Booking a family photography session is a wonderful way to capture memories, but you might be wondering what to expect on the day of your shoot.
From preparation to the final shot, here’s everything you need to know to ensure your family portrait experience is relaxed, enjoyable, and delivers stunning results.
1. Pre-Session Planning
The day before your photoshoot, you’ll receive a session options form which will let you browse my range of props and backdrops and make any selections of those you’d like to include in your session to make it perfect for you. It will also give you the chance to think and talk to each other a bit more about the type of images that you’d like your gallery to contain. However, it’s worth thinking about your wardrobe in advance, do your outfits complement each other? Do you want to have a more formal feel to your images or to keep things more natural / lifestyle? Or would you like to mix and match between the two – you have time for outfit changes in your session so you can definitely do both if you want to.
2. On the Day of Your Session
On the day of your session, it’s all about creating a relaxed environment so you can enjoy your session while creating your images. Here’s what you can expect:
- Arriving at the Studio: We have the studio booked for an hour which is plenty of time so there’s no need to rush. Arrive at your appointment time and you’ll be parking on my driveway so there’s always space. The studio is a short walk up a path so we’ll take everything you need for your session up with us so we have it all to hand while we create your photos. There’s a toilet and changing room at the studio with a large mirror so you have a great space for any last minute hair, outfit, and make up checks.
- Before we Start Taking Pictures: We’ll take some time to say our hellos and also to go through what you’d like to do with your session. I’ll take a peek at any outfits that you’ve bought with you and we’ll create a plan for how we move through your session.
- Relaxed Atmosphere: I get that there can be a degree of nerves around turning up to a studio to get pictures taken by a stranger (if we haven’t already met) but my goal is to create a relaxed atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable. Never been in a studio before? No worries, I’ll guide you through the session and give you all the info you need to look fantastic. Not quite sure what you want to do? There’s no problems there, I always have tons of ideas!
- Posing and Interaction: While I’ll direct the session, I encourage natural interactions. Whether it’s a smile, a laugh, or a hug, these moments create the warmth and connection that make family photos so special.
3. During the Session
I’ll work closely with you throughout the session to make sure everyone feels at ease and physically comfortable – not all poses work for everyone so I’ll be checking in with you throughout to make sure things are going as you’d like them to. Here’s what to expect:
- Multiple Shots: We’ll take a variety of shots, both posed and candid, to capture your family’s dynamic from different angles and perspectives. In each pose that we set up, I’ll be taking lots of images so don’t worry about blinking and things like that – there’s always plenty of shots to choose from.
- Movement and Interaction: You may be asked to change positions, stand or sit in different ways, or interact with one another to add variety to the photos.
- Fun and Playful Shots: I’ll encourage playful moments between family members to get those heartwarming, genuine photos that truly reflect your family’s personality.
4. The Post-Session Process
After your session, your work is done but mine is just getting started. I bring all your images into my editing suite and choose the very best of them to present to you in your gallery. There’s never any viewing sessions or sales process with my photography. As soon as your photos are ready, you’ll receive an email with a code to your private online gallery where you’ll be able to view and select the photos that you love.
You’ll have either one or three images included in your package (depending on whether you’ve selected the mini or full portrait session) and you’ll have the instructions on how to let me know your selection in your email. Anything else that you’d like to buy, you simply add to your shopping basket and check out online just like you would with any other retail site. It should all look pretty familiar but I’m always happy to help so you can just get in touch if you have any questions.
5. Tips for a Successful Session
To ensure the session goes smoothly, here are a few things you might want to keep in mind while you’re planning.
- Take Time to Plan: It doesn’t need to be a big logistical exercise, you can even just take five minutes to talk through choices on your pre-session form the day before your session, having a consensus on the type of images you’d like to create means that you’re much more likely to end up with a gallery that’s perfect for you!
- Comfort is Key: Wear clothes that make you feel comfortable and confident. There’s lot of advice about what to wear for your portrait session but none of it matters if you don’t like what you’re wearing! Avoid anything too tight or restrictive that might distract you during the session. If you’ve got small kids with you, you are likely also to be moving more than average so it might be worth avoiding anything too short so you don’t need to worry about that when you’re wrangling an active toddler!
- Keep the Kids Relaxed: If you have young children, we’re going to let them take breaks if they need so and sometimes it is a great idea to bring along a favourite toy to help them settle in to a new environment (favourite toys are part of the family too and can look great in some of the images!). I’ve got two decades worth of experience in working with all ages and so I’ll be working to keep things fun and fresh for them in the studio so you capture those great natural expressions. Generally speaking (and it varies according to your child’s age and personality of course) but telling them explicitly to smile will often give you some quite strange expressions so I prefer to just amp up the silliness and get them to laugh naturally. My advice would be to let your inner silliness out too and be prepared to sing / dance / whatever makes them laugh – I’m never going to judge and I definitely don’t video it so your family secret daftness is safe with me!
- Stay Positive: Remember, the session is all about capturing your family’s unique moments. If something doesn’t go as planned, don’t worry—those candid, unposed shots can often turn out to be the most memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions about Family Portrait Photography
Got questions about your upcoming family photography session? I’ve compiled answers to some of the most common queries to help you feel fully prepared and confident for your shoot. From what to wear to how to keep your little ones happy, I’ve got you covered! If you can’t find what you’re looking for here though, just get in touch and I’m happy to help!
I tend to keep family sessions simple and timeless, so props aren’t usually needed. That said, you’re very welcome to bring along a small personal item if it feels meaningful to you.
This might be something like a favourite book, a musical instrument, or an item that reflects a shared interest. If you’re unsure whether something will work well, just ask – I’m always happy to advise so the focus stays on your family rather than the props.
Yes. Family photo sessions aren’t just for young children – I regularly photograph families with older children and teenagers too.
Sessions are relaxed and age-appropriate, without forced posing or anything that feels awkward. I’ll guide things gently so everyone feels comfortable, and we’ll keep the focus on natural connection rather than overly staged setups. Older children often enjoy having a say in how the session feels, and that usually shows in the final images.
Most babies are at their happiest in the late morning, once they’ve had a good nap and a proper meal, so that’s usually the ideal time for a photo shoot. However, every child is different, and the best time is always the one that fits your baby’s natural rhythm. If your little one has a very reliable nap routine, it’s worth booking a time slot when they’re normally bright and settled. A well-rested baby makes the whole session smoother, whether it’s a cake smash, sitter session, newborn-style photos or a family shoot.
And don’t worry – if your baby has an “off” morning or needs a little extra time, we take everything at their pace. A calm, flexible approach always leads to the best photos.
Yes, studio flash is completely safe for children’s eyes. The light is bright, but it’s only for a tiny fraction of a second and is much gentler than natural sunlight. Some children notice the brightness more than others, but the flash itself doesn’t cause any harm. If I know your child is particularly sensitive, I’ll simply adjust my lighting to keep them comfortable while still creating beautiful images.
Yes. I hold an up-to-date DBS check. This helps ensure parents feel confident and reassured when bringing their children to my studio, whatever type of child photography session they’re booking.
Absolutely. Once your images are ready, you’ll be able to purchase additional prints, albums, wall art, and other professional products directly from your private online gallery.
I offer a carefully chosen range of high-quality options, including fine art prints, frames, canvases, and albums designed to last. You can take your time deciding what you’d like — there’s no pressure to buy and no sales appointments.
If you’d like advice on which images work best for albums or wall displays, I’m always happy to help guide you.
If you need to reschedule or cancel your session, please let me know as soon as possible so I can manage studio time fairly.
I completely understand that illness and unexpected situations happen — especially with children. If your child is unwell on the day of the session, it’s usually best to reschedule rather than push ahead when they’re not feeling their best.
If an appointment is missed without notice, you’re very welcome to rebook, but a £30 rebooking fee applies before a new session can be scheduled.
After your session, you’ll receive a private online gallery where you can view your finished images at home in your own time.
From there, you can choose your favourites directly from the gallery. If you’d like help deciding, I’m always happy to guide you through the selection process and offer advice on what works best for prints, frames or albums.
I don’t show photos immediately after the shoot, as I want to make sure every image is carefully selected and edited to a high standard.
Within 1–2 weeks of your session, you’ll receive a private online gallery where you can view your finished images and choose your favourites. This gives me the time needed to prepare the photos properly so they look their absolute best.
It’s completely normal for children to feel shy, unsure, or a little uncooperative during a photo session – and that’s absolutely okay.
I take a calm, patient approach and allow children to settle at their own pace. Sessions are relaxed, child-led, and gently guided using simple prompts and encouragement rather than pressure. If needed, I work in short bursts to keep things light and avoid overwhelm.
My focus is always on creating a stress-free experience so your child feels comfortable – that’s when the most natural, genuine expressions happen.
Because my studio is a cosy space, I usually recommend sessions for up to two adults and three children, or four adults.
Extended family members — such as grandparents — are very welcome within those limits. If you’re hoping to include a larger group, it’s best to get in touch before booking so we can talk it through. In some cases, that might mean splitting the session or planning a different approach to make sure everyone is comfortable and the session runs smoothly.
There’s never any sales process or meetings with any of my photography – you simply and view your image gallery online and make any orders that you’d like to directly from there.
My online gallery should be fairly familiar to you if you shop online but in case you need a bit of extra assistance, you can click on the button below to access a help document that walks you through how to access your gallery, choose your favourite images and place an order. Of course, if you are having problems, just get in touch and I’m always happy to help.
Payment is due when you booked your photo shoot but if it is more than two weeks away, you can choose to pay a deposit of £20. The balance is due the week before your booking.
Absolutely – and I’m always happy to talk things through in advance so we can make the session as relaxed and enjoyable as possible.
My studio is a short walk from parking and does involve several small steps, so unfortunately it isn’t wheelchair accessible. I want to be upfront about that so you can decide whether it’s the right space for you.
If someone in your group needs a little extra support – whether that’s more time, a quieter approach, sensory considerations, or flexibility around how the session runs – please get in touch before booking. Every family is different, and a quick chat helps me tailor the session so everyone feels comfortable and included.
You’re not alone. This is one of the most common things people say to me – often alongside “I’m not very photogenic.”
If you’ve made it to the studio, you’ve already done the hardest part. From there, my job is to guide you through everything. I’ll tell you where to stand, how to sit, how to hold yourself, and I’ll keep things moving so you never feel awkward or stuck wondering what to do.
The first couple of minutes can feel a bit strange – that’s completely normal – but it passes very quickly. Most people relax faster than they expect to, and many end up enjoying the process far more than they thought they would.
And if it helps to know: the worst-case scenario is simply that you decide the photos aren’t for you. There’s no pressure, no obligation – just a calm, supportive session designed to make things as easy as possible.
This can mean different things to different people.
I carefully edit every image so it looks its absolute best. That includes colour correction, gentle toning, and removing temporary things like scratches, spots or marks that won’t be there next week.
What I don’t do is change who you are. I won’t remove birthmarks, scars or features that are part of you, alter body shape, or change the natural contours of your face. My approach is about flattering light, thoughtful posing and careful editing — not digital reshaping.
The aim is for you to recognise yourself and feel comfortable with what you see.
Absolutely – this is incredibly common.
Most children, if you ask them to smile or say “cheese”, will pull a face that looks nothing like their real, natural smile. For that reason, I don’t usually ask children to “perform” in the studio.
Instead, I focus on helping them relax and have fun. That might mean chatting, playing, moving around, being a bit silly, or saying something unexpected at just the right moment. Natural expressions tend to appear in the gaps — and those are the moments I’m looking for.
There’s no pressure for your child to behave or smile in a particular way. I’ll work at their pace and capture them as they are.
Yes, there’s time for up to three outfit changes during a family portrait session. I’ll guide you on what works best together so we can make the most of the time and create a good variety of looks without the session feeling rushed or bitty. Often one outfit feels enough, but if you’d like a mix of styles (for example something relaxed and something a little more polished), we can absolutely do that.
If you’re unsure what to bring, I’m always happy to help you decide in advance.
Yes – natural, relaxed photographs are very much my style.
I’ll always guide you into flattering positions and make sure the lighting works beautifully, but that doesn’t mean your photos will feel stiff or overly posed. I usually start by getting everyone settled together and then let things unfold naturally, capturing the moments in between.
With children, I work in a gentle, playful way. Rather than asking them to sit still and smile, I’ll give them something to do and encourage interaction, which leads to expressions that feel genuine and full of personality.
You don’t need to worry about being “good in front of the camera” – I’ll take care of that part (and I’m not above a bit of silliness if that’s what it takes).
Family portrait sessions are booked for up to one hour. That gives us plenty of time to work at a relaxed pace, allow children time to settle, and create a lovely variety of images without anyone feeling rushed.
In reality, I often don’t need the full hour – but having that time built in means sessions stay calm and enjoyable, which always leads to better photographs.
Yes — my studio is set up to be flexible, with a range of backdrops and lighting options that are quick and easy to switch between.
Within one session, I recommend choosing up to three backdrops. This gives you a beautifully varied gallery without rushing, and ensures each setup has time to really work. You’ll be able to make your backdrop choices in advance (from the options I send before your session), so everything flows smoothly on the day.
Absolutely. I often describe this as a mix and match session.
For example, if you’re visiting the studio as two parents and two children, we can capture a lovely variety of images — everyone together, children together, individual children, parents together, and different combinations in between. This approach makes the most of your session time and gives you a really well-rounded gallery from one relaxed, easy session.
If anyone in your family is unwell, please don’t worry – you’re very welcome to reschedule your session.
If you’re able to give me as much notice as possible, that’s always appreciated, but I completely understand that illness (especially with children) can come on suddenly. I don’t offer refunds on sessions, but I’m happy to hold your session fee as a credit so you can rebook for a more convenient time once everyone is feeling better.
I’d always rather photograph children when they’re comfortable and well, and it helps keep everyone in the studio healthy too.
This is one of the most common worries parents have – and honestly, it’s never a problem. Children don’t need to “behave” in a studio to get lovely photographs. Lots of children feel shy, cautious, excitable or overwhelmed in a new environment, and that’s completely normal. I always allow time for children to settle in at their own pace, and sessions are relaxed, playful and led by them rather than forced poses or expectations.
Some children warm up quickly, others need a little longer – both are absolutely fine. Gentle encouragement from parents helps, but there’s no pressure to perform. Often the best images come from real moments in between the silliness, movement and curiosity.
If your child has additional needs, sensory sensitivities or anything you’re worried about, you’re very welcome to let me know in advance so I can make the session as comfortable as possible for them.
When you buy a digital file from me, the copyright stays with me as it would with pretty much all other photographers out there. However, that’s just a legal term that I retain as the creator of the image. You’re able to print and share the image as much as you’d like to – the only things that you can’t do is sell the images or claim that you took them. Other than that, they are yours to do as you wish with.
PS – Back them up!
This is question that I get asked a lot and it’s a really tough one to answer as it depends on so many things. If I’m photographing a baby and they’re in a great mood, then you have lots of photos where if they are finding things a bit difficult then you get less. Gun to my head, if I had to offer an average image count, then I’d say that you can expect to find about forty fully edited images in your finished gallery but that can vary wildly so it’s probably not a very useful statistic for you.
Coordinating outfits can make a real difference to how your finished images feel, but it doesn’t mean everyone needs to match exactly. I recommend choosing colours and tones that work well together rather than identical outfits. Soft, neutral or muted colours tend to photograph beautifully, while bold patterns and large logos can be distracting and date more quickly. Plain fabrics usually create a more timeless look and help keep the focus on faces and connection.
If you’d like more detailed guidance, I’ve written a full blog post with outfit ideas, colour palettes and practical tips to help you choose what works best for your family.
And if you’re ever unsure, you’re always welcome to get in touch – I’m very happy to help you decide.
All of my portrait sessions take place in my studio, where I can control the light, temperature and environment to create calm, consistent images.
Working in the studio also means sessions are weather-proof, relaxed, and designed around children and families without the unpredictability of outdoor locations
My studio is quite small (but perfectly formed), so family portrait sessions work best for up to two adults and three children, or up to five children.
If you’re hoping to include more people than this, just get in touch before booking and we can chat through what might work best.
A family portrait session in my studio costs £95 and includes three digital images of your choice.
There’s no sales appointment or viewing session – you’ll simply view your images in your private online gallery and choose your favourites in your own time. If you’d like additional images or prints, these can be ordered directly from the gallery.
Absolutely! Photography gift certificates make a wonderful and thoughtful present – perfect for birthdays, baby showers, new arrivals or just because.
You can choose any session type (newborn, family, maternity, baby club, cake smash, or even seasonal minis) and I’ll create a beautifully designed certificate for you to give.
Gift certificates can be supplied as a printed version, ready to wrap and hand over, or a digital version, perfect for last-minute gifting. Each one comes with full details on how to book, and the recipient is free to choose a date that suits them.
If you’d like to order one, just click on the button below. It’s a lovely way to give someone the gift of memories that last a lifetime.
Yes – dogs are very welcome at my studio. If you’d like to include your dog in your baby’s first birthday photos, it’s best to wait until your baby can sit confidently on their own so I can pose them safely together. For cake smashes, it is possible to bring your dog, but I recommend bringing an extra pair of hands so someone can keep an eye on them while we’re doing the cake and tub splash. Even the best-behaved dogs can find all that icing a bit irresistible!
I completely understand that little ones can become poorly at the most inconvenient times. If your child is ill on the day of your session, just get in touch and I’ll happily rearrange it for you. There’s no problem at all — it’s far better to wait until they’re feeling well, comfortable and ready to enjoy themselves.
Children rarely look their best when they’re under the weather, and you’ll get much nicer photos when they’re bright and happy, so rescheduling is always the right call.
I keep your images for 18 months following your session date and after this point, they are permanently deleted so if you are purchasing digital copies, I can’t stress enough to back them up safely.
When they go online following your session, they will be on there for a month for you to order from (although I can extend that if you need a bit more time to choose – you just need to ask!)
My studio (located in Crawley Down, just a short drive from East Grinstead, West Sussex) is open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm.
I welcome bookings within those hours, and if you have special scheduling needs or want an evening or Sunday option, feel free to ask – I’ll always do my best to accommodate when possible.
I present all of your images in colour and then I’ll add in black and white copies of some that I think particularly suit it. Of course, if you’d rather have an image in black and white then just ask and I’m happy to switch it over for you.
I have a range of backdrops you can use for your session, and you’re welcome to browse the range I have in advance of your session and let me know your choices on your session options form (you’ll receive this the day before your session) and I’ll have everything ready for you when you arrive for your photo shoot.
Each of your images is professionally edited and so there will be a bit of a delay before you can see your images while I get everything ready for you. This can vary according to a number of factors but generally, it’s about a two week wait before your images are uploaded to your private online gallery. I’ll be able to advise you better on exact waiting times at your session.
My studio is based in Crawley Down, West Sussex, conveniently positioned between Crawley and East Grinstead and just a short drive from nearby villages like Copthorne and Turners Hill.
Most newborn, baby club, and family sessions take place in-studio, where I’ve set up a calm, warm, and safe environment for babies and families. I’ve designed the space for comfort, safety, soft light, and a full wardrobe of props and wraps.
You can find out more about it including the address and directions at My Studio Page.
Absolutely. You don’t need any experience at all to look and feel great in your photos. I’ll guide you through everything – from where to stand and how to hold yourself to simple prompts that help you relax and look natural. Whether it’s a maternity session, a family portrait, or individual photos, I’ll shape the poses to suit you, your comfort, and the style you love. All you need to do is turn up – I’ll take care of the rest.
There’s no minimum spend or nasty pricing surprises with any of my photography. You’ll already know the price of your photo shoot and what’s included and if you’d like to order more, you simply do so from your online gallery.
I believe in complete transparency when it comes to pricing so you won’t get any nasty surprises. You’ll already know what your session fee includes in terms of images, and you can simply order more from your online gallery if you’d like to – there’s no sales or viewing session to attend.
Here are the prices for additional digital images and prints.
About two weeks after your session, I’ll have your images edited and uploaded to your private online gallery. There’s no sales or viewing session to attend. I’ll email you a link and a password and that will take you straight to your finished images.
Any digital images that you purchase will be sized at 10×8″ at 300ppi in JPEG format as standard. This is perfect for printing up to this size or slightly larger (you have more flexibility on size when it comes to canvases as they are printed at a lower resolution).
If you know you want to print significantly larger than this, you can upgrade your digital images to be larger file sizes and they will be sent to you on USB drive – just check your gallery pricing for the options here.
One little note though – always back up your USBs – they’re aren’t the most reliable technology for long term storage.
I kindly ask that you don’t take photos or videos during your session. Your booking includes my time, skill and copyright, and recording in the studio can interrupt the flow of your shoot. If anyone is seen filming or photographing, the session will need to be stopped and will end without refund – and that’s not a situation any of us want to be in. Please relax, enjoy the experience, and let me take care of creating the images for you.
Family Portrait Photography in East Grinstead
Your family’s unique moments deserve to be captured in stunning, professional portraits. Let’s work together to create timeless images that reflect your family’s personality and connections. Whether it’s a fun, candid shoot or a more formal portrait, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Get in touch today to start planning your perfect family photography session!
