If there is one thing that I really want families to know before a photoshoot with me, it's this: your children don't need to sit still, smile on cue or behave perfectly for me to capture photographs you'll treasure.
I know that booking a family photoshoot can sometimes come with a little pressure and concern. You might find yourself wondering whether your toddler will cooperate, whether your children will get distracted, or whether you'll spend the whole session asking everyone to look at the camera and smile.
Maybe you've even put off booking because you're waiting for you children to get a little older, a little calmer or you're waiting for a time that might be felt to be easier to photograph them. But what if I took that pressure away?
What if, instead of trying to make your family fit into a picture-perfect idea of what family photographs should look like, I simply captured your family as you are right now? What if I told you that I genuinely find it easier (and a whole heap more enjoyable all round) to photograph children who feel fully free to be themselves.
Childhood isn't particularly known for sitting still. It's full of curious little hands, muddy knees, unexpected cuddles, silly faces and moments when absolutely nobody is doing what you expected them to do....and honestly, I think there is something rather lovely about that.
When we're constantly asking children to sit nicely, smile at the camera or stop messing about, we can miss the little moments that occur naturally. The way siblings make each other laugh, the excitement of exploring somewhere new, the comfort of a familiar cuddle or the wonderfully ridiculous things children do without a second thought.
These are the moments that tell the story of your family. So during my photography sessions, there's no expectations for children to sit perfectly still or behave in a particular way. There's room to play, explore, be silly, genuinely adventure together, and most importantly, be themselves.
I never want parents to feel that they need to spend a session apologising because their children are being energetic, shy, distracted or simply having a day where things aren't going to plan. I'm a mum myself and I know very well the chaos of family life, but my heart is genuinely for capturing the magic in that chaos, because there's a whole heap of it. The best sessions really do occur when children feel the freedom to let their personalities shine.
If I'm honest, I don't tend to give many! Any suggestions I do make are gentle and usually come from a place of turning things into a bit of fun, whether that's a little game, an opportunity to explore or something to get you all laughing together.
Nothing is ever forced and there's absolutely no expectation for your children to be anything other than themselves. I am a very go with the flow and follow their dynamic, kind of photographer.
It's difficult to imagine, in the middle of a busy family day, how much you'll miss the little things when they change.
The constant chatter. The favourite book that has been read for the hundredth time. The way cute, sticky little hands tug at your clothing. The noise, the mess, the cuddles and even the moments when you wonder how on earth the day has become quite so chaotic. Life moves on, children grow (fast) and family routines change without us always noticing. Photographs give us a way to hold onto little pieces of it. I want you to look back at your photographs and be reminded of details that maybe in the busyness of the day-to-day moments, you didn't notice at the time.
If you're looking for a family photographer in Lincoln or Lincolnshire that celebrates your family just as you truly are, I'd love you to get in touch below. Let's capture your happy, beautiful chaos together and create some memories to treasure.
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