7 Tips for natural family portraits during your half hour mini photo sessions

The last few weeks have been filled with so many shoots that my editing pile is getting bigger and bigger - and I should probably lock myself up in a dark room and get to it, but I really wanted to write a blog post about my mini sessions first.

I love going back to East Dulwich, South East London, each year to photograph so many of my old clients during my Spring Family Mini Sessions. Peckham Rye Park is absolutely gorgeous this time of year, the blossom is out, and the park is just full of lovely colours!

Although my mini shoots aren’t entirely unposed, I find it extremely important to focus on those real, in-between moments, to keep the documentary feel to my family photo sessions. In this blog post I’d like to share with you my tips on how to get those unposed, natural family photos within a limited time frame.

1. Location, location, location!

   Pick a location for your mini shoots with a variety of backdrops to choose from. I know Peckham Rye Park really well, and prefer it over Dulwich Park, simply because if offers so many different backdrops to capture great family portraits. There’s the Sexby Garden that has a lovely little fountain, you’ve got the Japanese garden right next to it and my favourite part of the park is the fenced off play area where the kids can run around and climb in the trees.

2. Take the family for a short walk

   My family mini photo sessions are only half an hour long so there is very limited time. Make sure you know where you’re going when you take the family for a short walk and figure out the best route beforehand. Whilst changing locations within the park, don’t put your camera away, but keep shooting. This is when you get those natural real-life moments documented!

3. Focus on the in-between-moments

   When you make your family posing during the more traditional family portraits, focus on the in-between-moments. It really helps when you, the photographer, keeps the chat flowing so the family feels at ease in your company which will result in more natural photos. Focus on the interaction between the parents and the kids or, if there is more than one child, on the relationship between siblings.

4. Shoot with a wide angle lens instead of a zoom lens

   I do bring several lenses to my mini shoots, however, I mainly photograph families with my 35mm lens. Zoom lenses create beautiful family portraits, but they don’t show you much context. So if you’re after the more natural photos that reflect the personalities of the kids then do go for a wide angle lens!

5. Schedule in extra time in between family sessions

   You’re working with kids and a limited time frame - a tricky combination! The worst thing is when families feel rushed, so have those extra 10 to 15 minutes built into your schedule so you’re not stressing out when a family is a bit late or the kids need some more time to get used to the camera.

6. Follow the kids’ leads

   Embrace the mood the children are in and how they act at the time of the photo session. It’s the key to getting those authentic family pictures.

7. Avoid taking pictures at noon

   Last but not least, avoid taking pictures at noon. When shooting family portraits it is best to avoid the harsh midday sun. When you’re photographing younger children noon often means nap time so I find it’s not a preferred time anyway.