Relaxed Family Portrait Photography in Leeds & Yorkshire.
Honest portraits for families and friends. For people who don’t love having their picture taken, but still want photographs that tell a real story about life right now.
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Why will kids never sit still for a photo? Why can’t we all smile at the same time, and why, oh why are siblings ripping each others hair out like there’s no tomorrow (and so on…)?
Honestly… who actually cares?
Certainly not me. Somewhere along the way, I think family photography got a bit misunderstood and became tied to the idea of perfection. The perfect line up with everyone smiling, matching outfits and ‘best behaviour’ but let’s be honest, whose family is like that? Not mine, i’ll be quite honest there. Ours is a blended family of chaos and sometimes things run like clockwork and sometimes, absolutely no chance in hell, and to be honest, you’re better off just rolling with it. Most of my clients come to me because they don’t feel comfortable with a studio shoot and want something more relaxed, outdoors or in the comfort of their own home where everyone feels a bit more themselves. I usually hear ‘we’d really like a family portrait if that’s possible, but we’re not really comfortable in front of the camera’, and my response is always, no problem, who is, and thank goodness for that, let’s celebrate the real life chaos in all it’s glory because as I always say; real stories matter. And your story is always, always worthy of capturing right now, because in 6-12 months down the line it will all look different again.
In my experience as a family photographer it’s perfectly normal, welcomed even, for children to throw an almighty tantrum (yes! Go for it!), for dogs to be running through the frame knocking everything and everyone over, nappies need changing, siblings ripping each others hair out, lovers tifs (yeah, we’ve all been there) or someone falls over face down in the mud and ruins their outfit - who actually cares?! If this doesn’t tell you a story about all of the wonderfully different personalities that make up your family life I don’t know what does.
The truth is, none of this ruins a good photograph in my opinion, it can only make it better because it tells a story.
And it’s this story that keeps us coming back to the photograph year after year, to remember what family life was really like back then. And one day, those moments we call imperfect now will become the things you miss most, they’ll be the things to make you laugh and cry, and pass on to future generations.
Reframing the art of the family portrait, what does a family portrait NOT have to be?
On a family portrait session with me the rule is, there are no rules. We can do whatever works for your family… There’s no need to stand in a line (unless you want to), not everyone has to be looking at the camera, you can all pile up on the sofa, have a group hug, stick your tongue out, dress up as a princess, bring pets, cuddly toys or misbehave completely. We can photograph one person or twenty; family, friends, enemies, team mates or neigbours… it’s your family photograph so let’s make it your own. I’m not there to tell you what to do, i’ll just be there to capture your story however that looks on the day.
Interested in a family portrait without any pressure?
If you’re one of those people who would really like your family capturing but don’t fancy a camera in your face, you’re in the right place here, get in touch and we can have a chat about how we can create something real for you and your family. Sessions can happen at home, outdoors, in the garden or anywhere that feels familiar and home to you. Easy!
Real stories matter (even yours!).
View more family photography stories in the journal gallery
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.