One of the questions I get asked quite often is:
“Where should we have our family photoshoot?”
And honestly, there isn't one perfect answer.
Dorset is full of beautiful places to photograph families, from beaches and woodlands to open countryside and even the comfort of your own home. But the prettiest location isn't necessarily the best location for your family. When I'm choosing a location for a family photography session, I'm thinking about much more than just whether it looks lovely in photographs.
I'm thinking about your children.
I'm thinking about how your family likes to spend time together.
I'm thinking about whether your little ones need space to run and explore, whether someone might be happier somewhere familiar, and what kind of photographs you want to create.
Because the best location is one where your family can relax, have fun and simply be yourselves.
Beach family photography in Dorset
Living in Dorset means we're incredibly lucky to have some beautiful beaches on our doorstep. A beach can be a fantastic choice for a family photoshoot, particularly if your children love being outside and exploring. There's space to run, stones to collect, waves to splash in and plenty of opportunities for natural interaction.
Rather than asking children to stand still and smile at the camera, we can walk along the beach, play together, have cuddles, explore the shoreline and let them be themselves.
And then there are those beautiful Dorset sunsets...
Golden hour at the beach can give us gorgeous warm, soft light and is particularly lovely for relaxed family photographs. Of course, beaches can also be windy, sandy and occasionally a little chaotic, but that's part of the fun!
Woodland family photography
If your family loves being outdoors but the beach isn't really your thing, a woodland location can be a lovely alternative.
Woodlands give children lots to explore.
We can wander along paths, look for interesting things, collect leaves, play hide and seek or simply walk together. The trees also provide beautiful natural surroundings and, depending on the time of year, completely different colours and textures. Spring brings fresh greens and blossom, summer gives us lush woodland, autumn brings all those gorgeous leaves, and winter can create a much more atmospheric feel.
A woodland session can be particularly lovely for families who want their photographs to feel natural and connected rather than heavily posed.
Countryside and open spaces
Dorset has no shortage of beautiful countryside, and open spaces can work brilliantly for energetic children. If you've got little ones who don't like sitting still, somewhere with room to run can be ideal! We can walk, play games, have races, explore and let the children burn off some energy while I capture everything happening naturally.
Open countryside can also give your photographs a really beautiful sense of space.
Sometimes the simplest backgrounds are the most effective because the focus stays on your family and the connection between you.
At-home family photography
You don't have to go anywhere at all.
An at-home family photography session can be incredibly special, particularly if you have a baby or younger children. Your home is where your everyday family life happens. It's where your children play, where they have their favourite toys, where you have cuddles on the sofa and where all those little everyday routines take place. Those things might not feel particularly exciting now, but they are the things you'll miss one day.
An at-home session allows us to capture your family exactly as you are in a place where everyone already feels comfortable.
And don't worry about having a perfectly tidy house!
I'm photographing your family, not your skirting boards.
We can work with the spaces that have the best light and focus on the things that matter.
What about a location that means something to your family?
This is something I always love. Your family photoshoot doesn't have to take place somewhere that features on a list of “the most beautiful places in Dorset”.
Maybe there's a beach you visit every summer.
A park where your children have grown up playing.
A woodland where you walk the dog every weekend.
Or even somewhere you used to go when you were dating.
If a location has meaning to you, it can make your photographs even more personal.
Years from now, you'll not only remember what your family looked like, you'll remember where you were and what that place meant to you.
What is the best location for young children?
If you've got toddlers or younger children, I generally recommend choosing somewhere where they can move around and explore. Trying to keep a small child still in a beautiful location isn't always the recipe for a relaxing photoshoot!
Instead, I'll use their natural curiosity to our advantage. We can walk, explore, play and follow their lead while I photograph the moments that happen along the way. For some families, that might mean a beach or woodland. For others, staying at home might be the best option. There really isn't a one-size-fits-all answer.
What if someone in the family has additional needs?
Every family is different, and that's something I completely understand. Some children need more time to settle into a new environment. Some prefer familiar surroundings. Others need lots of movement and space.
That's why I don't believe in forcing every family into exactly the same type of photoshoot.
We'll talk beforehand about what works for your family, and I'll always do my best to make the session relaxed and comfortable. Sometimes choosing the right location can make a huge difference to how enjoyable the experience feels.
A few practical things to think about when choosing your location
It's easy to get caught up in how beautiful somewhere looks, but there are a few practical things worth considering too.
How easy is it to get there?
Think about parking and how far you'll need to walk from the car.
A beautiful location that involves a long walk with a tired toddler, bags, coats and a baby probably isn't going to feel quite so beautiful by the time you arrive!
If anyone in your family has mobility needs, we'll take that into consideration too.
Are there toilets nearby?
This might not sound particularly important when you're looking at gorgeous photographs online, but if you're bringing young children, it's definitely worth checking!
I'll help you think about practicalities like this when we're planning your session.
How suitable is the ground?
Some locations have easy paths, while others might involve sand, uneven ground, mud, steps or hills.
That's not necessarily a problem, it just helps to know what you're getting into so you can choose suitable footwear and clothing.
And if your children are likely to spend the session running through the mud, embrace it!
What is the weather likely to be doing?
The weather can make a big difference to some locations.
A windy beach, for example, can feel very different from a sheltered woodland.
We'll keep an eye on the forecast before your session and talk through the options if the weather isn't looking suitable.
Dorset weather can be unpredictable, so having a plan B is never a bad idea!
What time will we be there?
The time of day can completely change the look and feel of a location.
For outdoor sessions, I particularly love golden hour, when the light becomes softer and warmer towards sunset.
However, we also need to consider your family's routine.
There's no point choosing the most beautiful sunset if your children are exhausted and ready for bed!
What should you bring?
You don't need to bring loads with you, but a few practical things can be useful depending on the location and time of year.
Think about:
Water and snacks for the children
A change of clothes if we're near water or mud
Coats or extra layers if it's chilly
Sensible footwear
Sun cream and hats in warmer weather
Any comfort items your child might need
Don't worry about bringing lots of props or things to keep the children entertained. I'll use the location itself to create opportunities for natural photographs.
What time of day is best?
The location and the time of day work together. For outdoor sessions, I particularly love golden hour, when the light becomes softer and warmer towards sunset. It's beautiful for beach, woodland and countryside sessions and can give photographs a lovely natural glow.
But the best time also depends on your children and your family's routine. There's no point choosing the “perfect” light if your toddler is exhausted and ready for bed! I'll help you choose a time that works for both your family and the type of photographs we're hoping to create.
So, what's the best location for your family?
The answer is simply:
The one where you can be yourselves.
You don't need an impressive location.
You don't need a perfectly styled backdrop.
You don't even need everyone to be on their best behaviour.
You just need somewhere that allows you to spend time together, because that's what I want to capture.
The cuddles.
The laughter.
The running.
The little hands.
The muddy shoes.
The silly moments.
The way your children look at you.
Those are the photographs that tell your family's story.
Want some Dorset location inspiration?
I've put together a guide to some of my favourite family photoshoot locations in Dorset if you're looking for ideas. And if you're still not sure where would work best for your family, that's absolutely fine. When you book a family photography session with me, we can chat about your family, what you enjoy doing together and what kind of photographs you'd love to have.
Whether that's running along the beach at sunset, exploring a woodland, wandering through the countryside or staying cosy at home, we'll find something that feels right for you. If you've never had a family photoshoot before, you can also read my guide to what to expect from a family photography session in Dorset.
Your family doesn't need to fit the location.
The location should fit your family.
