Your Guide to a Family Photoshoot with Nicola Pass Photograpy

Family photographs go beyond the simple recording of an instant. They speak to us, of who we are and who we love.

Updated May 2026.

If you’re thinking about booking a family photoshoot but feeling a little unsure about what to expect, this guide will take you through your photoshoot journey with me, from booking right through to your session, with a few helpful tips along the way. Helping you and your family to feel relaxed, prepared, and excited for your session.

Since 2017, I’ve specialised in family and children’s portraiture, bringing a calm, playful, and intuitive approach to every session. I believe the best photos happen when you’re simply being yourselves - and I’m here to guide you gently, so you can focus on enjoying the moment together.

Family photographs are precious, they capture a moment in time that becomes part of your story. My aim is to make the experience feel relaxed, natural, and enjoyable from start to finish. This is your time to tell your story through photographs, and I want your family portraits to reflect who you truly are.

My approach to posing is gentle and intuitive - nothing too formal. I encourage families to simply connect with each other, to interact naturally, and to feel at ease in front of the camera.

And if the idea of a camera makes you nervous, don’t worry. Read on, and I’ll show you why it doesn’t need to.

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The booking Process

To book your photoshoot, you can either request a specific date via the book online page on the website or get in touch through the

Get in touch page with your preferences. I’ll then be in touch to chat about your ideal location, preferred dates and times, and any special requests you may have.

Once your photoshoot has been confirmed, you'll receive a confirmation email with all the details, along with a short questionnaire. This helps me get to know a little more about you and your family ahead of the session - so I can make sure your photographs feel truly personal and meaningful. You will also recieve a family photoshoot guide with lots of helpful information.

Location, Location

Many of my clients ask me where the best place is to have a photoshoot, I always tell them the best place is somewhere that means something special to them. Maybe it's a place you go for regular family walks, or where you may have visited when you were younger with your parents. Many of my clients have their photoshoot take place at their homes too. I have written about some of my favourite spaces to photograph, click here to find out more.

Communication

Throughout the photoshoot I’ll talk to you, guiding you the whole time. I like to think i’m quite funny too, so I’m hoping that you'll laugh at some of my terrible jokes!

My sessions are very relaxed and child-led. I give children the space to warm up naturally, explore, play, and interact with the people they feel safest with - you. Rather than forcing smiles or asking everyone to look at the camera, I gently guide moments and focus on connection, movement, and genuine interaction. That’s usually when the most meaningful photographs happen. I can also sense when they have had enough, this is usually around 45 minutes - 1 hour for a family of four. For larger groups I always advise around an hour and a half to ensure we capture all the individual groups as well as the main photographs of everyone together.

Some of the most beautiful images come from cuddles, hand-holding, laughter, quiet observation, or the little in-between moments.

Nerves...

I promise, there’s absolutely no need to feel nervous on your photoshoot, after those first few clicks you’ll forget all about those nerves and really start to enjoy the experience. This is one of the reasons I ask you to interact with each other; not only to document moments that are genuine, intimate and to celebrate who you all are, but by doing this it takes your attention away from the camera and those clicks!

After the Photoshoot

Around three days after the photoshoot, your photographs are uploaded onto a private, password protected gallery, meaning you can view your photographs in the comfort of your own home, choosing your favourites in your own time. All my family photoshoots include digital images and fine art prints that if cared for, will last over 100 years!

If you’re thinking about booking a photoshoot get in touch. I would love to help you create beautiful memories that you can look back on for years to come. Just fill in the contact form by clicking here.

Id like to end this blog with a beautiful review I received recently;

"Nicola made us all feel very comfortable and was very relaxed. She got the best out of all of us - from 16 months old to 70 years old! We had lots of beautiful photos to choosen from and they were ready really quickly. Communication was excellent too. We will be booking again!"

Claire L

May 25

Thanks for stopping by,

NP x