I was recently asked to head out for a quick little Somerton Park Family Photoshoot to commemorate the 90th birthday of a family member. It seemed that everyone present had all grown up in the area, but had all moved on with their lives interstaate, so it was lovely to see and hear that most had travelled back to Adelaide for this momentous occasion!
The original plan was to head out to the beach from the bed and breakfast that the family had organised on the Somerton park foreshore, but it was soon realised that getting down there and back up again might be a bit tricky for the older members of the group, so we head to John Miller Reserve to make use of the grassy area there.
I was told that what the family wanted was some very simple shots of each of the gathered groups of the family, nothing too fancy – just wanted some family photos to mark the occasion.
So after spending a little time in the park, I realised that there wasnt much in the way of nice backdrops there other than a few spindley little trees, a chainlink fence and the surrounding roads and houses, so we went for a short walk to a road that was lined with some pretty beach trees that provided some shade and a nicer backdrop. It was here that we had a few other members of the group literally jump off their plane and meet us here.
After using both the middle of the road for big group shots, and then nearby a tree on the footpath for couples and individual portraits, we left the birthday girl at the top of the Somerton Park beach cliff and head down to the beach to finish up.
The beach’s tide was very high so there was some neat sand bars made within the water which we made use of by climbing over one of the sand bag brides that were put there to fight erosion. On the sand bar we took a few more couple photos and small groups, with a little more fun thrown in – at one point I asked the couple to push each ver – and boy did she lean into the push! 🙂
It was a delightful little family celebration that I was glad to be a part of! Happy birthday to the young birthday girl, and I hope you enjoy the family photos from your Somerton Park Family Photoshoot!
Somerton Park Family Photoshoot
Hugging couple in Somerton Park
Smiling couple on the grass at a park
Smiling couple on the grass at a park in Somerton Park
With all the happenings of the modern world the idea of heading to such wide open spaces and experiencing complete silence while surrounded by nature can seem quite impossible to some. It’s a big reason why I love heading up the Murray river on a houseboat – as although you’re never really too far away from civilisation, the act of saling yourself down the middle of the river makes you feel as though you’re the only people within miles – particularly during the winter!
Last week I got back from one such family holiday where my family and I sailed up past Renmark, into Victoria and New South Wales and back again. While doing so I made sure to make a bit of a family photoshoot near Renmark, where I made the best of the camping nature that you get on a houseboat making fires, and also the stunning natural beauty on display along the sides of the river.
Heading out to the Riverland for photography is very much like visiting a different country! the creative juices get flowing being surrounded by such different scenery and allows everyone to be relaxed while being in front of a camera as everyone is having a great time! The changes in weather – particularly in the winter really makes for some stunning changes in scenery too! One morning we woke up to a thick pea soup fog which I quickly ran off the boat to meander through the bush – really reminded me of Hans Heysen’s paintings.
I was asked to head out for a Wilfred Taylor Reserve photoshoot in Morphett Vale to capture a bit of family joy with the Deng Family! In the beginning we were a little concerned about the weather, in fact they contacted me only 15 minutes prior asking if we should postpone their shoot due to the rain – however it wasn’t raining at the reserve so we went ahead with it – and the weather tuned out just perfect for a Family Photoshoot!
The Deng family took advantage of my flexible photoshoot packages to have photos done of not only their family, but also combinations of their children, grnadparents, and even some couple shots to round it all out! Certainly saves a bit of time and money combining all these smaller shoots into one fun-filled family photoshoot that involves everyone!
Wilfred Taylor Reserve Photoshoot
Baby with blue hat
Family at Wilfred Taylor Reserve
Dad holding baby above
Wilfred Taylor Reserve Photoshoot Family
Family walking through Wildred Taylor Reserve
Family together under the gums
Boy running away from family
Couple walking on path
Boy sitting in long grass
Couple standing together near wooden fence
Grandpa helping boy
Boy climbing tree trunk
Family sitting on tree trunk
Family fawning over baby
Sitting together during family shoot
Boy climbing tree at family photoshoot
Dad holding bubs
Mum and Dad kissing baby
Mum and Dad holding one another in tree
Mum and Dad holding one another in tree looking at camera
Thanks go out to the Deng family for having me capture their photos from their Wilfred Taylor Reserve Photoshoot!
Last weekend, I found myself with no weddings booked so I figured it would be neat to offer my services at a very cheap rate in what’s known as a ‘minishoot’ or mini session. It was one week prior to mother’s day so I figured it might be a fun way to get some nice photos of the family for Mum!
The best thing about a mini shoot is that it’s really geared for people who aren’t overly keen on being in front of a camera, as the session only lasts for 15 minutes – and if the photos dont turn out as expected – ie the little one was upset, or the dog wasn’t looking, etc – then it’s no big deal as it was not that expensive!
It’s also great for people who want some nice family photos done, but don’t want to spend too long getting them!
The mini shoot was an up front cost of $65, which included the shoot and editing of the photos before being supplied via my online store, and each shoot received a $30 credit to spend – making the whole thing effectively only $35 and you get to go home with either some prints, or digital files – however you’d like to spend that $30 credit!
As a result, the sessions booked up fast, with 12 bookings coming in – the majority being young couples, with little kidlets in tow, but also a few couples and whole families. I held the shoot at the Cherry Garden’s Soldier’s Memorial Gardens with the aim of using the autumnal colours from the falling leaves with the park, while also making use of the impressive memorial trees that cast quite a bit of shade.
Each booking received an average of 54 photos in their album to choose from – which surprised myself, as generally I like to have 100 photos done for an hour photo shoot, let alone 15 minutes – but I guess that’s the benefit of a minishoot, it means that i am familiar with the surrounds and know what will work when for each group coming through. I can then use this knowledge to move quickly and get each shot.
All in all, I think the winter minishoot results speak for themselves – the autumnal colours of the leaves, and the happy smiling faces of each group really made for an awesome experience, that I’d be looking forward to doing again in the future – I’m thinking Christmas? Watch this space.
Southern Adelaide Winter Minishoot Results!
Little Ones
All the little ones who came through were really well behaved and quite enjoyed being in front of the camera! This made things rather easy, as the surrounding autumn leaves did the rest making for some awesome shots!
baby talking to stuffed elephant
baby under autumn leaves
Sisters in autumn leaves
Bothers hugging in leaves
Smiling girl under autumn leaves
Smiling baby girl under autumn leaves
Boy climbing tree
baby girl in autumn leaves
Boys climbing tree
Baby lying in autumn leaves
Brothers laying in autumn leaves
Boy under autumn tree
Boys throwing leaves
happy baby sitting on fluffy mat under tree
Baby boy sitting in autumn leaves
Family
The autumn leaves also made for some nice family portraits. I had the family groups walking through the trees, sitting on the dry leaves and basically treating their time with me as if it were a quick family outing to a nice park.
Family standing behind long grass
Family sitting in leaves
Family hugs for baby
baby flying in sky
Family sitting on ground with baby
baby getting cheek kisses
Carrying baby through trees
Family sitting toegtehr under autumn trees
Holding baby in the sky
Baby peeking over shoulder
Family sitting in autumnal leaves
Holding baby girl
Family sitting on bench
Family standing under autumn leaves
Lifting baby into sky
Couples
I had two sets of couples come through, which was treated as a simple date idea, and they got some nice photos out of it at the end!
Couple sitting in the autumn leaves
Couple standing looking through leaves
Couple holding one another
Couple walking under autumn leaves
Couple walking between trees
Happy couple leaning against tree
As far as winter minishoot results go, I feel as though we got some incredible photos, using the stunning natural light that filtered through the autumn leaves nicely. If there was one thing I would have done differently would be to schedule the last session a biut earlier as the light was fading quite a bit – but we still got some great shots!
Family photoshoots are supposed to be a lot of fun. It’s an activity that you get to enjoy with the people you care about the most in the world, all while preserving shared memories that you may cherish for the rest of your life.
You may be wondering what to bring, how long the shoot will take if you can bring your dog, how hair and makeup are done, and if venues can be switched!
13 Family Photoshoot Tips for Creating Lasting Memories
Prior to the shoot, you must:
Brainstorm Ideas
The great thing about family photoshoots is that they can be a huge collaborative effort amongst you and your relatives. You must first let them know what you are planning for everybody and get them excited to brainstorm ideas with you. Let them contribute poses, themes, and costume ideas. And remember, this is part of all the fun!
Know that whatever works for your family will be your own unique style. The shoot is something you all should look up to, so frame the experience in a brilliant and positive light.
family sitting on a log
Plan Everything Accordingly
We can’t stress this enough: you have to plan ahead and accordingly to have a successful family photoshoot. No matter the size of your family, it’s important to set everything up from scheduling, wardrobe changes, grooming, food or catering, and so on.
Fix your clothing the day before your shoot, for example, and make sure all required things are dry cleaned/ironed. Set aside time the day before the shoot to have everyone conditioned and ready. Also, allow plenty of time if you’re getting your hair or cosmetics done. You don’t want to be rushed and flustered when you arrive.
Mt Compass Family photography
Get Some Beauty Rest
A big part of photoshoot preparations is setting the mood for the entire day. And to achieve a successful family photoshoot, everybody in your family must be well-rested, energetic, hydrated, and well-fed. Eight hours of sleep, lots of water, a big breakfast, and an uplifted mood sure can go a long way.
Family walking along the pond
Things to Pack
Healthy Snacks
No, we’re not just talking about chips and junk food. We’re talking about jelly beans, cheese cubes, light crackers, and dried food. Avoid foods that could stain or get stuck in your teeth like chocolate, candies, coloured beverages, and anything that consumes too much time to devour.
Food platter on display
Extra Clothes
It’s always a good idea to pack extra clothes and backup outfits for everybody, young and old. This family photoshoot tip is especially advantageous if, let’s say, you’re bringing a bunch of kids along. With almost any type of photoshoot, expect spills and stains to go wrong! It wouldn’t hurt to be a little bit overprepared.
I have a cake!
Fun Activities
Breakout sessions in between photoshoot layouts are a must. This is a way to inject fun as the day progresses. This is not really a requirement, but it can relax your whole team and loosen up your family members
In addition, fun activities like blowing bubbles, and playing with toys and balls can be added to your themed shoot.
Family photo in Pine Reserve
The Furry Friend
If you bring your dog, please consider bringing a dedicated walker to look after it throughout the shoot. This way, you can keep your dog secure and comfortable while not interfering with the shot. Also, before bringing your dog to the shoot, evaluate her disposition. How will it be able to pose for photos if it is typically wild and rowdy? Finally, provide dog treats and toys for the dog so that he would comply.
bride groom and dog
Outdoor Items
Best place to hold a natural family photography session is to hold it outside – rather than in a studio. For example, heading to the beach? bring beach towels, sunscreen, coolers, umbrellas, and more! Treat it the way you would for any beach trip. How about a forest? maybe bring a picnic setup, some games? frisbee?
Family sitting together on rock
Grooming Tools for Hair and Makeup
Perhaps grooming for hair and makeup aren’t requirements either, but it wouldn’t hurt to bring your own tools. This way, you can touch up in between layouts and keep it all hygienic as well. But beyond hair and makeup, you may also want to bring a sewing kit for emergencies. And if you’re feeling quite extravagant, feel free to hire your family’s own glam team!
Running in front of the family
Reminders During the Shoot
Make the Most Out of It
We’ll say it again: A family photoshoot is a perfect excuse to bond with your loved ones. So, use this time wisely. This is a time to learn new things through new experiences, together.
Family looking through the bushes
Grab a Solo Portrait for Everyone
Show off everybody’s beauty. One by one, allow every member of your family to have their own time to shine. Let them show off their hobbies, their talents, and their unique styles.
Portrait
Give Room for Goofy Shots
You can culminate the shoot by taking a goofy group family pic which you can blow up and hang on your wall! This is a way for you to truly cherish your close family ties, unbreakable bonds, and sense of humour! There are no wrong answers when it comes to taking goofy family portraits.
Family portrait under gum trees
Keep Your Photographer Team in the Loop
The Editing Process
As with any photoshoot, the images are thoroughly retouched. For this process, you have to let your photographer and their assistant know what you’d like the outcome of the pictures to be.
If you feel conscious about something, raise it. They can keep everything natural, with a bit of tweaking when it comes to reducing wrinkles, toning down puffiness around the face, lightening the eye bags, etc.
Let us know if you’re planning something special too – perhaps an engagement? We are good at keeping secrets, and if we know about it beforehand we can be sure to look out for the cues!
Santorini Couple Shoot
Thirteen tips may sound like a large amount of advice for a successful family photoshoot, but one can never be too sure about family activities and gatherings! These family photoshoot tips ensure success. Being prepared and knowing what to expect can save you and your family members a lot of stress, arguments, and unnecessary pressure. That said, make sure you plan ahead, prepare, and enjoy every second. Take this chance to capture special shared moments while you still can!
