A Relaxed Family photoshoot in Leeds, Roundhay Park.
A documentary family photography session at Roundhay Park in Leeds, my approach to family photography and relaxed family portraits.
Last Summer I met up with this lovely family of five for a half day-in-the-life documentary photography session at Roundhay Park in Leeds, it was a lovely sunny and breezy day playing in the park, walking around the river, feeding swans and having a pic-nic.
My approach to family photography is often led by them (usually wherever the little ones are happy), after a few suggestions about which location would be best – I prefer to let the family do their thing without much direction from me. On the day that usually involves running around with children (trying to keep up / stay ahead / predict what they might do next), joining in their games (instead of hiding I often show them my cameras and explain what i’m doing to build trust) and looking out for natural, candid moments that show their true personality and relationship with each family member.
Of course, families usually like to have a few portraits which are very lightly directed and as relaxed as possible and these are usually done on the fly, while everyone is happy and in front of a scenic backdrop. When children aren’t playing and the vibe has taken a turn, there’s nothing worse than forcing children to stand and smile, it’s just not going to happen and I usually suggest families to leave it to me and i’ll see a spot where the lighting is beautiful, and suggest a family portrait when the time and location is right.
On this occasion, we ended up taking some lovely portraits overlooking the lake and the rest of the time we just enjoyed the day, not worrying bout anything else. When we’re on a family photoshoot together I just want everyone to enjoy the day for what it is, not a photoshoot but a lovely family day at the park when they you so happened to have a photographer tag along.
Here’s a few images from this day at Roundhay Park, which incidentally is a great location for a family photography session, I would definitely recommend:
Interested in booking a relaxed family photography session without a care in the world?
You can read more about my family photography approach and full details about the packages I offer here. Or simply get in touch to discuss your requirements and we can make some plans from there.
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Relaxed, documentary-style family portrait photography for people who want honest photographs without the pressure of perfection (what even is that?). Family sessions at home or outdoors across Leeds & Yorkshire, capturing real life in all its glory.