Pocket Guide to Family Portrait Photography

Header image for the family portrait pocket guide

Portrait sessions are a chance to capture your family just as you are right now—whether that’s a couple, siblings, or three generations together. This guide brings together the most common questions I’m asked, so you’ll know exactly what to expect from your portrait session.

I specialise in studio-based birthday sessions in Crawley Down, West Sussex (in between Crawley and East Grinstead), with over 20 years’ experience working with babies and families.

From when to book to what to bring,  you’ll find the answers here – short, simple, and easy to dip into whenever you need them.

Here are the most common questions I’m asked about family portrait sessions:

Perfect for families, couples, children, or even just you. My studio can comfortably accommodate groups of up to 2 adults and 3 children, or 4 adults.

Coordinating outfits work really well, but there’s no need to be matchy-matchy. Neutral or soft tones are timeless, but the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and like yourselves.

The studio is cosy, so I recommend smaller groups. If you’d like a bigger group, we can chat about how we might be able to make it work.

It’s £95, which includes the session and your three favourite digital images. You’ll be able to view all of your images and order any more that you’d like from your private online gallery.  It’s £15 for a single digital image, £50 for five images or £195 to download everything in your gallery.

Portrait sessions are around 45 minutes to an hour – enough time to capture a lovely mix without anyone feeling restless.

Yes! I’m always happy to include well-behaved dogs in family portraits – just let me know in advance so we can plan for it.

I keep things simple and classic – studio backdrops in neutral tones that put the focus on you. I can add chairs, stools, or small props for variety. I also have a wide range of themed props and accessories that you can choose to add in if that’s a look you love.

Yes, we usually have time for three diffterent looks in a portrait photo shoot.

That’s completely normal – I’ll guide them with games and interaction so we capture natural expressions and happy moments.

Your final gallery will be ready to view online around two weeks after your session. From there, you can choose your three favourites to download that are included in your session fee, and there’s always the option to add extras if you’d like.  It’s all done online – there’s never any sales meeting to attend.

The Short Answer

Best Age for SessionAny age!
Session Length1 hour
What’s Included 3 digital images
Price £95
Where My Crawley Down Studio, West Sussex
Booking I recommend booking two weeks before you want to receive the photos so I have time to get them ready for you.

How Much Does a Family Portrait Session Cost?

Session fee (inc three digital images) – £95

Single digital image – £15

Five digital images – £50

All digital images – £195

What’s Next?

If you’re ready to plan your family portrait session, here are some helpful links:

Can’t find what you’re looking for? I’m always here to help—just get in touch.

Why Choose Me as your Family Portrait Photographer?

Over 20 years experience

Full time, professional photographer

Specialist studio with lots of themes, props and accessories

Hundreds of families photographed

Gallery Images

My style is flexible – natural and unposed, or styled with props and themes. Whether you’d like simple milestone shots, a cake smash, a tub splash or a mix of all of those, I’ll create images that feel right for you.

a brother and sister pose together outside a Boho styled tent
Three generations in one portrait
a silhouette of a family with mum, dad, newborn and big brother
A grandmother reads the hungry caterpillar to her grandsons
A mum sits with her baby boy on her lap giving him a big cuddle at a west sussex photo shoot
A dad flies his little boy up into the air and he's laughing
A family of two adults and three children dressed in matching shades of blue and white
a close up silhouette of a mum, dad and their baby
a mum and daughter dressed in white pose together touching noses and laughing

Where is Your Studio?

My studio is warm, private, and designed with families in mind – easy to find, peaceful, and perfect for a relaxed family portrait session.  It’s based in the heart of West Sussex, in Crawley Down just outside East Grinstead, and within easy reach of the M25 so perfect for visitors from all over Kent, Surrey and Sussex . I have plenty of easy parking and we’re in a quiet neighbourhood so we can enjoy relaxation and privacy during your studio visit.

Everything You Need to Know About Family Photography

Whether you’re preparing for your first family portrait session or looking for expert tips to make your photos shine, I’ve created a selection of helpful articles to guide you every step of the way. Dive into my comprehensive articles to find everything you need to make your family photoshoot a success! If you don’t find the answers to your question here, of course I’m always happy to help so just get in touch

Visit the Family Portrait Photography Product Page