20/07/2026
Being a Family Photographer - The boring questions that make all the difference
Before I photograph any family, I'll have a couple of chats in advance. And I'll ask a handful of “boring” questions: nap schedule, outfit colours, how kids (and adults) get along, who gets overwhelmed easily and most importantly who's the wildcard (spoiler it's not always the 3 year old - it could as easily be Grandpa 😜)
None of this is small talk. It's how I plan the whole photography experience. As a photographer, as well as looking for visual clues, I'm listening to all the words you say.
Here's a few examples of nuggets from chatting with clients that changed how I planned their studio experience:
"I love her curls as they are now - I don't want to forget this stage" (capture details of curls - it's important to Mum)
"He loves climbing. I can't stop him climbing" (set up studio with blocks for climbing - I want him to have fun being himself)
"We've not had any photographs of us together since our wedding day" (need to make sure I change that)
"They just take the **** out of each other - I'd love to see that" (capturing banter - it's what I live for!)
The magic of being a studio family photographer is I get to focus on all those important details, while families just enjoy being together. It sounds simple - but only because of the planning and conversations up front.
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P.s. Photograph of me on the phone may look old school, but I do genuinely sit with a blank bit of paper and scribble notes and thoughts as I listen to my clients. Only afterwards do I go digital and add to our database. I think better when I can write with a pencil 📝
