With so many talented photographers in London, it’s hard to know where to begin when choosing a family photographer! There are endless options, and it’s easy to get caught up in the details. But the truth is, it doesn’t have to be complicated. By focusing on what’s most important to you—whether that’s the style, location, or vibe of your session—you can find the perfect photographer to capture your family’s memories. Here are a few tips on what to look for, plus key questions to ask, to help you make the best choice for you. And I’ll also give you a peek into how I approach my family sessions, so you can get a sense of what it’s like to work with me!

1. Visual Aesthetic: Find the Look You Love


When it comes to photography, there’s no shortage of visual styles to choose from. As you browse through a family photographer’s portfolio, take note of the overall look and feel of their images. Photographers typically stick to their signature editing style, whether that’s bold, high-contrast shots or soft, dreamy tones. If a photographer’s portfolio has a light and airy vibe, chances are that’s the way your pictures will come out as well. What you see is mostly what you’ll get—so it’s important to choose a photographer whose images align aesthetically with the kind of look you want for your family photos.


If you’re drawn to soft, golden light that gently highlights your family without overpowering the scene, you’ll likely connect with my style. I love capturing natural, beautiful moments with light that’s flattering and timeless, while keeping you as the focus. Take a look through my portfolio to see if my visual aesthetic aligns with what you’re envisioning for your own family photos.

2. Environment and Lighting: Outdoor Fun or CoSy Indoors?


The lighting and the environment you choose for your session will play a big role in the overall feel of your photos. Some photographers specialize in studio portraits, where they control every aspect of the setting, creating polished and traditional images. If that’s your style, studio photography might be the right option for you. On the other hand, if you’re after something more relaxed and organic, you may want to consider outdoor sessions, where natural light can create a soft, warm feel to the images.


As a lifestyle photographer, I love working outdoors to capture the beauty of the natural environment around you. Golden hour light at a park or a simple family walk through a favorite spot can make for beautiful natural looking images. That said, I also love to photograph families in the comfort of their own homes. There’s something incredibly personal and intimate about capturing your family in spaces where you feel most at ease—whether that’s reading stories in the living room or playing in the kitchen. I use natural light as much as possible, but I’m also experienced in flash photography if we need a little extra light indoors or in low-light conditions. The best part is that I’ll always work with you to choose the setting that feels right for your family, ensuring that the light and environment complement your vision for the session.

3. Working Style: Lifestyle, Documentary, or Posed?


Different photographers have different working styles, and it’s important to understand what kind of session you’re looking for. Some photographers work in a more editorial, posed style, guiding clients through a series of formal shots. If you’re after a polished, magazine-style session, posed portraits or editorial-style photography could be the right choice. On the opposite end of the spectrum, documentary or reportage photography focuses on capturing real, unposed moments as they happen, without any intervention from the photographer. This approach can be powerful for telling the authentic story of your family, especially in an everyday setting like your home or a day out at the park.


My style lies somewhere in between. I specialize in lifestyle photography, which focuses on capturing the real moments of family life while still offering a bit of direction to make sure everyone feels comfortable and looks their best. I'll guide you through prompts that allow your family's personalities to shine through without rigid poses and forced smiles. The result is a set of images that feels authentic, relaxed, and full of emotion. I also typically include a few posed portraits, but my overall approach is always focused on making our session fun and capturing you and your family interacting as naturally as possible.

4. Personality: Feeling at Ease with Your Photographer


No matter what style of photography you choose, one of the most important factors is how you feel during the session. If you’re stiff or uncomfortable, that will definitely come through in the photos. This is where personality plays a huge role. Your photographer should be someone who makes you feel at ease and helps you relax. That’s why I make it a priority to ensure that my sessions are as fun and stress-free as possible. Whether I’m making silly jokes to get the kids laughing or giving gentle prompts to help everyone feel at ease, my goal is to create an environment where your family can truly be themselves.


I believe the best family photos happen when you’re enjoying each other’s company and just having a good time together. I aim to create a space where you feel comfortable, confident, and free to interact naturally. If you’re someone who prefers a laid-back, easy-going vibe, I may be the right pick for you.

5. Questions to Ask Your Potential Photographer


To help you narrow down your choices, it’s always a good idea to reach out to potential photographers or explore their website to get a feel for how they work. Here are a few important questions to ask or look out for on their website to help you make the best decision:


  • How would you describe your photography style? Is it more posed or documentary-based?
  • Do you specialize in certain locations or settings (indoor vs. outdoor, studio vs. home)?
  • How do you approach lighting, and what types of environments do you feel most comfortable working in?
  • What can we expect from a typical session? How long do shoots usually last, and what should we wear or bring?
  • How do you make kids (and families) feel comfortable and relaxed during the shoot?
  • What’s included in your pricing (session fee only, all digital files or only a small selection, prints, albums etc.)

Choosing a family photographer is all about finding someone who resonates with your style, personality, and vision for the session. Whether you’re after a relaxed outdoor shoot, a cosy at-home session, or something in between, I’d be honored to help capture those beautiful, authentic moments that will last a lifetime.


If you’re still unsure about the process or want to chat about what would work best for your family, feel free to check out my FAQ and How It Works pages for more details or reach out to me anytime. I’m here to chat and make sure you feel confident and excited about your family session!