How to get the most out of your family photography session


As a family photographer in Dubai, UAE, I have had the privilege of capturing countless precious moments for families over the years. One style that truly stands out and captures the essence of the family dynamic is candid photography, also known as lifestyle photography. Candid shots add a wonderful and authentic dimension to your family photography session. They capture genuine emotions and interactions, making your family photos more memorable and meaningful.


In this blog post, I will share some valuable tips on how you can make the most of your family photography session by embracing the beauty of candid shots.


Choose a Familiar and Meaningful Location:

Choose a location where your family can engage in activities or enjoy each other's company naturally. Parks, beaches, the desert or even the comfort of your own home can provide great settings for natural interactions to unfold. We will discuss all of the options available and decide what suits your family best.


Timing is Everything:

We will schedule your photography session when the light is soft and gentle so it creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Most families opt for a sunset session as the whole family doesn't have to rush to wake up and is well rested. If you have really small babies that wake up early, a sunrise session could also be an option for you. If midday suits you, then an indoor session is possible at any time of the day. I prefer to use natural light whenever possible as it produces soft, flattering results.

COMMUNICATION AND TRUST:

Building a rapport with your family photographer is crucial for candid shots to shine. Share your vision, preferences, and any specific moments or activities that you would like to capture. A good photographer will actively listen, provide guidance, and make you feel comfortable throughout the session. Trust and allow me to guide you while remaining open to spontaneous moments that arise. Please share any specific moments or activities that you'd like me to capture. With 20 years of experience in photographing people, I do know how to make feel people feel at ease, but please do share anything that you'd like me to focus on as every shoot that I do is slightly different and personalized to capture each family in a unique way.


LET LOOSE AND HAVE FUN:

Encourage your family members to let go of any self-consciousness and embrace the joy of being together. Candid shots thrive on authentic emotions, laughter, and genuine connections. Engage in activities that you enjoy as a family, whether it’s playing games, throwing the kids in the air, chasing them, or simply going for a walk.. These natural interactions will result in the most heartfelt and cherished photographs. I will guide and prompt you to give you ideas as we go along.

BE PATIENT AND OBSERVANT:

In candid photography, it’s important to be patient and observant, allowing moments to unfold naturally. Instead of constantly posing for the camera, focus on being present with your loved ones. Encourage genuine interactions, engage in conversations, and allow your photographer to capture the candid beauty of these fleeting moments. Also, be patient with your kids and partners. They might need some time to warm up. As soon as they start having fun, the natural smiles and moments will start.


DRESS COMFORTABLY:

Comfortable clothing will help everyone feel more at ease and natural. It's important to be able to stand, sit and play easily without wardrobe problems. I will help you to choose your outfits and co-ordinate them if you'd like me to.

Family photography Dubai Desert Jacqui Nightscales Photographer
EMBRACE IMPERFECTIONS:

Remember that candid photography celebrates imperfections and embraces the true essence of your family. Don’t worry about perfect hair, flawless outfits, or everyone looking directly at the camera. The beauty lies in the genuine connections and emotions captured in each frame. Embrace the authenticity and uniqueness of your family, and cherish the imperfectly perfect moments created during your family photography session.


If you are looking for a photographer in Dubai or throughout the UAE, I would be honored to share my experience with you. I am a resident Family, Maternity and Newborn photographer. I offer a client wardrobe too for mums that you will have access to for your family and maternity photography sessions.