The ten questions people ask me before booking a family Photography session…

Here are the ten questions I’m most likely to be asked before people book a family session with me - and what I tell them when they do…

Where on earth will we go?

In short, we go where you feel happy. York has some fantastic places to have a family session. I can suggest ideas for this. Alternatively, I can come to you. We can talk about the space and light you have and whether or not it would work for your getting you all in the photo. Newborn shoots are done in your home.

What about Pets?

Always. I’m a dog mum. It’s not a family photo without him. If we’re allowed to take them to the location, then bring them every time.

What if nursery / school / uni / corporate germs take us down?

I know how it is, you make a plan, get organised, have no other plans around it, and on that one day, one of the kids is sick. Working with families means bringing some flexibility to the table. Just let me know with as much notice as you can. The booking fee is non-refundable but you can rearrange up to twice for free. Any further rearrangements will incur a £45 fee.

What do we wear?

There are some tips for making this easy. The first one is to be comfortable. If you feel that going into the shoot, you’ll love the pictures more. Don’t dress in a way you think you should; dress in a way you actually would.

It isn’t about coordinating outfits, but it’s more about checking they don’t outright clash. Make an overall choice - stay as neutral and timeless as you can - whites, navy, greys, jeans, earthier tones. Or go bright and funky - avoid mixing both and be mindful of stark colours - purple, red, black. Plain clothing, rather than lots of logos and pictures on T-shirts, etc.

What if nerves make us weird?

Very likely they will at first, don’t worry about it. It’s not something you do every day, have a person come and record you being a family. Also, there’s a whole discussion about handing over the control of someone taking your pictures of you. Ultimately, it’s my job to make it work for you, so follow my lead and remember that I’ve got you. I talk more about this on my blog so come and have a read.

You know what the weather is like around here. How do we deal with that?

Let’s be honest, there’s a chance it could be slinging it down. I’ll check the weather in the days leading up to your shoot and keep in touch with you. If it looks like heavy rain we’ll then reschedule. Other than that, we’ll go ahead.

What do I do about my kids when they won’t sit still?

Honestly, if you want pictures of them sitting perfectly still, then I’m probably not the right photographer for you. I mean, mine don’t. This is about communicating the connection within your family, not about making them into something they’re not. We’ll work with them to catch them at their best. I’ll spend some time at the beginning of the shoot showing them my camera and settling them into the process. Also, bring snacks, because keeping the energy up is always a win.

What’s your top tip for doing this for the first time?

Don’t try to control it. Believe me, I know how easy it is to say that and the things I might have to stop myself saying as a mum in the moment. It’s the only way though - I mean sure, keep an overriding handle on what’s going on, I’m not totally wild - but I don’t think I’ve ever seen kids smile under instruction to smile. This is your opportunity to get the kind of photos we really value - the ones where our real connection shines through. Don’t waste valuable time trying to engineer it when it’s actually already there.

I’m a mum who struggles with being in photos, is this for me?

Yes. As they say in the traitors, this is your hundy. I can’t change your relationship with your body - I’ve long learnt the hard way that it’s not in my reach to fix. I can show you the value you of your connection with your kids. I can take the mental load of being behind the camera. I can make you a very active part of your family album. All of those things are in my reach and I know they’ll long outweigh everything else. Even if it’s tricky in the short term.

What happens after the session?

I aim to turn around shoots within two weeks. If there is any issue with this I will let you know. You will receive a link to your online gallery where you can directly pay for and download your image package. If you choose to order prints, they can take up to 4-6 weeks. I have them sent to me first to check they’re spot on then I send them on to you.

How do talk to you about my session?

I’m always here for a chat. And remember, you don’t have to be ready to book to check in and ask me anything that’s on your mind about your session.

Drop me an email - sarah@sjburton.com

Pop me a whatsapp - 07822010126