I head out recently for a bit of a family shoot with the aim of updating the aging family photos that had been taken quite a few years prior! We head out to the Bone Gully Forest section of Kuitpo Forest near Kangarilla to make use of the dying light and we certainly produced what we set out to do!
Bone Gully would have to be one of my favourite spots to head to within the Kuitpo forest area as the kills and closely growing pine trees make for a marvellouslly intimate atmosphere! It’s just a shame not many wedding couples are keen on heading this far out of Mclaren Vale to utilise it. Makes it easier when it’s a family shoot like this though!
Lisa’s family came from far and wide, mainly from ceduna to update their family photos and I’m so glad to have been a part of their little outing as their family photographer!
Family Photoshoot at Bone Gully Forest
Smiling boy amongst the trees
Standing in the trees of Kuitpto Forest
Couple standing amongst the trees in Bone Gully Forest
Erin and Phil were the bridal couple at one of the first ever weddings I covered as a wedding photographer all the way back in 2011, so it’s always nice to see how families are progressing when they ask me to come out again and produce some updated family portraits! I’ve also known Erin and her family since I was very little so it’s doubly nice to reconnect and have a bit of a chat. 🙂
We head out to the lovely Veale Gardens on South terrace in the city early in the morning so that we avoided the majority of walkers and have the gardens to ourselves. The sun is also at a nice height in the sky at this time in the morning so as to avoid most of the harsh shadows that can otherwise creep across faces in an unflattering way.
We began in the carpark behind the Pavillian restaurant and made use of the gum trees behind Veale gardens to create a bit of diversity in the colours of the final photos – as otherewise every photo has the emerald green colours of the curated grass within the gardens. it’s good to have some variety! We then walked up the rolling grassy hills towards the last rock pool, then looped back via the man made river meandering through the space.
As a result, I think The Kennedy’s Veale Gardens Family Shoot produced some lovely keepsake moments and nice family portraits for them to treasure forever more! helps a bunch when the kids are as well behaved as these were! Turned out to be a lovely morning.
You’ve come across the perfect Adelaide photographer to take your family pictures—now it’s only a matter of time until your session. With a dreamy and carefree image in mind, you can’t wait to run across that meadow rife with daisies or lift your darling infant above your shoulders to capture their winning smile. Yet, family photography isn’t as easy as pie. To achieve a smooth and spirited shoot, take note of the following photography sins you’ll want to avoid at all times.
Mummy cuddles
DON’T – Put Too Much Pressure on Yourself
“Picture perfect” is a phrase you’ll likely think of when it comes to conducting a family portrait—but hardly will a session go precisely the way you’ve planned. Don’t attach high expectations to what is supposed to be a fun-filled day of clicks and flashes. Smile more and worry less!
Hazing the new guy
DON’T – Skimp on Finding the Right Photographer
Just because your idea is a stellar one doesn’t mean just anyone can pull it off. Regardless of how well-meaning and patient a photographer may be, a fashion expert, for instance, may not have a knack for family photos. Take a look at a photographer’s social media and previous work before concluding.
Hadley sitting pretty
DON’T – Pick a Day or Time That Doesn’t Suit You
It should go without saying that a family photoshoot must involve every member. While accommodating a photographer’s busy schedule might mean having to wait longer than you’d hope, you don’t want to de-prioritise yours either.
Pick a day that won’t mean having to put off an important meeting or re-schedule a dinner. Plan around an open weekend and take into account any potential upcoming events.
The time of day, and weather is also very important when determining the quality of the actual photos you will recieve. It’s best to shoot as early in the day or as late as possible for the so called ‘golden hours‘ of photography.
Semaphore Beach Sunset
DON’T – Wing Your Location
If you have a particular theme in mind for your family photoshoot, don’t ignore the importance of selecting an appropriate location. Think about whether you’ll better achieve your goals in a studio or outside space.
You’ll also want to account for weather. A lush field of flowers, for example, might only be available in the spring, whereas a shoot down by the beach might be more appropriate during the summer than in the winter.
Kuitpo forest couple shoot
DON’T – Forget to Pre-Plan
Families often underestimate the value of pre-planning. If you’re heading into a shoot with younger children, you’ll want to be well-equipped with snacks, water, and toys to keep the little ones entertained. If your photographer doesn’t provide props, you may have to pack those yourself. But try to keep these at a minimum.
It may also be the case that people arent morning people, or some other reason why people can’t arrive on time. Try to plan around this as much as possible and the shoot will be much more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Family photography
DON’T – Take All Day
Regardless of how much your tots enjoy being in front of the camera, too much is often too much. Especially shooting outdoors, spending more than an hour or two under the sun can be incredibly tiring for both your family and photographer. Stick to a schedule or know when to take a break.
An hour is a long time taking photos and in my experience it’s a perfect time scalke in order to get some great photos!
Family portrait
DON’T – Plan Too Many Outfit Changes
Most families will undergo one or two outfit changes during a shoot—but if there aren’t enough dressing rooms to cater to larger families, you won’t want to overpack. Similarly, if you’re working within a time limit, too many outfit changes might take away from the actual shoot.
Grooms shoes in woods
The key to a successful family photo shoot is a lot of careful planning, shopping for the right photographer, and making sure your family is well-rested before the big day. You may not avoid the occasional toddler meltdown—but you can plan around it. Hopefully this short list of ‘don’ts of a family photoshoot’ can help out with capturing some amazing photos!
For family photography in Adelaide that never disappoints, contact us at Sven Studios. We have a knack for working with families from all walks of life and maybe even a soft spot for kids!
Family photos displayed in frames by the entryway or hung on the accent wall are common sights in a family home. These souvenirs remind you and your family about holidays, milestones and of course snap shots of a moment in time. They put a personal touch in every residence to make it feel more like a home.
However, these framed pictures aren’t just for show and nostalgia. They also provide several surprising benefits that can keep the positive vibe of your home.
Family photo through the weeping willows
3 Surprising Benefits of Hanging Family Photos in Your Home
Although digital platforms can be better and simpler curators for photos and videos, nothing beats the warmth printed and framed photographs bring. Besides being a great addition to your home’s interior, they also provide some surprising benefits in your household. Hopefully this outline of the often unknown benefits of hanging family photos help you realise you really need to have this done for yourselves!
Displaying family portraits improve your child’s confidence levels
As a registered and trained teacher in South Australia, I can honestly say that being heard is one of the best ways to improve your child’s confidence. Displaying family portraits in your home can help your children develop healthy levels of self-esteem. It allows them to embrace the fact that they belong and that they have value. Psychologists believe that pictures can send signals to a child’s brain that they are important members of a family unit.
The presence of these photographs exceptionally contributes to your child’s growth and development, even until they reach their teenage years. Besides displaying these photos, you should also give them opportunities to plan and direct these photos. Being involved gives them a sense of responsibility and control, whether you ask for their input on what to wear or where to take the shot.
Family photography
Looking at family portraits strengthens the family unit
Family photos don’t just affect your children, but also your entire family. Psychologist Judy Weiser notes that looking at photographs can reduce people’s sense of loneliness. When someone sees a photo of them with the important people in their lives, their trust and positive regard for these individuals grow stronger and deeper. Because of this, households that display family photos have stronger bonds with their family.
Although some members pass away or live on in their own homes, one of the benefits of hanging family photos is that looking at these family photos sustains their sense of being together. This is why families can still have deep relationships, even if some members are no longer physically with them at home.
Proud Grandpa
Reminiscing while looking at photos uplifts your mood
We are sensory creatures who can change our feelings and behaviors based on the things we see, hear, taste, touch, or feel. It’s no surprise that photographs can affect our emotions since they allow us to relive the memories in them. Have you ever asked yourself why this is the case?
Psychology professor Fred Bryant notes that photos that trigger positive memories remind you of the same feeling you experienced in the past. Think of it as mental time travel. It allows you to receive a sense of fulfillment and love, promoting positive psychological health. This is why looking at fond memories of the past can make it easier to overcome the days when you’re in a bad place.
Happy Dad
Adding a personal touch to your home is one of the more apparent advantages of displaying family portraits. Besides being an attractive wall piece, these will remind you of your family’s bond that will stay strong amidst the challenges that life brings.
Newborn Foot mould and photo
Treasuring your positive memories with your loved ones is an excellent way to maintain a healthy relationship. If you need a company that produces amazing family photography in Adelaide, our trained photographers can assist you. Book our services today, and we’ll make sure to capture your moments and milestones into timeless souvenirs and bring the benefits of hanging family photos to your home!
It’s always fun to head out to places you know were pretty in the past to photograph people and families! I mean it’s the main reason why I love being a photographer! In this case I head out to Fairleigh Reserve in Modbury, just across the road from the famed wedding venue, Sferas.
I was asked to recommend a spot for Rebecca and her family to take some photos not too far way from where they lived, and I remembered shooting a couple of weddings through this lovely little reserve! The weather was lovely, and the people I shot even lovelier! The entire shoot was a gift to one of the family members for their borthday, which was a surprise!
Hope they love their photos!
Family photo in Tea Tree Gully
Family photography in Fairleigh Reserve tea Tree Gully
Tea Tree Gully Family Photography
Children sitting on log
Family Photoshoot in Little boy in Little girl in Fairleigh Reserve