Kirsty Fairweather Photography

There are plenty of good reasons to arrange a professional family photo shoot, but three in particular stand out.

Get in the photos, be in the memories

Several years ago, my youngest daughter was wandering around the house, looking wide-eyed at all our holiday pictures, when she asked: “Mummy, where are you?”

She was right — I didn’t feature in any of them. I used to joke that the girls would think they hadn’t had a mother when they were older. I was always the one behind the camera, and I disliked having my photo taken so much that I actively avoided being in any shots.

So when she asked where I was, I made a mental note to get in more pictures — and not just selfies.

For anyone who is camera-shy, or who tends to be the one taking the pictures, a professional photographer will put you at ease. You may even forget you are being photographed, and you will come away with beautiful family images to treasure — with you in them.

It is said that having photographs around the house can boost self-esteem. I can’t speak to the science, but I do know that pictures evoke feelings and memories, and that has to be a good thing.

It’s fun

The session itself is enjoyable and can be a genuine family bonding experience. When was the last time you all had a family pile-on, a group hug, or watched your children give each other a piggyback?

Sessions are relaxed and fun, capturing special moments between you. Some direction and posing are needed to avoid snapshots and chaos, and that is where experience and a studio setting make the difference.

Often one member of a family arrives nervous or reluctant, but by the end everyone is joining in and loving it. Making sure you all have a wonderful time while creating special memories is part of the job.

The ideal gift

A photography session, given as a voucher, or prints and frames from a professional shoot make wonderful gifts. They suit birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, or simply as a treat.

Fathers and grandfathers already have plenty of socks; mothers, grandmothers and aunts have enough scarves and perfume. Photographs or a photography session are a great alternative and will earn you plenty of credit too.

Family members of all ages can be included in sessions.

For more information on family sessions, please get in touch via the website and I will be happy to help.