When is the best time to book a family photoshoot?

Family Photography in York, at Little Yellow Boots Photography.

When is the best time to book a family photoshoot? -The answer will be different for every family!

Things to consider when you start to think about booking a photoshoot for you and your family...

1 - Studio photoshoot or outdoor photoshoot

Studio photoshoots are perfect for cold and wet-weather days, my photography studio (located in central Acomb, York) is full of a range of different coloured backdrop choices, seating props, blankets and wooden toys. It is also a great option for families with newborns or young babies who cannot sit or stand alone yet, or for toddlers who would be better in a smaller environment where they can't run off. However, the more family members who attend, the less space there is available on the backdrop width and it may become a squeeze.

Outdoor photoshoots can take place all year round. In warmer / summer months we have more daytime hours to choose from, with a different light in the morning, afternoon and early evening. In winter months we just need to layer up more and wear approapriate footwear and clothing... Autumn photoshoots are bursting with colour, and knit-wear and hats add a cosy feel to the images! Being outdoors, there is no limit on space and this often works better for some families to help them feel relaxed and for children to have free reign and not be confined to a single backdrop space.

2 - Ages of children

There is no right or wrong time to have photos taken of you and your children... every single image is a moment captured, a moment in their lives that can be preserved and kept always, a moment to look back on and be transported back to a time when your children were that age and that size. Newborn, toddler, young child, older child, tween, teen, young adult, newly big brother/sister... there are so many different ages to capture and if you wanted to you could document each one! Of course, you can take many photos yourself, but to have a photographer capture images of you with your children as a family unit, is really quite important. Your children will want to look at those pictures and see you there too, like they remember, and it is often difficult to take a photo and appear in it at the same time.

3 - Changes within family life

There are some periods of time within your family life where change happens, whether it is expected or not, and several milestones may occur. Things like baby's first birthday, a new sibling joining the family, a family member turning 16, 21, 60 etc... Also, moments like a child starting school, when you're at the end of an era and about to enter a new stage of family life, having some photos taken before this big change occurs helps you reflect on those pre-school memories.

There are also times in life where, for example, a family member may become ill, or are quite elderly, and you realise that it has been a while since you had some photos taken with them and it suddenly becomes an important thing to do and have. Photos are, in a sense, visual memories which can be preserved, and they are essentially an investment in your family's future.

4 - Great idea for a gift!

If you are thinking about and wanting to book a photoshoot but feeling like you need to justify it in some way, purchasing it as a gift for someone in your family (like your partner, or parents) gives you a great reason to have the photoshoot AND combine it as a gift. It is the gift that keeps on giving, because those pictures then last for years and years and can be looked at any time which will always bring back those memories with a smile!

Photos make the most lovely gifts for everyone especially family members, so booking your own photoshoot ahead of an upcoming family birthday would mean you can gift them photo prints of your family, your children, or even a pet.

The right time to book a photoshoot differs from family to family, but I assure you that whenever you do decide to, that you will not regret it!

My inbox is always open to new and existing clients and enquiries, feel free to get in touch!

Nikki - Photographer