What Really Happens at a Family Photo Shoot?

Your kids probably won't behave perfectly

That's okay!
I've photographed children who didn't want their photo taken, teenagers who would rather be anywhere else, and families who arrived already stressed because getting everyone out of the house was a mission.

It happens.

I don't expect children to stand still, smile on command and behave like professional models.

Sometimes we walk. Sometimes we play. Sometimes the kids run around.

And sometimes the best photograph comes from something completely unplanned.

You don't need a perfectly behaved family. You just need to turn up.

And getting everyone dressed can be a challenge

Choosing outfits for the whole family can become a project in itself.

My advice is simple: look good, but look like yourselves.

You don't need matching outfits or an entirely new wardrobe.

Choose clothes that are comfortable, photograph well and work together in colour and style.

If your children hate what they're wearing, they're probably not going to enjoy the photography either.

What actually happens during the shoot?

I'll guide you.

You don't need to know how to pose, where to stand or what to do with your hands.

We'll usually start with everyone together, then move around and photograph different combinations — parents, children, siblings and the family as a whole.

I'll give you direction when it's needed, but I'm also looking for those natural moments when everyone forgets about the camera.

The aim isn't to make you look like models.

It's to make you look like your family on a really good day.

"I hate having my photograph taken."

I hear this a lot.

Usually from Dad.

You don't have to be good at having your photograph taken. That's my job.

I'll help you with positioning and expression, and I'll know when to stop directing and simply let things happen.

You don't have to spend the whole session staring at the camera with a big smile.

Some of my favourite photographs are the ones where you're looking at each other.

What if the kids simply won't cooperate?

Don't panic.

And please don't spend the whole session telling them to behave for the photographer.

That usually makes everybody more stressed.

I'll change things around, turn it into a game, let them move, or simply wait for the right moment.

I've been doing this long enough to know that children have their own ideas.

We work with that rather than against it.

But what about the price?

Let's be honest.

Professional family photography can be a significant investment.

If you look at my prices and think, "That's more than I expected," I completely understand.

There are photographers offering family photography at many different prices and using very different business models.

Some specialise in short sessions and digital files.

Some offer mini-sessions.

Some concentrate on albums.

My business is centred around creating finished portraits and artwork for your home.

That's why my pricing may be higher than some photographers.

But I don't think you should choose a photographer simply because they're cheaper.

And you shouldn't choose me simply because I'm more expensive.

Look at their work. Look at complete galleries if you can. Talk to them. Find someone whose style and approach feel right for your family.

Should you use a "shoot and burn" photographer?

There's nothing wrong with that approach if all you want is a short session and a collection of digital photographs.

It can suit some families perfectly.

My approach is different.

I love creating large finished portraits that actually go on your walls.

Because a photograph sitting on a hard drive is easy to forget.

A photograph on your wall becomes part of your home.

And years later, that's often what people are most grateful they did.

So how do you know it will be worth it?

Before booking any photographer, ask to see plenty of their work.

Don't just look at their best five photographs on Instagram.

Ask yourself:

"Could I imagine these photographs hanging in my home?"

And ask questions about exactly what happens during the session, what you'll receive afterwards and what the total investment could be.

You shouldn't feel pressured or surprised.

I want you to know what you're getting before you book.

What I really want for you

I don't expect you to arrive at the beach saying, "We're all incredibly excited to have our photographs taken!"

Someone will probably be nervous.

Someone will probably be worried about their hair.

One of the kids might be grumpy.

And Dad may be wondering how long this is going to take.

That's normal.

My job is to take all of that and turn it into photographs you'll genuinely love.

Not a perfect family.

Your family.

The personalities. The laughter. The little moments. The children exactly as they are now.

Because they won't stay this age for long.

And I've heard the same thing from families many times after they've seen their finished photographs:

"I'm so glad we did this."

That's really what I'm trying to achieve.

Geoff Fisher
Fisher Photography Perth