Family Photoshoot Tips in Somerset~ Get the Most From Your Sessions.

A family photoshoot is more than just getting some pictures taken, they are memories to look back on for years. Something to share with your family, decorate your home, and one day to perhaps show your grandchildren. Whether you are celebrating a family gathering, a new arrival, a milestone, or you are wanting pictures with your loved ones as you are right now, a relaxed family photoshoot is the perfect way of helping you to remember these moments.

As a Somerset family photographer, I specialise in natural, outdoor family photography across Tauunton, the Quantock Hills, local coastlines and woodlands. In this guide, I will give you some of my top tips to help you get the most out of your family photoshoot.

Choose a Location in Somerset That You Will Love

In my opinion, you can't beat a photoshoot outdoors in nature. There is room to move, your surroundings help to tell your story and Somerset has some stunning scenery to choose from. Some of my favourite loactions are the Quantock Hills, The Somerset Levels, local woodlands and of course, the beautiful Somerset coastline such as Kilve or Brean.

Outdoor photoshoots are particulary great for children as they have the room to move and play easily. Their games and interactions with their loved ones make for lovely, natural photos.

Your location will play a big part in the overall look of your photos. It is important that you consider what you want your images to look like. The Somerset coast and the open moors of the Quantock Hills make for wonderful panoramic images with big dramatic skies. The nuetral colours of the sand and dunes at Brean give a nice neutral colour palette, the woodlands provide a nice frame to your images with lots of interest provided by the leaves and branches. A Taunton park, with its weeping willows and summer bedding, will provide a more currated feel. All are lovely, but each will influence the look of your images differently.

I know a number of lovely locations, and once you book your session with me, I can offer you suggestions based on your preferrences.

Time of Day

Light makes a huge difference to the look of your photos. For outdoor family photoshoots in Somerset, I strongly recommend the start or the end of the day. The reason for this is that the sun is lower in the sky and so the shadows are more flattering. As we head towards the Golden Hour (about an hour before sunset) the light becomes increasingly soft and warm. This lends itself to beautiful, atmospheric photography. Try to avoid the harsh midday light. Even on a cloudy day it can cast unflattering shadows across your face.

What to Wear on Your Family Photoshoot

Now this is probably one of the most frequent questions that I get asked and so I have put together a Style Guide which I send to you when you book your session with me. Some of the main points that I recommensd are:

• Avoid logos and big bold prints.

• Dress for the weather. You will not enjoy yourself if you are freezing cold. Styled layers look beautiful.

• Aim to coordinate with each other, but not match.

• Think about the colours that will complement the colours of your location. For example, wearing lots of green when your photoshoot is in green fields will mean that you will blend with your background rather than stand out.

Embrace the Weather

Let's face it, the weather in Somerset can be changeable, no matter the time of year. When booking an outdoor family photoshoot, it is important to embrace this. When booking a photoshoot in advance, we will have no idea about what the weather is going to be like. Don't let a cloudy or soggy day fill you with disappointment. Few people want to go out in heavy rain (and it's not great for my equipment either), but don't be put off by overcast skies which can look dramatic, and umbrellas on a drizzly afternoon add to the fun and interest of your photoshoot. Nature's colours can look more vibrant and vivid when covered in water. The weather is a part of the story of your day. I have personally had photos taken of me with my family on sunny evenings and windy, cloudy days.....and I love them all. They are so different from each other and each brings its own beauty.

Make It an Experience, Not Just a Photoshoot

I would describe myself as a predominantly documentary photographer with a sprinkling of styling. What I mean by this is that I capture some images of you looking and smiling at the camera, but I will also offer you prompts that will allow for more dynamic images of a story-telling nature. A family photo session with me will feel more like a walk or an adventure with your loved ones. I might encourage young children to play a game, or to sit on a fallen tree trunk and snuggle with their parents. I might ask you to sit on a picnic blanket and chat to each other and enjoy the view. You will have a gallery showing more traditional images plus natural, relaxed images of your loved ones where you are interacting with each other and having fun. I am proud to say that families often tell me how much fun they had at the end of our sessions.

You Don't Need Perfect Poses

The best family photos happen when everyone is relaxed. Although I do plan for more posed photos where everyone is smiling at the camera, my approach is predominantly capturing natural moments. You don't need to worry about children standing still or smiling perfectly at the camera at all times. I will gently guide you, encourage your children to play games that I know will make for beautiful photos, ask you to walk together hand in hand and encouraging you to cuddle. I feel that these create the most meaningful images.

Trust Your Photographer

You have chosen your photographer because you love their images and editing style. It is important that you trust them when they give you prompts, suggest a time of day, or the best spots in your location to capture your images. As a Somerset family photographer, I can offer you guidance for your outfits, locations that match your vision, and help you to feel at ease throughout your photoshoot. You don't need to worry how to pose and what to do....that is my job to guide and support you.

Why Choose an Outdoor Family Photoshoot in Somerset

Somerset offers a fantastic variety of natural backdrops. Living in Taunton, I have so many of them right on my doorstep or just a short journey away. Outdoor images are timeless and natural, young children have the freedom and space to move around and play, and the images do not feel contrived and are full of life.

If you love the idea of natural family photos in the Quantock Hills, woodlands or along the coast, an outdoor photoshoot could be perfect for you.

Book Your Somerset Family Photoshoot

If you are looking for an outdoor family photoshoot, I would love to hear from you. I photograph families across the Quantock Hills, Somerset coast such as: Kilve, Brean, Minehead, Weston-Super-Mare and Burnham-on-Sea, woodlands, riverside spots and local Taunton parks. I will capture relaxed and natural family photos that you'll treasure for years to come.

You can see more of my family photos gallery and my contact form on my website www.ejphotography.uk.

Let's plan a family photoshoot that feels natural, fun and completely you.

Hi! My name is Emma and I am a Somerset-based wedding and family photographer. who captures people's stories all over the West Country. If you would like to discuss your family photoshoot with me, I would love to hear from you.

Email: emma@ejphotography.uk 

You can see more of my work on Instagram and Facebook.