Newborn’s and babies

In the first few weeks of a newborns little life they retain some of that curled up, shut eye, sleepy goodness but they begin to lose this from about 3 weeks so I recommend getting in quiclky if those teeny tiny toes and the fragility of that new life is something you want captured.

At 4+ months your little one will start engaging in the world, this is a fantastic time to capture those bright eyes some early smiles and of course tummy time.

If you are all about those messy chops, yogurt smeared faces, insane giggles then 6+ months might be the age you want to capture. Often your little one would be showing signs of siting and the weaning process will have begun but there is still all the innocence and dependency of those early days.  

12 – 18 months if you want to capture your little one on the move, crawling begins anywhere from 6 months – 8 months, those first precious steps, the tottery unsure ones start a little later and then the independence flows!

With babies and newborns I tent to recommend avoiding 1+ months - just over 3 as some little ones can struggle during this time, but everything around that is magical in its own way

Whatever you do don’t factor in how you think you look like or how tired you are feeling. I guarantee all you will see in any photographs produced of this time is not the struggles, the long nights the depression or the difficult feeds. You will see the LOVE, the love you have for the new little bundle, the love you have for your partner and for everyone that makes your family your family (pets included) You will be so proud. You will find so much beauty in these early days when you are not here.

Toddleness (2-4 yrs)

Oh my gosh those little personalities. This may be my all-time favourite age to photograph. I mean there a nightmare, so strong willed and independent but they are starting to interact with the world in unpredictable and fun ways. Non directable you just have to go with the flow but then that’s what creates the magic.

School age kids

5-8 year – the early school years. Kids this age LOVE having a photo shoot. I often wish I could also record snippets of their conversation to which is always great fun. Maybe this is something I will look into one day. The comical questions and the authorities on so much. We always have a fab shoot when we have kids this age in the mix.

9-13 it’s around this stage that the dad jokes really come into their own. Kids of this age are fun to embarrass and whether you want to capture a family walk or boardgame night there will always be laughter, red cheeked embarrassment and a lasting deep routed love that will shine through all that banter and fun.

Teens and young adults

Still such a lovely period to document the trick here is to get the teen on board (let me know if you would like a blog on that challenge with a few tips). They are trying to find themselves and pushing more boundaries but the love remains and its such a privilege to freeze that before they take those final steps in becoming independent adults that you can’t believe once fitted in your arms.

So in summary …

…there is no “right time” to have a family photo shoot there really is beauty and magic at each and every stage and for me it’s a real privilege to be able to capture just some of that for you whichever stage you opt for.

If you are still struggling to decide feel free to drop me a message or call me and we can have a chat about what it is that you and your family want to remember or download family brochure and check out my milestone package to capture more than one of those pivotal moments in those very early years.

So when will you be booking your family shoot? There are just so many magical moments waiting to be captured.

Add your details below to get your hands on my family brochure for more information about the types of shoots I offer and how to book.