Have you been considering an outdoor family photoshoot but are unsure what to expect and how it will work?

I have many clients that email me before the shoot to let me know that a photoshoot is a bit daunting for one or all of the family members involved and I think it is really helpful to have an idea of how it works and what to expect.  

Perhaps you dislike having your photo taken and find it hard to be relaxed and natural in front of the camera. This is completely understandable and it’s perfectly normal. The idea is for us to genuinely be out in nature and explore and not take it too seriously. That way the kids pick up on the energy and it ends up being a fun time out! Hopefully, the adults involved will also feel relaxed and engaged in the moments and eventually feel more at ease about being in front of the camera. 

My photography is very natural and I often get my best photos when no one realises I’m taking them. Feel free to interact and play with your baby or kids as you would if I was not there. There are of course times when I will need to direct things a little bit so that we do get some group photos. These don’t have to be smiling at the camera but I always make sure to get a few of those too. 

I think parents sometimes worry about whether their kids are cooperating during the shoot, particularly when they are toddlers and I find that the less emphasis we put on them having to smile or look at the camera the more they relax and behave naturally which is what we want. I don’t mind if a child is having a moment or feeling off, it’s no problem at all. 

In terms of clothing, it’s very important first and foremost that everyone is comfortable and feels nice. Having said that, clothing and colours do make a big difference to the overall look of an image. I always encourage clients to stick with neutral, earthy colours and I feel when we’re outside you can also make bolder colour choices. Whichever colour tone you choose, be sure to apply it throughout to keep it in-tone with all the outfits. It’s important to avoid busy patterns or logos as these distract from the subjects so I recommend blocks of colour and although everyone doesn’t need to match, a similar theme throughout everyone’s clothes ties it all together. Blue jeans and denim are great to add to this. Browns, oatmeals and cream work really well against outdoor backgrounds. Burnt oranges, yellows and deep greens are lovely, especially in autumn) For footwear, I recommend closed shoes or trainers or any shoes that are comfortable to walk around in as we will be moving around. I would suggest wearing layers in cold weather. 

It is a great idea to bring along some snacks and water in a small bag to keep everyone full of energy. Please also feel free to bring along a ball or toy that the kids like to play with.

An outdoor family shoot is a perfect way to capture natural moments and the true personalities in the family. It’s a fun time out with the bonus of being able to freeze these memories in time. I can’t wait to work with you!