Why Book a Family Photoshoot? (And How to Make the Most of It)

If you’ve ever scrolled through your camera roll and realised you’re in approximately three photos with your kids (and one of those is a blurry selfie)… then perhaps it’s time to think about commissioning a professional family photoshoot!

As a family photographer based in Chippenham (and working across Wiltshire from Lacock to Corsham to Castle Combe) I know how quickly the seasons of family life pass. One minute you’re knee-deep in nappies, the next they’re borrowing your shoes and rolling their eyes at you!

So I wanted to talk about why booking a family photoshoot is one of the best decisions you can make and how you can make the most of it.

What does an outdoor family photoshoot involve?

First up, let’s take a deeper look at what a family photoshoot with me actually involves. I think there is a still a long-held assumption that a family photoshoot involves awkward poses in a studio setting. But that’s not what I offer. I offer photoshoots in the beautiful outdoors for family groups and couples using natural light. Shoots typically last around 60 minutes and take place in a location of your choice. I'm always happy to make suggestions for lovely places to visit if you need some guidance. The shoots are always relaxed and fun - the key is to put you at ease so you are as natural as possible in front of the camera.

Why should we book a family photoshoot?

I could wax lyrical about the myriad benefits of booking a family photoshoot but essentially it comes down to three main factors:

It’s about more than photos, it’s quality time together

Yes, you’ll receive beautiful images but what you’re really booking is time.

Time to slow down.
Time to be in the moment without constantly checking your phone.
Time to properly laugh out loud at your children’s ridiculous jokes.

A family photoshoot isn’t about standing stiffly and saying “cheese”, it’s about playing, exploring, having fun and letting your children just be themselves. It’s about you being present while I quietly document the magic unfolding.

And honestly? Those are the moments you will treasure the most.

You deserve to be in the frame

One parent or the other typically ends up being the family historian. They are the ones that take the photos and document those all important family memories but they are rarely in photos themselves.

If that’s you, you deserve to be in the photos too! Take this as a little gentle encouragement to get in front of the camera (even if you don’t particularly want to). Professional family photography ensures that you are also part of your family’s story, not just the one documenting it.

If you’re searching for family photography in Wiltshire because you’ve realised you’re never in the pictures… consider this your sign!

Moments pass quickly

No one ever says, “I wish we hadn’t bothered” but people do say, “I wish we’d done it sooner”.

A relaxed outdoor family photoshoot captures your family as you are right now. It freezes those magical moments in time. The hand-holding, the piggybacks, the chaos and the laughter

These aren’t just photos for now. They’re photos for ten, twenty, thirty years’ time when you’ll look back and say, “I’m so glad we did that”.

Where’s the best location (and time of year) for a family photoshoot?

Honestly? There isn’t a wrong answer.

I’ve photographed families in parklands, bluebell woodlands, quiet Wiltshire villages, lakesides, canals, farms, even in tucked-away corners of towns. If there’s good light and a bit of space to explore, we can make it work beautifully.

The “best” location is usually somewhere that feels natural to you. Somewhere your children can run, climb, collect sticks, or insist on showing me “the best tree ever.” That’s where the magic tends to happen.

As for the time of year, every season brings something different:

Winter is underrated. Wrapped up in coats and scarves, everyone naturally huddles together. It’s perfect for relaxed, connected portraits.

Spring brings blossom, spring flowers, new leaves on the trees and that lovely sense of everything starting again.

Summer is playful and carefree - longer evenings and warm light.

Autumn gives us rich colours, crunchy leaves, puddle jumping and just enough of a chill for cosy layers without anyone freezing.

There’s no “perfect” month. Just the one that reflects your family as you are right now and that’s more than enough.

How to get the most out of your family photoshoot

Now that I’ve gently convinced you(!) here’s how to make your photoshoot session feel effortless and natural.

Don’t aim for perfect, aim for real

Children don’t need to sit still, in fact, I’d rather they didn’t.

Let them run. Let them play. Let them explore. Let them tell me about their favourite dinosaur or why worms are fascinating (I will absolutely listen). Lets make up games and have some fun.

The best images happen naturally, in the in-between moments, in the excitement of the game and in the cuddles after the chaos.

Choose outfits that feel like you

Neutral tones always photograph beautifully against natural outdoor backdrops, but most importantly, wear something you feel comfortable in. If you feel good, you’ll look good. Simple as that.

I generally encourage gentle co-ordination but it is by no means essential. This isn’t a styled shoot - this is a representation of you and your family as you are now. I want you all to feel happy in what you’re wearing as that will translate through to the final images.

But please remember, this is the UK after all so it’s also important to dress for the weather - who was it who said “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing”?

Trust the Process

You don’t need to worry about what to do with your hands or whether the kids are being “too much” - I’ve seen it all before and I’ve got you!

As an experienced family photographer in Wiltshire, I gently guide when needed and step back when the magic is happening. Your only job is to show up and throw yourself into the process.

Hopefully that gives you a bit of insight into my outdoor family photoshoots. If you are interested in commissioning a shoot, please take a look here for more information or drop me a line.

Alternatively, if you are interested in purchasing a gift certificate for a loved one, please get in touch to discuss the various options available.

Ready to book your family photoshoot in Wiltshire?

If you’re based in Chippenham (or Corsham, Lacock, Calne, Melksham or anywhere nearby!) and have been thinking about booking a family photoshoot, this is your nudge!

My commissioned family photoshoot packages start from £195 with themed mini shoot sessions occasionally available from £65.

Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, updating your family portraits, or simply wanting to freeze time for a little while, I would love to capture your story.

Let’s create something beautiful together.

Explore my family photoshoot packages and book your session here