relaxed photography for real families
Having your photograph taken can feel a little daunting, especially if you're not used to being in front of the camera.
Maybe you're worried your children won't cooperate. Maybe you feel awkward posing. Maybe you're wondering what on earth you're supposed to do when someone points a camera at you!
The good news is you don't need to know.
My photography sessions are relaxed, natural and focused on connection rather than perfect poses. I'll gently guide you when you need it, but I'll also give you plenty of space to interact, play, cuddle and simply enjoy being together.
My aim is for your photographs to feel like you, not like you've spent an hour trying to look like a model.
Before your photography session
Once you've booked, I'll help you with all the things that can feel a little overwhelming when you're planning a photoshoot. We'll talk about what you're looking for from your photographs, who you'd like included and what sort of location would work best for you.
If we're photographing outdoors, I'll help you choose somewhere that suits your family, the season and the sort of photographs you'd like to create.
I'll also give you guidance on what to wear if you need it. There is no need for everyone to wear matching outfits, choosing clothes that you feel comfortable and confident in is much more important.
And if you have children who need a little extra preparation, patience or flexibility, we'll take that into account too.
During your session
There won't be a long list of complicated poses to remember.
Instead, I'll give you simple prompts and things to do together, like walking, playing, cuddling, exploring, chatting or simply spending time together.
Sometimes I'll ask you to look at each other. Sometimes I'll ask you to tickle your child, hold hands or go for a little walk.
And sometimes I'll simply step back and let things happen.
I'm looking for the moments in between the photographs too.
The huge laughs. The little looks. The cuddles. The chaos. The quiet moments. You might barely notice the camera is there.
Your children don't have to sit still
This is something I tell parents all the time:
Your children don't have to behave perfectly for your photoshoot.
Children are children.
They get distracted. They run off. They don't always want to look at the camera. Sometimes they decide that the exact moment I've got my camera ready is the perfect time to investigate something completely unrelated!
That's all part of it.
Rather than trying to force children into sitting still and smiling, I'll work with their personalities and energy. Some of my favourite photographs are created when children are running, laughing, exploring or simply being themselves. You don't need perfectly behaved children to have beautiful family photographs. Have a look at my family sessions here.
Photography for children with additional needs
Every child is different, and some children need a little more time, patience or flexibility during a photography session. I'm very happy to work with children with additional needs and will always take the time to understand what will help them feel comfortable.
There is no pressure to rush into the photographs. We can take breaks, change activities, give your child space or simply follow their lead.
My aim is to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable rather than expecting your child to adapt to the camera.
If there is anything you'd like me to know before your session, please tell me. The more I understand about your child, the better I can make the experience work for them.
Choosing your location
Dorset has an incredible variety of places for photography, from beaches and woodland to open countryside and quieter natural spaces.
Your location doesn't have to be somewhere famous or particularly "Instagrammable".
Sometimes the best location is simply somewhere your family enjoys being together.
We can choose somewhere that gives your children space to explore, somewhere that has a special meaning to you or somewhere that suits the type of photographs you'd like.
I'll help you choose a location that works for your family, the time of year and the light.
What if you're awkward in front of the camera?
You are definitely not alone!
Most people aren't naturally comfortable having their photograph taken, and that's completely fine. You don't need to know how to pose, where to put your hands or how to look natural.
That's my job.
I'll give you gentle prompts and things to do together so that you're interacting with each other rather than thinking about the camera. And if you forget about me completely for a moment, even better!
The most natural photographs often happen when you're too busy enjoying yourselves to think about having your picture taken.
What if the weather isn't on our side?
Living in Dorset means we can't always rely on the weather doing exactly what we'd like!
If the weather isn't suitable for your planned session, we'll look at the options together. Depending on the conditions, you may wish to embrace the weather, choose a different location or rearrange your session.
I won't expect you to stand outside in miserable weather just because we've booked a date. The important thing is that you and your family have a positive experience.
After your session
Once your session is finished, I'll carefully select and edit your photographs, keeping the editing natural and true to the way the moment looked and felt.
Your finished photographs will be delivered through an online gallery, where you can view and choose your images according to the collection you've booked.
My goal isn't to give you photographs that look heavily edited or overly posed.
I want you to look at your photographs years from now and still recognise yourselves.
The photographs I'm looking for
The photographs I love most aren't always the ones where everyone is looking at the camera.
They're the little moments that might otherwise be forgotten.
A tiny hand holding yours.
The way your child looks at you.
A belly laugh.
A cuddle.
The chaos of everyone running in different directions.
The quiet moment when everything suddenly slows down.
Those photographs tell your story.
And that's what I want to give you, photographs that don't just show what your family looked like, but remind you how this time in your lives felt.
faq's
What should we wear for our photography session?
Wear something that you feel comfortable and confident in. You don't need matching outfits, although coordinating colours can work beautifully.
Soft, earthy colours and neutrals photograph beautifully. Think warm creams, browns, blues, greens and terracotta pinks. Solid colours tend to work better than patterns. Coordinating colours work better than matching exactly, and details like knitted fabrics, lace or embroidery add texture and interest. I recommend choosing one or two warm earthy accent colours to pair with neutrals. I'm always happy to help with outfit guidance before your session, or take a look at my blog post on how to co-ordinate without matching.
What if my children won't co-operate?
Please don't worry! I've raised five of them myself, and I never expect children to sit perfectly or smile on command. My sessions are relaxed and child-led, allowing little personalities to shine naturally through play, cuddles and connection. Have a look at my best tips on how to prepare children for a photoshoot but children are unpredictable and that's ok!
Do you photograph children with additional needs?
Absolutely! As a parent of children with additional needs myself, I understand that every child is different and will always take their individual needs into account. I approach each session with patience, flexibility and empathy to create a calm and comfortable experience for your family.
Please let me know anything that would help me make the session more comfortable for your child.
Where do photography sessions take place?
How long does a photography session take?
The length of your session depends on the type of photography you've booked. I don't like rushing people, so I'll always allow enough time for you to settle in and for natural moments to happen.
What happens if it rains?
We'll keep an eye on the forecast and decide together whether to go ahead, change location or rearrange. Dorset weather can be unpredictable, so I always try to be as flexible as possible.
We're really awkward in front of the camera, can you help?
Absolutely! You don't need any photography experience. I'll gently guide you throughout the session with prompts and ideas, while allowing plenty of opportunities for natural interactions. Have a look at my tips for natural posing, or view my couples photography.
Can we bring our dog?
Of course! If your dog is an important part of your family, I'm very happy for them to be included in your session. We can also make sure we capture photographs without them too.
Can we have our photography session at home?
For many types of sessions, yes. Lifestyle photography at home can be a lovely option, particularly for newborn and breastfeeding photography, but it can also work beautifully for relaxed family photographs.
When will we receive our photographs?
Your photographs will be carefully edited and delivered through an online gallery within the timeframe outlined when you book. I'll always let you know what to expect before your session.
Can we request specific photographs?
Absolutely. If there are particular people, relationships or moments that are especially important to you, let me know before or during your session. I'll make sure I know what's important to you while still leaving plenty of room for spontaneous photographs.
Testimonials
"Nikki was so lovely during our family photoshoot. She was patient with our 4 year old and very professional, although she made the experience feel natural and fun for all of us. Thanks Nikki!"
Ashleigh
Testimonials
"I had a photoshoot session with Nikki and was absolutely gorgeous. Made me feel very comfortable and special. Would 100% recommend"
Beatriz
Testimonials
"absolutely loved doing my breastfeeding shoot with you"
Georgina
Testimonials
"oh nikki they are amazing!!! you honestly have such a talent. thank you again!!"
Amy
Testimonials
"Absolutely in love, massive thank you nikki house photography would highly recommend"
Gemma
do you have More questions?
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Where I cover lots more frequently-asked questions.
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