We all know time passes us by far too quickly, and after experiencing living in a world dictated by the dreaded COVID19 it is time to stop talking about getting your family photographed together and just do it!

Memories are the most important things we create during out lifetime and sharing in this together makes those memories even more special. 

Why should you part with your hard-earned money for a family photography session? 

Just think about this –

A typical night out with your family at a restaurant, food, drinks and probably a few more drinks. What would the cost of this be? A family of four – £100, a family of 6 adults – £200. That is for one night. 

And what about this –

A packet of cigarettes costs, £12.46. Let’s say you’re a pack a day smoker, that’s £87.22 per week on cigarettes! For a month’s supply of cigarettes, you are paying out a whopping £348.88! And these last for how long? A few puffs and they are gone!

And don’t forget this –

A bottle of average cost white wine – £12. Let’s say you are an average wine drinker of 2 bottles per week, so that’s £24 downed a week, costing you £96 a month. And what do you have to show for it? Nothing. 

I’m not saying you shouldn’t enjoy a good meal out, a few drinks, a cigarette if you’re so inclined. The point I am making is that my family packages cost £150 or £200, and these memories will last forever!

Now I know some of you will be cringing at the thought of being photographed. I always ask clients who arrive at the studio, ‘are you being photographed too?’ and am often told ‘oh no, not looking like this!’ Maybe you don’t feel you’re looking your best, perhaps you’ve gained some baby weight (that generally happens when you have those little invaders growing inside you), and you males – maybe you have put on some sympathy weight. I know how this feels and twenty years after having my first baby the weight doesn’t seem to have gone. I am sure this has nothing to do with the fact I’m a little addicted to cake???? My point is – who cares! You are who you are, and you must accept this. Your family love you because you are you and this will shine through in your photos. Trust me, nobody is looking at your thighs, arms, whatever you are worried about, they are looking at your face and how your family chemistry brings out those lovely smiles! I am very amenable to taking photos that compliment you in the best way without having to show your full face or body. Trust me and my ability to know the best angles that will work for you. You will see from my reviews that everyone has felt comfortable around me. I am a totally relaxed woman who is the proud owner of some lumps and bumps of my own!

Then there are people who love a family photoshoot! These people are organised, coordinate their families clothing, and have more than one outfit. I love these people! I am a matchy matchy kind of person and think this looks amazing in your family photos. This doesn’t mean everyone has to be dressed exactly the same. You can all simply have elements of the same two colours for your outfits and you can mix this up with t-shirts, jumpers, dresses, and trousers. I am on hand to chat to you about your clothing options before your photoshoot. I am not claiming to be a fashionista, but I know what looks good in a photo.

Now, some of you may be worried about how I am going to pose you. I promise, hand on heart, I will not make anyone do handstands, jumping jack positions or cheesy advert photos. My aim is to capture your family naturally and photograph some staged photos, minus the cheese! Please check out my family photography gallery to see how I like to pose people. You can also bring screenshots of other poses you have found you’d like to try. 

How many times have you said, ‘we should all get together and get a nice family photo’ only for time to pass by? Babies grow into toddlers, toddlers grow into preschoolers, preschoolers grow into school kids and then they become…wait for it…dum dum dum… teenagers, that is when you’re in trouble! Trying to persuade a teen a photoshoot will can feel like mission impossible. But with a bribe of extra Xbox time, Dominos or a week off chores generally helps!

Now, let’s talk about dogs… I love love love dogs! They are welcome in my studio to take part in your family photoshoot. I am a dog owner and understand that for a dog coming to a new environment, with all those lovely new smells, will be very exciting for them. Before they come into the studio, they can have a run around the garden to get some of that excess energy out. It’s also helpful if you take your dog for a long walk before you come to the studio to drain away some energy. Bring treats! A little bit of cheese works a treat for my dogs, but you know your dog and what they just can’t resist! If your dog has basic training, such as, sit, wait etc. this is helpful. If your dog is an utter menace you may need to hold them or keep them on a lead. Either way having a dog join in the photoshoot will bring even more fun! Doggy kisses welcome!

Not convinced your hard-earned money is worth spending on a family photoshoot. Well, what can I say? It’s of course up to you how you spend your money, but don’t live with regrets as one day you will look back and wish you had done it, this I can guarantee!

For more information on my Family photography packages please see full details on my website…