I prefer to photograph families outdoors for a few reasons:

1. Once kids can move, they want to! And trying to get a 2yr old to stay in one spot for more than a millisecond takes some serious ninja skills! Which is why I wont expect your kids to stand still, instead I let your kids run around and explore, and run around like a mad woman to capture them being themselves.
2. Children can easily become overwhelmed, shy or intimidated in a formal studio setting particularly when introduced to a stranger who expects them to sit or stand still and smile on command. Outdoors is so much more informal and relaxed for kids and their grown ups.
3. Variety is the spice of life! You probably don’t want endless images of your family all looking the same, posing on a plain background looking and feeling awkward. Outdoor locations provide a gorgeous mix of backdrops without the need for formal posing or forced smiles.

So what can you expect?

I wont ask your children to smile and I wont expect them to stand still!

Instead I will be silly, tell stories and amuse them with my endless repertoire of silly noises and bad dad jokes so we can capture genuine, natural smiles.

Your family photoshoot will feel more like a walk with friends than a photoshoot with plenty of fun, giggles and maybe even some bum wiggling!