Family photography has moved on a lot from the stiffly posed fake smiling portraits of the past, but theres still a lot of room for modernising them. I started working as a family photographer in Sussex because I wanted to offer a more editorial approach for your family’s portraits, I have a background career in fashion styling and magazine art direction and I want to give you images you’ll be proud to show off.
What I love about natural family photography is capturing those tiny in-between moments of childhood. These are the moments that really sum up family life for me. Nose-wrinkling laughs, tiny hands holding your finger, shy hugs behind mum’s legs and cosy cuddles when they’re all tired out.
My aim is to treat our family photoshoot as an adventure so during our time we’ll throw them in the air, play games, run, tickle and explore our beautiful Sussex location together. My sessions are always child led and I make it my goal to make sure the kids have the best time. Because if they are happy then you are happy and we’ll all get more out of the shoot.
So the kids are happy but what about you? Something common in all my clients is nerves, with around 90% of parents telling me they hate having their picture taken or feel awkward in front of the camera.
Now I sympathise. I feel exactly the same on the other side of the camera lens, which is why I know how important it is to work with a family photographer in Sussex who can really put you at ease, help you relax and focus on playing with your kids rather than having a camera in your face. And I promise its so common for my clients to tell me at the end of our shoot how much they enjoyed their experience and that yes! – they did forget they were being photographed.
So, how do you get over that dreaded camera awkwardness? Throughout many years of directing photo shoots, I’ve picked up these tips to help you relax at your family photography session.
1. Ask for recommendations
Personal recommendations and reviews are crucial when looking for a family photographer. If you don’t know where to start, asking on a Sussex mum/parenting Facebook group can provide a wealth of current firsthand knowledge. Knowing that another parent has taken the time to recommend a family photographer is a brilliant first step, because, let’s face it, parents are busy, so carving out time to recommend or review a service means a lot.
“Hannah put so much thought and detail into all the creative decisions to capture our family beautifully. Even when our toddler began to get fussy Hannah had lots of strategies to keep her engaged and caught the loveliest memories. We will always treasure these photos!”
2. Don’t smile
Yes, you read this one correctly. In my opinion, fake frozen smiles are the worst kind. I want a glint in your eye, laughter lines and nose crinkles. My aim is to capture genuine organic moments so you can guarantee I will never utter the dreaded ‘cheese’ word.
As a professional family photographer, I will always guide you through the session, creating scenarios using simple games, props or directions on how to create connection together. Ultimately there will always be moments of silliness for me to catch genuine laughter and affection.
3. Choose the right location
Location is key. Not only does it set the tone and style of your family photographs it’s also a place where your family feel most comfortable. Outside in Sussex’s serene natural locations is generally a winner with kids as they love to explore and roam free, but the warmth and security of your home can also provide an intimate location especially when a newborn is involved.
Being a Brighton based photographer my local knowledge means I have on tap a multitude of breathtaking Sussex locations for your family photo shoot – deserted beaches, wild grassy sand dunes, golden rape seed fields or within the serene cherry blossom are all locations I can offer. Nobody likes an audience so I do my best to choose places (and times) when I know these locations will be quiet, aside from the occasional dog walker.
Just had a baby? Let me come to you. I offer at-home newborn photography in Sussex because I know you are probably still navigating how to get out the door, let alone be on time for a photo shoot.
Spent years renovating your dream home? Why not shoot your family there and capture all that hard graft you’ve put in?
Home too small or not in a good state? Let me welcome you into my natural light studio in Brighton for a relaxing motherhood or maternity portrait session.
4. Get everyone in the right mindset
The mood you are in on the day can set the whole tone of the photoshoot, so if you’re feeling stressed, unprepared or negative it will show in the photographs.
Understandably you or your partner may be feeling nervous or apprehensive before your family photo shoot. A professional family photographer should prepare you for what to expect on the day of your photo shoot so it’s not a complete mystery. I’m here to guide you every step of the way, I offer a free client wardrobe for mums and little ones and can help you with guidance for dressing the rest of the family. I’ll also ask you to fill in a pre-shoot questionnaire so I can get to know your little ones likes and dislikes and discuss any access issues.
You can avoid a fair amount of stress by being ultra-prepared the day before the shoot – organising the whole family’s wardrobe choices, packing snacks, drinks and games and leaving enough time for a couple of stops on the journey.
On the day, listen to some feel-good music on the car journey and if you’re still feeling nervous then try to focus on the end result – natural family photographs that capture the love and milestones of your family at this moment in time. Photographs you will truly treasure forever.
Prepare your kids for the photo shoot by talking to them in advance about what will happen on the day. It’s a chance to play and explore a new fun location. The family photographer wants them to jump on mum and dad, get thrown in the air, get on their shoulders, chase bubbles, and get an ice cream at the end. Obviously the most crucial factor for most kids!
5. Be open to prop suggestions
Props are a fantastic way to get in the moment and take your mind away from being photographed. For parents, I always say use your children as your props. Focus on being entirely present with them, engaging in games and letting them take the lead in exploring new locations. Try not to worry about them behaving as you think they should. My shoots are always child-focused, especially at the beginning. It’s all about gaining trust. The rest usually falls into place once they are on side.
Fun props to try as a family are using a blanket as a swing, musical instruments, collecting stones and shells, chasing bubbles, blowing dandelions or wrapping the whole family snugly in a blanket.
If you are doing a maternity shoot it can be hard to know what to do with your hands. Luckily the best place to position them is around your tummy- which I will guide you to do. I also love using flowers and sun shadows as artistic ways to photograph your maternity session.
6. Enjoy yourself
This one sounds obvious, but you’ve booked your Sussex family photographer for a reason, so go with the flow and remember the more genuine you are the more natural your photographs will be. Enjoy being fully in the moment with your beautiful family and let me do the work of guiding you.
And finally, breathe… we all know the power of three deep breaths.
If you are interested in finding out more or booking a family photographer in Sussex you can get in touch here
