I. My secrets to unlocking the magic and creating an unforgettable experience

Hey there, I’m Alba, your outdoor family photographer, specialising in capturing timeless, raw and heartfelt moments across London and beyond. I believe in more than capturing pretty pictures: snapping stunning images is easy when you adjust your model to the millimetre, but is this an enjoyable experience? Surely not. My work is about creating an authentic and genuine Photography Experience that will make you feel comfortable and at ease, so you enjoy the moment with your little ones. And I promise, it will make the final product even sweeter. Each family is wonderfully unique and deserves a tailored approach.

Venturing into family photography a few years back, I quickly found my passion in freezing those genuine love stories in time. There’s something incredibly rewarding about helping families define their identities through my lens. My mission is to ensure every family feels truly seen, heard, and celebrated, all while showcasing the beautiful connections they share.

I offer a comprehensive service – think video consultations, styling assistance, access to a client closet, and enjoy your session in breathtaking locations. In this blog post, I will tell you all my secrets about how I hold a comfortable space and an amazing experience for all the families crossing my lens.

II. Preparing for Your Unforgettable Family Photoshoot

Effective preparation is essential for a successful photo session. As part of my process, we schedule sessions at least three weeks in advance to ensure ample time for preparation, allowing you to feel at ease.

What are the steps to prepare for your Photography experience?

1. Start by sending a booking request through my website and filling out the form to provide me with essential details.
2. Once I receive your enquiry, I’ll respond with more information about my process to ensure we’re a perfect match.
3. We’ll then schedule a video consultation via Zoom or WhatsApp, allowing us to connect before the session. Whether it’s just you, your family, or individual calls for you and your partner, this chat serves as an opportunity to delve deeper into your story. I’m keen on understanding your journey, experiences, hobbies, favourite locations, and any meaningful tattoos or jewellery you’d like to incorporate. This conversation is entirely private unless you’re comfortable with me sharing bits of it. Rest assured, I’ll always seek your consent before sharing your story with my community. These call aims to grasp the essence of who you are to capture moments with profound meaning.
4. Choosing the right location for your family is crucial. I provide a complimentary location guide, meticulously curated with tested spots, complete with details on parking, amenities, and accessibility. If you have a spot close to your heart in mind, we can explore its feasibility, ensuring it aligns with the lighting and my photographic style.
5. Styling shouldn’t add stress to your plate. I’m here to help! With my guidance and access to my client closet, we can effortlessly coordinate everyone’s looks. All the items can be borrowed for free so you save money on your wardrobe and can treat yourself to an album instead.
6. Let’s shoot! It’s all about having fun and capturing genuine moments that reflect your family’s unique bond under the gorgeous golden hour. I want you to focus on the present time and express gratefulness and love for your family. Think that this is more about the experience than the images.

III. Capturing Authentic Moments through Family Photography

I aim to create authentic and candid moments that truly capture the essence of your family. Are you lovey-dovey, goofy, quiet, or curious? Let’s capture that!

I believe in avoiding excessive direction during sessions to ensure that when you look back at your photos, you see your family as you know them, not as overly posed individuals. Instead of constantly smiling at the camera, I prefer to capture soft expressions and genuine connections. My focus is on turning your standard family photo shoot into an extraordinary experience, where you can freely explore, play, and connect. While I may offer gentle adjustments to ensure you look your best, my primary goal is to let your natural interactions shine through in every shot.

Here are some techniques I often use to create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere during my Photography Experiences:

• I start from a distance, to let families get comfortable with my presence. As we progress and everyone warms up to me, I move closer to capture more intimate moments.
• I have a warm and playful personality, but I know when to step back and give you space to connect with your little ones without distractions.
• If you seem unsure, I will give you a fun thing to do like “go climb on rocks”, “splash the water” or “give them a tickle” and so on.
• I’ll always ensure you feel beautiful and embraced by positioning you in the most pretty light, offering compliments and providing gentle guidance that boosts your confidence throughout the session.
• If your children are fussy and want a break from the camera that’s okay! I will give them the option to try my camera so they can breathe and feel included in the creative process. Once they feel ready they can hop back in again.
• I have a prioritised list of shots in mind, beginning with the most crucial ones. Nevertheless, my primary aim remains capturing the unfolding emotions rather than adhering strictly to a checklist. Emotion and authenticity are key in my work.

IV. Making Memories Last with Family Portrait

Why having a regular Family Photo Session booked is important?

If you’re here, you likely understand the importance of being present in family photos. In my work, I encounter both love and loss. While it’s not easy to think about, it’s vital to acknowledge that life can bring unexpected changes to anyone. With only our present and past in hand, it’s crucial to prioritise what matters most. If family is at the top of your list, consider creating a tradition of capturing key moments together through professional photography. It’s a decision your children and yourself will undoubtedly appreciate in the years to come.

Why printing your Family Photos is important?

I also strongly advocate printing your photographs to decorate your walls and fill your shelves with photo albums. Those will last a lifetime. When parents hang family pictures, they communicate pride, love, and unity to their children, fostering a sense of belonging and security. These images create a tangible reminder that they’re cherished and never alone—they always have a home. These subtle details and captured moments of affection play a significant role in a child’s development.

My albums are artistically created by me and produced by the most amazing lab you can find. The quality is so professional you won’t find this anywhere else, so I truly encourage you to get your hands on one. I offer great value in my Collections which include digitals, prints and albums. If you wish to know more, you can take a look at my pricing page here.

V. Conclusion: Are you ready to have an Authentic, Fun and Memorable Photography Experience?

I hope you now understand why capturing genuine moments is important over very posed photos. If you like my words and my style, I invite you to book your Family Photography Experience with me. Please send a booking request through this link. If you are looking for more inspiration, I invite you to visit my Pinterest or if you want to learn more about my process, please follow me on Instagram.

Alba