a family photographer in Marlow who works with a lot of families who had never booked a professional family photo session before because they assumed it wouldn't suit them.
I hear from a lot of people who worry they might feel awkward in photographs, that their children won't co-operate or that their partner will hate every minute of it. They often come to me after seeing photographs I've taken for their friends. They've heard that my sessions are relaxed, low-pressure and genuinely enjoyable.
COMMON CONCERNS About family photo sessions
Things I hear a lot include:
- "I hate having my photograph taken."
- "My children will never sit still or behave."
- "My partner will hate the idea of a photo session"
- "I always thought family photo sessions were really cheesy / cringe"
My sessions were designed with these concerns in mind: I'm a family photographer who captures real moments and genuine connections, there's no need for awkward posing or fake smiles... and best behaviour is definitely optional!
Read on to find out why so many families from Marlow and the surrounding areas who thought family photography wasn't for them end up loving my sessions.
"I hate having my photograph taken"
Me too! I completely relate to this: I originally set out to learn how to take better photographs of my own children because I knew I would feel too shy / awkward to ever book a photo shoot.
As a sentimental Mum, I craved photographs of my children, so I learned how to take them myself. I soon realised: my children wanted me in the photographs too.
That experience has shaped the way I work with families today. I understand what it's like to feel self-conscious in front of the camera.
- I always find out at the outset if anyone feels uncomfortable in front of the camera - this helps me to know who might feel nervous and to take steps to help them.
- My style is gentle, relaxed and pressure free.
- I take a documentary approach- I never expect anyone to pose or perform for the camera.
- I'll take a range of photographs - from different angles, points of view, and use techniques which can show a presence in the photographs in subtle ways. Faceless photographs- such as close crops or silhouettes can allow you to be in the frame without feeling too exposed.
- After your session, I'm happy to discuss editing preferences so that everyone feels happy and confident with the results.
"My children won't behave or sit still"
I hear this a lot when people first reach out. The good news? I don't expect children to sit still. I'd much rather photograph them being themselves than trying to behave perfectly! Perfect is boring...
I want to create the kind of photographs that will instantly take you back to the age they are now - I love capturing the gestures, habits or movements that feel authentically them.
Whether they are a little quiet and shy initially or energetic, inquisitive or constantly on the move, I will meet your children where they are and adapt the session to them.
I love capturing movement so if they don't sit still, that's totally fine by me.
If you do want some more traditional or posed group shots, we will wait until I've built their trust- when they feel comfortable and engaged.
You'll never hear me asking your children to smile for the camera- instead, I'll try to figure out what they enjoy so that they ended up giving me plenty of natural smiles and authentic laughter.
One of the most common pieces of feedback I receive is that "the children had a brilliant time" and that's always the goal.
"My partner will hate a photo session"
Honestly? Many partners start the session feeling a little sceptical. However, they soon relax when they find out that they don't need to go anywhere, or do anything, other than what they'd do on a typical day with the family.
They won't be expected to pose;
There's no matching outfits
or pressure to smile;
Instead, I simply document your family spending time together.
That might mean playing football in the garden, baking together or walking through the local woods.
(I also offer sessions where I do direct you more, if you prefer this kind of approach- however rather than static poses, I will suggest games and give you prompts which will generate genuine reactions.)
"I always thought family photo sessions were really cheesy"
If you've seen family photography which involves matching outfits, forced smiles and stiff poses, I can see why.
My approach is very different.
Documentary family photography isn't about creating some perfect vision of family life, it's about celebrating you exactly as you are.
The laughter, the chaos, the cuddles and the silly things that your children do.
The tiny everyday moments you'll miss one day.
This style of photography has more in common with street photography - or photojournalism- it's based on real moments, not staged ones.
That's one reason so much of my work comes from word-of-mouth referrals. Many are surprised that a photo session can be as relaxed, as fun and as un-photo session like as mine are- it should feel like an opportunity for you guys to enjoy spending time together as a family!
If you've been putting off booking family photographs because of one or more of these concerns, I hope this has reassured you.
I regularly photograph families in Marlow, Henley-on-Thames, Maidenhead and Oxford who once believed family photo sessions weren't for them.
The photographs I have of my own family are my most treasured possessions- let's make some what capture what makes your family so special.
Ready to find out more? Let's chat about creating relaxed, natural family photographs that feel exactly like you.
