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SOME COMMON QUESTIONS ANSWERED:
DO WE NEED TO KNOW HOW TO POSE FOR OUR PHOTOS?
Not at all. In fact, I'm all in favour of not posing. Your session isn't about standing in a line, wondering what to do with your hands. It's about spending time together as a family while I quietly capture the moments that naturally unfold. Of course, I'll gently guide you whenever you need it, but you'll never be left wondering what to do next. Most of the time, all I'm asking you to do is cuddle a little closer, wander together, or enjoy whatever your children have decided the day's adventure looks like. The best photographs happen when you're simply being yourselves.
WE FEEL AWKWARD IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA, WILL THIS BE AN ISSUE?
Short answer, no. Most families tell me this before we meet and I can reassure them pretty quickly. The good news is that you're not expected to perform or spend two hours smiling at my camera. Your children wouldn't let that happen anyway. Instead, you'll be chatting, walking, cuddling, playing games and most likely chasing runaway toddlers who have absolutely no interest in having their photo taken. Before long, your attention naturally shifts to them, and that's when golden moments can be captured.
MY PARTNER HATES HAVING THEIR PHOTO TAKEN.
If your partner is coming along purely because you asked nicely, don't worry - they're in very good company. Your photo session is relaxed, unhurried and centred around spending time together, rather than constantly looking at the camera. Quite often I'll hear the words 'well, that was ok actually' after the camera has been put away!
I LACK CONFIDENCE AND DON'T LIKE THE WAY I LOOK IN PHOTOS.
If you secretly prefer to stay behind the camera instead of in front of it, I completely understand. It can help to forget about the camera altogether, which I will help you to do. For example, I'll gently guide you into flattering light and natural positions or photograph from a distance that feels more comfortable as opposed to closer up shots. But really, when you're wrapped up in a cuddle or laughing with your children, something shifts and you will start to relax. But remember this - Your children will look back on these photos in the future and love what they see, the way you were that day. The person who held their hand, made them laugh and loved them with everything you had. Those are the photographs worth having.
MY CHILDREN DON'T STAY STILL, CAN WE STILL GET GOOD PHOTOS?
Children are wonderfully unpredictable, and I expect them to be exactly that. There are no rules to sit still, smile on cue or behave perfectly for me to capture beautiful photographs. Some of my favourite images have happened after a toddler has wandered off exploring, a child has insisted on wearing their favourite wellies, or someone has declared they'd absolutely had enough. Outdoor sessions give everyone space to breathe, explore and simply be themselves. There is no plan. I'll work around your children rather than expecting them to work around me. I've photographed hundreds of families and I've yet to leave a session without a gallery full of moments I'd be proud to deliver.
WHAT AGES OF CHILDREN DO YOU PHOTOGRAPH?
From tiny babies right through to teenagers. Yes, most of my sessions are with younger children, but honestly I would love to take more photographs of families including teenagers. If anything this is a really important time to try and update your family photos. The years have a habit of slipping by quietly. Before you know it, family weekends become a little less frequent. That's why there really is no "wrong" age for family photographs.
WHAT DO WE WEAR?
Please don't feel you need to arrange a trip to the shops. More often than not, the perfect outfit is already hanging in your cupboard. Soft, muted colours always photograph beautifully, combined with a few simple patterns adding interest without competing for attention. Try choosing a palette of two or three colours for everyone to wear in different combinations rather than matching exactly. Most importantly, wear something you feel comfortable in. If you're constantly adjusting a dress or convincing a toddler to keep an itchy jumper on, it'll show. I've put together a detailed style guide with ideas and examples, so you won't be left figuring it all out on your own. Link at the bottom of this page.
DO YOU EDIT OR RE-TOUCH OUR PHOTOS?
My editing is very gentle because I want your photographs to feel as authentic as possible but mostly like an honest reflection of your family. I'll happily remove temporary things like the bruise that appeared the day before your session but I won't edit away the little things that make you wonderfully you.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE WEATHER IS REALLY AWFUL?
Living in Scotland means keeping one eye on the forecast and the other on the sky! Weather conditions don't have to be perfect to get great photos. A little light drizzle isn't usually a problem - in fact, it can make for wonderfully atmospheric photographs (and colourful umbrellas can be surprisingly photogenic). If the weather really is wet and windy enough to spoil the session, we'll simply rearrange for another date. I'd much rather wait for better conditions than rush through a session that doesn't feel enjoyable.
CAN WE BRING OUR DOG TO THE PHOTO SESSION?
Absolutely. They're part of your family too, and children usually love having their four-legged best friend along for the adventure. All I ask is that they're comfortable around people, can walk nicely on a lead and know a few basic commands. A wagging tail has been known to steal the show from time to time!
WHEN DO WE GET TO SEE THE PHOTOS?
I know you'll be excited to see them. Your online gallery will usually be ready within two weeks of your photo session.
HOW MANY PHOTOS DO WE GET IN THE GALLERY?
You'll receive around 40–45 carefully edited images. I take hundreds during your session, but many are tiny variations of the same moment. Rather than overwhelming you with hundreds of almost-identical photographs, I carefully select the very best ones to tell the story of your time together.
IS THERE A SESSION FEE AND WHAT DOES THIS INCLUDE?
The session fee is £150, which includes up to two hours together, giving us plenty of time for children to settle, explore and simply be themselves without feeling rushed. The fee secures your date and includes all the preparation advice beforehand, my time photographing your family and access to your private online gallery. Images are not included and are purchased separately, so you only choose what you truly love.
ARE THERE ANY EXTRA COSTS?
The only additional cost to be aware of is travel if your chosen location is more than 25 miles from my base in Rosewell, Midlothian. Mileage is charged at 50p per mile beyond that distance. I regularly photograph families throughout Edinburgh, East Lothian, West Lothian and parts of the Borders, so there's a good chance your favourite spot is already within reach.
WHAT IF WE NEED TO CANCEL OUR PHOTO SESSION?
Your session fee is non-refundable if you decide to cancel, as your date has been reserved especially for your family and other enquiries may have been turned away. If life throws something unexpected your way, please get in touch as soon as you can. I'll always do my best to help where possible.
USEFUL LINKS
Kid Concerns
This was our first family photo shoot and Kirsty made sure that it was relaxed and fun for the boys. Lauriston castle was a stunning location with lots of trees for the boys to climb and interesting places to take shots. We're delighted with our photos, Kirsty has managed to capture the playful side of the boys - and the 4 of us together as well!
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STEPHANIE DIAS
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