The Ultimate Guide to Family Photography in Surrey: What to Expect From Your Family Photoshoot

If you’ve been thinking about booking family photography in Surrey & Hampshire but aren’t quite sure what to expect, you’re definitely not alone.

Perhaps you’re worried that your children won’t sit still. Maybe you’re wondering what everyone should wear, where your photoshoot will take place, or whether you’ll have to spend an hour telling your children to “smile nicely”.

The good news? You really don’t need to.

As a Surrey & Hampshire family photographer, my approach is relaxed, natural and all about capturing your family as you really are. I’m not looking for perfectly posed children staring at the camera for every photograph. I want to capture the cuddles, the giggles, the little personalities, the connections and all those moments that make your family yours.

So, here’s everything you need to know before booking your family photography session in Surrey.

What happens during a family photoshoot?

The most important thing to know is that your family photoshoot won’t feel like a school photograph session.

There’s no need for everyone to stand in a line, look at the camera and smile on command.

Instead, I’ll guide you through simple activities and interactions that allow you to relax and enjoy being together.

We might walk, explore, play, cuddle, tickle, chase each other or simply sit together for a few moments.

And yes, I’ll still take some photographs of everyone looking at the camera too – because those are often the photographs you’ll want hanging on the wall.

But they’ll be mixed in with all the natural moments in between.

What if my children won’t sit still?

This is probably one of the biggest worries parents have before booking a family photoshoot.

And honestly? Please don’t worry about it.

Children aren’t supposed to sit still for an hour.

They are supposed to be themselves.

As a family photographer, I’m used to working with children of all ages and personalities. Some are shy, some are incredibly energetic, some don’t want to look at the camera and some want to be involved in absolutely everything and be my helper.

That’s completely fine.

In fact, those individual personalities are exactly what I want to capture.

You don’t need to practise smiling with your children beforehand or bribe them into behaving perfectly for the camera. Just bring them along and let them be themselves.

I’ll take care of the rest.

Where do family photoshoots take place in Surrey or Hampshire?

I specialise in relaxed outdoor family photography and Surrey has some beautiful locations for family photoshoots.

From open countryside and woodland to beautiful fields and more intimate outdoor spaces, there are plenty of options depending on the type of photographs you love.

I regularly photograph families around Surrey and Hampshire, including areas such as Farnham, Guildford and the surrounding countryside.

The location is chosen to suit your family and the type of photographs you want.

Sometimes the simplest location can create the most beautiful photographs.

What should we wear for our family photoshoot?

One of the first questions I’m usually asked is:

“What on earth are we going to wear?”

My biggest piece of advice is not to dress everyone identically.

Instead, choose colours and textures that work together without everyone wearing the same thing.

Soft, neutral and earthy tones work beautifully for outdoor family photography, particularly against the Surrey countryside.

Think creams, beige, denim, soft blues, greens, browns and muted tones.

Most importantly, choose clothes that you feel comfortable in.

If you feel uncomfortable, you’ll probably feel uncomfortable in the photographs too.

And please don’t save your most uncomfortable outfit for the photoshoot just because it looks good on a hanger!

Your Family Photoshoot Style Guide

Not sure what to wear or how to prepare for your session? Don’t worry – I’ve got you covered.

When you book your family photoshoot with me, I’ll send you my brand-new Family Photography Style Guide, packed with helpful tips and inspiration to make getting ready for your session as easy as possible.

From what to wear and what colours work beautifully together, to preparing the children and getting the most from your session, it’s designed to take away the guesswork and help you feel completely prepared.

 

Why I Photograph in the Morning or Around Tea Time

I mostly photograph families in the morning or around tea time, and there’s a very good reason for that – the light!

I  prefer the beautiful, soft natural light we get earlier in the day and again later in the afternoon. It gives your photographs a lovely, natural look without the harsh midday sun, and it also means we can work around family routines a little more easily.

Morning sessions can be perfect for younger children, while tea-time sessions often work really well for families who want to make the most of that softer afternoon light. The exact time will vary throughout the year depending on the season and the light, but choosing the right time of day makes a huge difference to the feel of your photographs.

Can grandparents come to our family photoshoot?

Absolutely.

In fact, I think extended family photoshoots can be some of the most special sessions to photograph.

If grandparents are visiting, someone is coming home from abroad, or the whole family is finally managing to get together, it is the perfect opportunity to document everyone being together.

We’ll make sure there are photographs of the whole family, smaller family groups, grandparents with the grandchildren and plenty of natural moments in between.

Because these are the photographs that become even more precious as the years pass. You can view my extended family photography page HERE.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Living in Surrey means we have to accept that the British weather occasionally likes to join the photoshoot too!

If the weather isn’t suitable for your session, we’ll look at tweaking the time of the day but if it’s chucking it down, we will look at rearranging it for another date.

I always want you to have an enjoyable experience and photographs you’re genuinely excited about, so there’s no point trying to force a session in unsuitable conditions.

Sometimes a little drizzle can be beautiful.

A full-on downpour? Probably not quite the aesthetic we’re going for!

 

How long does a family photoshoot take?

Your session is relaxed and unhurried, giving us plenty of time to capture your family naturally.

I don’t want you watching the clock or worrying that we’ve only got a few minutes left.

The aim is for you to forget about the camera and simply enjoy spending time together.

That’s when the real moments happen.

 

What happens after the photoshoot?

After your family photoshoot, I’ll carefully select and edit the best images from your session.

You’ll then be able to choose your favourite photographs and decide how you’d like to enjoy them.

Of course, digital photographs are wonderful for sharing with family and keeping safely stored.

But there is something very special about seeing your family’s photographs printed and displayed in your home.

Whether it’s a beautiful piece of wall art, a framed photograph or a collection of prints, these are the photographs you get to see every day.

Why have a family photoshoot?

Because you’re probably already taking hundreds of photographs of your children.

But how many photographs are you actually in together?

There’s always someone missing.

Mum is behind the camera.

Dad is taking the photograph.

One child refuses to cooperate.

Someone is pulling a funny face.

And before you know it, another year has passed.

A professional family photo session gives you the opportunity to get everyone in the frame.

Not just the perfectly posed version of your family, but the real one.

The cuddles.

The laughter.

The little hands.

The personalities.

The connection.

 

Ready to book your Surrey or Hampshire family photo session?

If you’re looking for a Surrey family photographer who will make your family photoshoot relaxed, enjoyable and completely personal to you, I’d love to hear from you.

I photograph families across Surrey and Hampshire, creating natural family photographs that capture the people you love and the connection between you.

You don’t need perfectly behaved children.

You don’t need to know how to pose.

And you definitely don’t need to worry about everyone sitting still.

Just bring your family. I’ll take care of the photographs.

[Get in touch to book your family photography session here]

---

Frequently Asked Questions About Family Photography in Surrey

How old should my children be for a family photoshoot?

There is no perfect age. I photograph families with babies, toddlers, young children and teenagers.

Do we have to pose for photographs?

Not at all. I’ll give you gentle direction throughout your session, but most of the photographs will involve natural interaction between you and your family.

What happens if my child is shy?

That’s completely normal. I won’t force them to perform for the camera. We’ll give them time to become comfortable and allow their personality to come through naturally.

Can we bring our dog?

Absolutely! If your dog is part of your family, I’d love to include them.

Do you photograph families in Hampshire too?

Yes. I photograph families across Surrey and Hampshire, so if you’re looking for a Hampshire family photographer, get in touch and we can chat about your location and session.

Where can I see more of your family photography?

You can see more recent family photography, behind-the-scenes content and examples of my work on my website and social media.

INSTAGRAM – Photography By Zoe

Lots of love

Zoe xxx