Booking a family photo session can sometimes feel a little nerve-wracking, especially if you’re unsure of what to expect. Anyone who knows me knows that I am really camera shy myself, so I completely understand! But rest assured, family shoots with me are all about having fun, being relaxed, and capturing the natural moments that you’ll treasure for years to come. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what happens during a typical session with me, so you know exactly what to expect!
1. Before the Shoot: Getting to Know You
Before the session, I’ll make sure we’ve got the important details sorted. We’ll confirm a location that works best for your family, whether it's a local park or somewhere a bit more tucked away. If you want, I’ll also give you guidance on what to wear and what to bring if you're feeling unsure — from outfits to making sure you’ve got snacks or little toys for the kids.
There’s no need to overthink things as the session will all be very relaxed, but I’ll help ensure you feel prepared so everything runs smoothly and I'm here to answer any questions you might have. On the day of the shoot, we’ll start things off by chatting about the type of shots you’re looking for — whether you’re after candid, playful moments, or a few posed shots to go alongside them. From there, it’s all about going with the flow!
2. On the Day: A Relaxed and Fun Experience
When the day of your family photography session here in Yorkshire arrives, the first thing you’ll notice is how relaxed and informal everything is. There’s no rush, no pressure. It’s all about taking our time so that I can really get to know you as a family and put you and your children at ease.
We’ll start by having a bit of a wander around the location, whether it’s a park, woodland, or a favourite outdoor spot while we chat about anything and everything! In fact, you can expect lots of time just chatting throughout the whole shoot, letting the kids explore, and discovering little nooks and crannies where the best photos often happen. I believe that the more relaxed everyone feels, the better the photos will be. The key is to make the session feel more like a fun family outing rather than a formal photo shoot.
And don’t worry if the kids aren’t in the mood right away or need a break — that’s completely normal. We’ll take our time, letting them warm up, and I’m more than happy for you to bring along a few bribes if needed! Whether it’s sweets, small toys, or a favourite teddy, these little things can work wonders in keeping the session light and fun. No judgment here — whatever helps keep the kids smiling is totally fine by me! I always have bubbles with me too!
3. Let the Fun Begin: Capturing Candid, Natural Moments
Once everyone’s comfortable and having fun, I'll get my camera out, while still keeping everything relaxed. My style of photography is all about letting natural moments unfold, so I’ll encourage you to interact as a family — play games, share a laugh, or just enjoy being together. You might be holding hands, chasing bubbles, or simply enjoying a quiet moment. These are the moments I love to capture because they’re genuine and full of emotion.
Throughout the session, I’ll give a bit of gentle direction here and there (for example, if there's a great spot for some lovely light, I'll suggest we head there), but for the most part, I want you to forget about the camera. The best photos come when families are just being themselves, and I’m there to document it all. We’ll explore different areas of the location, finding spots where the light and scenery are just perfect for those candid moments.
4. The Little Details Matter
While we focus on the big, playful moments, I’m also on the lookout for the quieter, more intimate details. The way your child reaches for your hand, a sibling whispering a secret, or that little mischievous smile before they run off to explore — these small gestures are often the ones that spark the most powerful memories. I love capturing these details because they tell the full story of your family, beyond the posed smiles.
5. After the Shoot: Selecting the Best Shots
Once the session is over and you’ve enjoyed a lovely family day out, the behind-the-scenes work begins! I’ll carefully go through all the photos we’ve taken, selecting the all the best ones that highlight the love, laughter, and special connections we’ve captured. You’ll receive a mix of images, from the big joyful moments to the sweet little details, plus probably a few funny outtakes too!
After some light editing to ensure everything looks its best, I’ll curate a gallery of beautiful images that tell the story of your family. You’ll have absolutely loads to choose from, and I absolutely never hold back any good photos - I'm not one for upselling or telling you the package only includes a certain number of shots. So, although I can't give you a definitive number, it's not uncommon for families to receive over 100 edited shots all included in the fixed price.
6. Creating Memories That Last
The end result? Photos that don’t just show what your family looks like, but who you are.
Whether you plan to hang them on your walls, share them with family, or tuck them away in an album, these photos will always take you back to this special moment in time.
Life moves quickly, and children grow up faster than we realise. As Ferris Bueller (I love that movie!) said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Booking a family photography session is a way to press pause on those fleeting moments and create something lasting. If you're looking for a family photographer in Skipton, Ilkley, Leeds or the surrounding areas of North and West Yorkshire, feel free to get in touch and book your session. Whether it’s at a local park, a hidden gem of an outdoor spot, or your own home, I’m here to capture memories that will be treasured for years to come. If you'd like further information then please do visit my Yorkshire Outdoor Family Photography page for further information!

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