The idea of a family food fight and water fight was the winning idea when I did a competition asking for the best family photoshoot theme.

The winning family got the photoshoot free of charge as long as they were prepared to go through with their idea. And boy did Libby and her extended family throw themselves into it with enthusiasm!

Here are some of my best tips to prepare for your family photoshoot to ensure it goes smoothly. 

In 15 years I’ve never had to re-do a family photoshoot because I couldn’t get any photographs. I once had to re-do a newborn shoot because it was a really hot day and the baby couldn’t settle so we did it the following week at no extra charge. Part of the reason for this 100% success rate with family photography is down to these tips… 

People assume that winter family photography isn’t great outside, but it totally is! I brought Oyadiyah and her family to the woods and we had an amazing photoshoot.

We actually took a few photographs in their home first as they wanted the variety. As you can see, family photography is more about the expressions and family connection rather than where you are. 

Next month the bluebells bloom again to herald the height of spring. As a family photographer I spend a lot of time looking for the best photoshoot locations and I’m confident I know the best bluebell woods near Peterborough.

I took the Whitfield family to the best possible wood for an Autumn family photoshoot near Stamford. Not only that, I took them on the best possible week too.

Do you know the best week in the whole year for Autumn leaves in Cambridgeshire? It’s the middle of November. At least it is for Beech trees and they’re some of the best leaves for an Autumn family photoshoot because they’re big and orange and lie thick on the ground like a carpet. The reason mid November is best for Beech woods is because the leaves are at their most orange. Not only that, but plenty of leaves have fallen to the ground which helps give that thick orange carpet and also ensures some light comes through the canopy so it’s not too gloomy.

I know a wood where you can get beautiful Autumn family photography in Peterborough right up until April! 

The secret is finding a wood with lots of Beech trees because they have beautiful bright orange leaves that photograph well and they lay thick on the ground. They’re also great for throwing at childish photographers!

It was chilly, misty and gloomy, so why have a winter family photoshoot?

The intrepid Juniper family knew something that most families don’t realise… there are pros and cons to photoshoots in every season.

So, the best time for a family photoshoot is normally… now.

Unlike weddings, there are no deadlines for family photoshoots. So it’s human nature to wait until a situation arises to make the photography seem more urgent.

In the case of the Juniper family they wanted photographs while Sadie their elderly brown Labrador was still around.

Having your family photoshoot at home has so many benefits. Your home is where most of your memories are so why not have your family photoshoot there? When the photoshoot is in your home every part of the photograph is a memory…

Family photography with REAL connection, REAL smiles and REAL memories…

As probably the only Cambridge family photographer who offers a money-back guarantee I have more tricks than a tap dancing weasel to help you and your family connect and have fun on the photoshoot.

The first words on my website homepage are ‘smile for real’ and this behind the scenes video shows how I get those smiles.

But it’s not all about giggles and laughter, I help illicit those tender loving moments too.

This page will help you understand what to wear for your family photos so that everyone feels and looks great individually AND together.

I don’t want to be the fashion police (hey - I look like Harry Hill, so I’m already on thin ice!), but clothing can make or break a family photoshoot.

This page is your complete guide on what to wear for your family photoshoot, covering everything from colours and tones, to flattering clothing choices.

I know the best place near Stamford for Autumn leaves family photoshoots.

The great thing about family photoshoots in Autumn is the light is often fantastic. The sun hangs low in the sky so it gives a beautiful golden glow to the photographs.

The secret wood I use is nice and secluded so you won’t have lots of people watching you while you enjoy some quality time with your family.

First off - there’s no such thing as a difficult child. Equally, there’s not one reason why a child doesn't want to be photographed. Therefore I have a variety of tips and tricks for photographing ‘difficult’ children.

The two key issues to consider are the child’s age and their personality.

For example, something that makes one child laugh might scare another child.

And a bit of slapstick might amuse a younger child but a teenager might just roll their eyes.

So let’s dive into a few of the techniques I use for different circumstances…

I know the best place near Huntingdon for family photoshoots in the Autumn leaves and it looks spectacular.

Your children will love rampaging through the leaves and throwing them in the air while I capture photographs of their joy and wonder.

I spend a lot of time exploring the countryside around Peterborough and I've discovered a lot of great photography locations. Different places are better at different times of the year. Let's start our journey in the winter and move through the buffet of photographic delights that Peterborough's countryside has to offer throughout the year...

One of the most common things I hear is “Just to let you know I hate having my photograph taken and I always look terrible in photos.”

This post covers what I tell people to help them realise that I’m a good photographer for people who hate being photographed…

This is a question that can be taken in two different ways:

1. Why hire a family photographer when you could take the photographs yourself?

2. What is the point of family photographs at all (after all my parents sadly never bothered)

I’ll tackle both issues and explain all the benefits of having family photographs and why you should hire a professional if you can.

If you're looking for a family portrait photographer then you’ve probably found it hard to choose between one service and another. I’ll give you some of the questions to ask and things to consider when selecting which photographer is the best fit for you.

Autumn is one of the best times for family photos in Peterborough because not only do the leaves look stunning but the sun hangs low in the sky to give your images a golden glow.

When I first started out I used to see a lot of tears and tantrums – and that was just the parents…!!

As time went past I quickly realised I’d need to learn some tricks for photographing children if I was going to get beautiful, natural images.

So, I started studying and today I’m going to reveal some of my secrets.