Family Photos That Don’t End in Tears (Yours or Theirs)
You know those gorgeous family photos you see everywhere? The ones where everyone’s smiling and no one looks like they’d rather be anywhere else?
They don’t happen by magic. But they also don’t require military-level coordination or perfect children.
Here’s what actually works: a bit of planning, realistic expectations, and knowing what to expect.
Our Family Packages (Without the Fluff)
Silver Family Portrait (£59/15mins)
Quick and efficient – great for busy families or very young kids.
What to bring:
- One coordinated outfit for everyone (think color palette, not matching uniforms)
- Comfortable shoes that everyone can walk in easily
- Hair ties or clips for windy moments or active kids
- Small snacks and drinks for little ones (goldfish crackers, juice boxes)
- Any comfort items for young children (favorite blanket, small toy)
- Tissues and wet wipes for quick clean-ups
- Positive attitude and realistic expectations
What you get: 20+ photos in 15 minutes, multiple groupings, and no one gets cranky from a long session.
Gold Family (£99/30mins) – Most Popular
The perfect balance of time and variety.
What to bring:
- 1-2 outfit options for variety (one more formal, one casual works well)
- Props that represent your family’s personality (sports equipment, musical instruments, favorite books)
- Snacks and drinks to keep energy levels up, especially for children
- Small bag with essentials (brush, lip balm, tissues)
- Any pets if they’re well-behaved and part of your family story
- Seasonal items if relevant (Christmas scarves, summer hats, autumn leaves)
- Backup entertainment for siblings during individual shots
- Patience and flexibility for outfit changes
What you get: 40+ photos, time for different combinations, and everyone actually enjoys the process.
Platinum Family (£149/60mins)
For larger families or when you want comprehensive coverage.
What to bring:
- Multiple outfit changes for different looks and seasons
- Extended family members with coordinated clothing plans
- Variety of meaningful props that tell your family’s story
- List of must-have photo combinations (grandparents with grandchildren, siblings only, etc.)
- Multiple pairs of shoes to match different outfits
- Entertainment bag for longer session (books, quiet toys, tablets for breaks)
- Snacks and drinks for all family members
- Towel or blanket for outdoor ground shots
- Any special anniversary or milestone items to include
- Backup childcare person if needed for very young children
What you get: 80+ photos, creative setups, and time for everyone to relax and be themselves.
The Stuff That Actually Makes a Difference
Don’t match – coordinate. Pick a color palette and let everyone choose something they feel good in. Comfortable people photograph better.
Time it right. Mid-morning usually works best for families with young kids. Avoid scheduling right before nap time or meals.
Bring meaningful props. Your dog, favorite books, sports equipment – things that represent your family, not generic “family photo” stuff.
Feed everyone first. Seriously. Hungry family members don’t cooperate.
What Really Happens
First 5 minutes: Everyone feels awkward. This is normal. We’ll start easy.
Next 15-20 minutes: Magic time. Everyone relaxes, kids stop posing, parents smile naturally. These are usually the photos families love most.
If there’s time left: Outfit changes, different combinations, creative shots.
The Reality Check
Your toddler might have a moment. Your teenager might look slightly pained. Not every single photo will be perfect.
But here’s the thing – the slightly imperfect photo where everyone’s genuinely laughing? That’s the one going on your wall.
We’ve photographed hundreds of families. Shy kids, energetic toddlers, reluctant teens, stressed parents – we’ve seen it all and know how to work with everyone.
Your family deserves photos that show who you really are, not who you think you should be. Let’s make that happen without the stress.
