What is a family photo shoot?

(And why you shouldn't put it off until next year)

“We’ll do it next year.” How many times have you thought that? And how quickly a family changes in the meantime—children grow up, babies become toddlers and preschoolers, and preschoolers suddenly turn into teenagers who no longer want to sit on your lap.

Een Day in the Life reportage legt vast hoe jullie nú zijn. Niet het perfecte plaatje voor de camera, maar precies zoals jullie op een mooie en vooral gewone dag zijn. Dát is het idee achter een Day in the Life reportage: ik volg jullie een periode van jullie dag en jullie hoeven alleen maar jezelf te zijn.

No posing—just real moments

A family photo shoot isn’t a photo session where everyone stands in a neat line and tries their hardest to smile. It’s about being together, playing together, going for a walk, hugging, or laughing for no reason at all. I’ll tag along, stay in the background, and capture the everyday moments that really matter: the little one climbing on his dad, the look you and your partner exchange when your little one does something silly, a gentle hand on a little shoulder. Those are the photos that will end up hanging on the wall—not because they’re perfect, but because they’re real.

En eerlijk gezegd is dat toch het enige soort ‘mooi’ dat over twintig jaar nog telt.

Where does a family photo shoot take place?

Right where life happens—and that’s where its power lies.

Home is, of course, wonderful: the kitchen where real life (the real chaos) happens, the yard, the bedroom where you all wake up peacefully together on Sunday mornings. But also a favorite park where you walk the dog or the beach where you like to get some fresh air. Any place that holds meaning for you works wonderfully.

Mijn advies: kies een plek waar jullie je ontspannen en op je plek voelen. Als kinderen zich thuis voelen, zijn ze zichzelf en dat is precies wat je op de foto wil.

At what time of day do you schedule a family photo shoot?

Of course, any time is a good time, but there are a few practical things to consider when planning. For example, it’s best to choose a time of day when the kids (and you) are really into the game. For younger children, that’s often right after they wake up, but every family is different. Above all, choose a time that works for you.

Every season has its own atmosphere. A summer photo shoot in the park feels different from a cozy winter session at home with the heater on, but both are beautiful in their own way.

What do you need?

Actually, nothing—except each other. Wear clothes that you feel comfortable in. Maybe you’ll choose an activity that you enjoy doing together anyway—a game, a walk, or making pancakes together. And other than that: just be yourselves.

The rest is up to me.

Would you like to know how much a family photo shoot costs or what a typical day looks like?

Feel free to send me a message, and I'll answer all your questions!