What Should I Expect From a Family Photo Shoot?

If you’ve never had a professional family photo shoot before, it’s completely normal to feel a little unsure about what will actually happen on the day.

Will the kids behave?
Will it feel awkward in front of the camera?
What if your children refuse to cooperate?

These are all questions families often ask before visiting my studio.

At Infinity Photographic Studios in Chester le Street, I photograph families every week, and one thing I can tell you straight away is this.
A family photo shoot should be a fun and relaxed experience. It’s not about perfection. It’s about capturing the personality of your family as it is right now.

Here’s what you can expect when you come to the studio.

Arriving at the Studio

When you arrive at the studio, the first thing I do is simply sit down and have a chat.

I’ll welcome you in, invite you to take a seat, and we’ll talk for a few minutes about what you’re hoping to get from the session. Some families already have ideas about the kind of photographs they would like, while others are completely open and happy for me to guide them.

If you’ve brought children along, I’ll usually introduce myself to them straight away. Often I’ll sit down on the floor so I’m not towering over them, which helps younger children feel more comfortable.

Every child is different. Some children run straight into the studio full of confidence, while others take a little time to settle in. If a child needs five or ten minutes to explore the room and feel comfortable, that’s absolutely fine. We simply take the time we need before we begin.

Parents often relax at this point too. I’ve been photographing families for many years, so I’ll usually reassure you that everything will be fine and that the session will move at a pace that suits your family.

During the Photo Shoot

Many people imagine a photo shoot will involve lots of strict posing, but modern family photography is much more relaxed than that.

Yes, there is some posing involved, particularly when we’re photographing larger family groups. Without a bit of direction people would be scattered around the studio and not looking at the camera. However, the goal is always to keep things natural and comfortable rather than overly formal.

I guide families into positions that work well for the camera while still allowing you to interact naturally with each other.

Children are often the unpredictable element, but that’s part of the fun.

If a child doesn’t want to sit still or isn’t keen on having their photo taken, we simply take our time. I always allow around an hour for family sessions so we’re never rushed. Sometimes children just need a few minutes to adjust.

I have small seats and cushions in the studio which younger children often enjoy sitting on. Sometimes we bring parents into the moment by lifting children up, cuddling them, or playing little games together.

Over the years I’ve also discovered that a bit of toilet humour works wonders. Asking questions like “Who has the stinkiest bottom, mummy or daddy?” usually results in some genuine laughter from the children and a few surprised smiles from the parents as well.

Those real reactions are often where the best photographs come from.

What If My Child Doesn’t Behave?

This is probably the number one concern parents mention before a family photo shoot.

The truth is that children don’t need to behave perfectly for a photo session to work.

I have worked with children of all personalities and abilities, including children with autism, ADHD and a range of additional needs. The studio environment is very welcoming and fully inclusive, and we always adapt the session to suit the child.

Sometimes the best photographs happen in the moments between poses, when children are interacting with their parents rather than focusing on the camera.

The most important thing is simply to come along and give it a go.

Feeling Comfortable in Front of the Camera

Parents are often just as nervous as the children.

Many people worry that they will feel awkward or won’t look their best in photographs. My job as a photographer is to guide you through the process so you feel comfortable and confident.

Simple adjustments in posing, lighting and positioning can make a huge difference. You don’t need to worry about what to do with your hands or how to stand. I’ll guide you through everything step by step.

If you’re unsure what to wear, we also provide guidance on clothing choices before the session so you can arrive feeling prepared.

Most families tell me afterwards that the session was much more relaxed and enjoyable than they expected.

What Makes a Great Family Photograph?

Every family is different, so the best photographs are always the ones that reflect your personalities.

Some families love natural interactions such as laughter, cuddles and playful moments. Others prefer more classic portraits where everyone is looking at the camera.

We usually create a mixture of both.

Personally, I often love the moments where children are looking at their parents rather than the camera. Those small glances and genuine expressions can create beautiful images full of emotion.

But ultimately, the photographs you choose are the ones that matter most.

Sometimes families arrive with a very clear idea of what they want, only to fall in love with completely different images once they see the results.

Viewing Your Images

After the session, I go through all of the photographs and carefully remove any images where someone has blinked or pulled a funny face.

I then select the strongest images from the session and prepare them for your viewing appointment.

Most families return to the studio within a week to see their photographs, although sometimes we can arrange appointments sooner depending on diaries.

During your viewing appointment we present your images as a beautiful slideshow projected onto the studio wall with music. It’s often a really special moment for families to see the photographs for the first time.

After the slideshow, we go through the images together and help you choose your favourites. If two images are very similar, I’ll show them side by side so you can decide which one you prefer.

Once we’ve narrowed things down to your favourite photographs, we can start designing any artwork you would like for your home.

Choosing Your Photographs

Most families choose beautiful framed portraits for their walls.

At Infinity Photographic Studios we offer a range of premium frames, from classic single image frames to larger artisan pieces featuring multiple photographs.

For a more modern look we also offer contemporary display options such as acrylic and aluminium wall art, although traditional framed portraits remain the most popular choice for around ninety percent of our clients.

Some families end up choosing more images than they expected once they see the photographs, while others prefer to keep things simple.

There’s never any pressure. My job is simply to help you choose the images you truly love.

The Most Important Thing

A family photo shoot is not about perfection.

Children don’t need to sit perfectly still, and parents don’t need to worry about posing or looking awkward. My role as a photographer is to guide you through the experience and capture genuine moments that reflect your family.

The result is a set of photographs that you’ll still treasure many years from now.

If you’re considering a family photo shoot and would like to learn more, you’re always welcome to get in touch and have a chat.