If you’ve been thinking about booking a family photoshoot in Devon but aren’t quite sure what to expect on the day, this guide is for you.

One of the things I hear most often before a family session is some version of:

“My children probably won’t sit still.”

“My partner hates having their photo taken.”

“We’re really awkward in front of the camera.”

And honestly, that’s completely fine.

You don’t need to know how to pose, your children definitely don’t need to sit still, and nobody needs to spend an hour smiling directly at the camera. As a Devon family photographer, my sessions are relaxed, natural and documentary-led, with the focus on capturing your family as you really are.

Before Your Family Photoshoot

Before your session, we’ll have a little chat about the kind of photographs you love, who will be coming along and the overall feel you’d like for your shoot. I’ll also help you choose a location that works for your family.

One of my favourite things about photographing families in Devon is the amount of variety we have. We can head to the beach, explore Dartmoor, find somewhere tucked away in the countryside or choose a location that already means something special to your family.

I’ll also put together a personalised moodboard to help with styling and give you an idea of how the session might look. You don’t need everyone in matching outfits. I usually recommend choosing colours and tones that work well together while still letting everyone feel like themselves.

The most important thing is that you feel comfortable.

What Actually Happens During a Family Photoshoot?

Think of it less like a formal photoshoot and more like spending some time together somewhere beautiful while I photograph what happens. I’ll give you direction whenever you need it, so you’re never left wondering what to do, but I won’t spend the whole session putting you into stiff poses.

We might walk together, cuddle, explore, play, race along the beach, pick up shells, climb over rocks or simply stop somewhere lovely and let the children do their thing.

Some photographs will be gently directed, while others will happen completely naturally. That mixture is what I love. I’m always looking out for the smaller moments too, the ones you might not even realise are happening.

A little hand holding yours.

A child cuddling into Mum or Dad.

Siblings making each other laugh.

Windblown hair.

Bare feet in the sand.

Those little in-between moments often end up becoming some of my favourite photographs from the whole session.

What If My Children Don’t Cooperate?

This is probably the biggest worry parents have before a family photoshoot.

Please don’t worry.

I don’t expect children to sit perfectly still or smile on demand, and I definitely don’t want them to feel like they have to perform for the camera.

If they want to run, they can run.

If they want a cuddle, we’ll slow things down.

If they suddenly decide that a stick, puddle or interesting rock is the most exciting thing they’ve ever seen, we can work with that too. Children being themselves is what makes the photographs feel real. The aim isn’t to create photographs of a perfectly behaved family. It’s to create photographs that actually feel like your family.

Looking for a Devon Family Photographer?

If you’re looking for a Devon family photographer and love relaxed, natural and documentary-style photography, I’d love to photograph your family.

My family photoshoots are designed to feel easy, fun and completely personal to you, whether you’re bringing a new baby along, chasing toddlers around the beach, photographing older children or getting the whole extended family together. I photograph families across Devon and can help with everything from choosing the perfect location to styling your session.

If you’d like to book a family photoshoot in Devon, get in touch and tell me a little bit about your family and the kind of session you have in mind.