Family photoshoots are a wonderful way to capture the love and connection within your family, creating cherished memories that last a lifetime. As a Professional Suffolk Family Photographer for the past 13 years, I understand that parents often have a number of concerns about the process.

Here are ten common worries and how to address them with your photographer to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable experience for your family photoshoot.

1. Finding a photographer with a style that you really like:

Whether it’s posed in a studio or more natural, outdoor, lifestyle photos. There are options to suit everyone. I would suggest using certain keywords when searching in google that describes the style of photography you love most. For example you might like light and airy images, or dark and moody, posed portraits in a studio or documentary style (unposed) or taken at home (lifestyle).

Then do some research through the websites and look at their portfolio to make sure that you LOVE their work and that the quality of their work and editing style is consistent across their website.

 

2. Children Not Cooperating:

Parents often worry that their children won’t sit still or smile for the camera. Photographers who specialise in Family Photography will be used to working with kids of all ages and will know how to create a relaxed and fun atmosphere to encourage natural expressions and candid moments. I’d look for reviews on their website or google to see if other clients mention how good they were with the kids for reassurance.

 

 

3. Weather Issues:

Outdoor photoshoots depend on good weather. Most Photographers will be flexible about rearranging an outdoor session if the weather is bad.

Do check with them before you book as some are willing to shoot in rain, wind or snow! Personally, I monitor the forecast closely and offer flexible rescheduling options to ensure optimal conditions for your shoot.

4. Outfit Choices:

Deciding what everyone should wear can be stressful. Ask your Photographer if they can help you with this to ensure your images stand the test of time. I provide styling tips and guidance to help you choose coordinating outfits that look great on camera and I’m sure lots of other Photographers do too!

Click here to see my Blog Post about what to wear to your photoshoot

5. Time Constraints:

Busy schedules can make finding the right time challenging. Photographers are mostly self-employed so can often offer flexible scheduling, including weekends and evenings, to accommodate your family’s needs.

You might only see one-time spot per day on the booking form, but just ask your photographer if they can be flexible on this as I know I am.

The only time I don’t like to shoot if I can help it is in the middle of the day. Some Photographers only shoot at sunset or sunrise as that is when the best light is, and if that doesn’t fit with your family schedule, you will need to communicate that to them.

 

6. Cost Concerns:

Professional photography can seem like a significant investment but if you think about the fact you are likely to enjoy these images for the rest of your life, the value over-rides the cost significantly.  What would you rescue if your house was on fire?  My kids baby photos and wedding photos are first on my list of things to save, and my hard drives with my photos are in fireproof box so you can tell what my priorities are! Not my tv, clothes or anything else!

In the past some Photography studios offered a very low booking fee and then customers were surprised with the high product costs once they saw their images and felt pressured to buy. So I’d always recommend finding out exactly what the Collection or Product costs are before booking so there are no surprises. If that information isn’t on their website like ours is, I would recommend reaching out to your Photographer and having a chat on the phone about it before you book.

7. Feeling Awkward in Front of the Camera:

Many parents feel self-conscious about being photographed. Don’t worry about this as 99% of people feel the same. If you trust your Photographer and love the images they created for other clients, then that will help you to relax and just follow their instructions as they will put you in the best spots with the best light and will direct you to capture natural and flattering poses. You might find the more experienced Photographers are better at posing and direction, which is why they often charge more. So if you invest more, you will feel more confident in their abilities, you will be more relaxed making for better Portraits.

8. Location Choices:

Finding the perfect location can be daunting. As a Suffolk Family Photographer (very close to the Cambridge and Essex borders) who lives on our family Arable Farm, I am blessed with a load of beautiful spots on our farm that provide stunning backdrops for your photos. But all good Photographers will have some favourite locations they like to use (taking into consideration time of the day and time of the year) where they know they can get great photos. we all love a bit of variety so if you have a location that is special to you, like the woods or the beach, then let your photographer know about it as they may be willing to travel. I also have a home studio that we can shoot in if Studio images are your vibe, and it’s a great back up if the weather is bad but your schedule is full so rearranging is out of the option.

9. Missing the Perfect Moment:

Parents worry that the best moments will be missed. No one can guarantee anything but every Photographer will aim to focus on capturing both posed and spontaneous moments to ensure a comprehensive gallery of memories. Sometimes what might look good from your perspective isn’t going to look great once photographed due to the light direction or background so try to relax and let your photographer do their thing. Most of my clients are more pleasantly surprised about the moments I captured rather than anything I missed.

10. Post-Shoot Anxiety:

Concerns about how the photos will turn out are natural. Ask your photographer what their process is on delivering images and don’t assume they will just send you a web gallery to choose from. I often show my clients a quick sneak peek during the shoot and ensure thorough editing to deliver stunning final images. I offer a viewing and ordering session either in person or on zoom so I can go through all the photos with my clients, help them star their favourites and narrow down their choices.

If you are considering an outdoor family photoshoot? The perfect time is during the spring, summer or Autumn when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its best.  The advantage with studio sessions is that they can be done all year around!

Just go for it!

Capture the love, joy, and connection within your family with a professional photoshoot. You are going to have these photos forever and remember how much fun you had!

Book your session today and create lasting memories with the help of your trusted Family Photographer.