Family photography and managing mood swings!

We’d love a family photography session, but what happens if the children are in a mood? A question i get asked quite a lot… What do we actually do when all hell breaks loose?

Well, first things first… Mood swings are all very welcome here, we all have them, and it’s part of what makes us human and real. There’s no judgement on my part, and I’m here for all of the ups and downs of family life, because that’s just how it is, and we shouldn’t try and change it for the world.

I have a photograph of my daughter crying, tears rolling down her face - through the swimming goggles in the shape of cats, with diamonds on (of course). I love this picture, not because I’m cruel, I promise. This picture makes me love her all the more, I’ve no idea why she was crying, it was something very trivial, like another sibling dispute, but I remember her little face, I cuddled her better and five seconds later everything was alright again, she ran off laughing, back to the pool.

I can guarantee, in pretty much every family session there will be someone, at some point, who’s not quite feeling it, guaranteed. And this is absolutely perfectly normal and all very welcome here. Sometimes we take a break, sometimes we chat it out, and sometimes we fully embrace the moment in all it’s glory. I don’t believe we all have to be smiling like Cheshire cats all of the time, because that wouldn’t be real at all, plus we’d all get achy faces and wind up with that false smile look which let’s face it ends up looking a bit odd!

My family sessions allow plenty of time for a whole host of emotions that tell the story of our lives to it’s fullest!

So whether it’s a board game drama, sibling dispute (1 every 5 seconds in my household), grazed knee or a full on paddy (come on we’ve all been there)… I’m looking to make photographs of real lives, loved ones, families, and friendships that are filled with story, and mean something to you for years to come.

Here’s a few examples that i love of when things just went a bit south, i hope you enjoy the stories!

After a long day at the beach, the children were tired and wanted to change out of their wet shoes. I love how it says 'JOY' on the bag, but the expressions say otherwise!

Board games can be dicey (pardon the pun!) but it's all part of the game, right? What's a good game without a bit of healthy competition?!

You can't force a smile, no matter how hard you try!

Sometimes dad needs a break from being a human climbing frame but the children don't accept!

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Real stories matter

I’m passionate about telling thoughtful stories full of warmth and personality. I believe that family is everything and always strive to make real photographs that matter.

If you are interested in learning more about my approach to family photography have a look at my Family photography page or get in touch to have a chat. I’d love to hear all about you, and the family you’re lucky enough to call your own.

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