Extended family photo shoot in Clapham
Winter family photo shoot in South West London
Today on the blog I’m pleased to share with you some images from a big extended family photo shoot in Clapham. This was my second photo shoot with this lovely family – we had first met in 2023 for a brilliant family photography session in South West London. We had a brilliant time then, and this session was even better with the addition of grandparents, aunts and an uncle, and the girls new baby cousin. What a treat for everyone involved, including this happy family photographer.
Starting early to win the day
We started the day bright and early with a plan to head out to the park first thing. Unfortunately though it was raining, and to add to that various elements outside our control meant that there was a staggered appearance of all the different family members, juggling big groups is always a challenge, but never a problem.
So, we started with the older girls having a brilliant time jumping on the bed and playing. I love the joy on their faces as cuddly toys were thrown in the air – cuddly broccoli, when did vegetables become cuddly toys? it’s hilarious. Some family photos too and we were off to a good start.
The joy of including all the family in a photo shoot
I’ve always loved extended family photo shoots. I thrive on chaos and big photo shoots are by their nature a little chaotic, they are also some of the most joyful days I’ve ever spent behind a camera. I truly believe these are memories that will be treasured across the generations – I certainly love the pictures of me with my cousins that I have from my own childhood.
Including grandparents in the photo shoots is also always a source of joy to me, these important family members bring such fun to a photo shoot and I love seeing how they interact with the younger generation, such love to be seen on everyone’s faces.
Storytime
Then it was time for a quick snack break and some time reading. Books are such a great addition to a photo shoot as they give children an opportunity to calm down after an exciting game. There is something so special about reading with an adult, a shared experience that clearly brings joy to both parties. A farmyard book with grandpa and then later all the girls together reading the wonderful ‘I really really need a wee!’ a book I had never heard of before but which I’ve already purchased for a friend’s daughter.
Hide and seek
Mixing up asking children to stay still (or still-ish) for a family photo with lots of fun activities is really important to keep the session going well and to ensure everyone has a brilliant time. When hide and seek was suggested I jumped at the idea, it’s a game that is always brilliant fun and always results in such joyful pictures. I think my favourite hide and seek photo ever was from our last session, but the new ones will certainly give it a run for its money, I’m so thrilled with how they came out.
Indoor activities for a winter family photo shoot
In these colder months it’s great to have a few indoor activities up our sleeves if the weather isn’t kind – and baking was suggested. What a wonderful idea it was, baking is such a great activity for an indoor family photo shoot and having such a beautiful kitchen to take pictures in really helped too. I loved watching the girls create the most amazing heart cookies and I really enjoyed helping to eat the results too, what an absolute treat.
Baby photography with a five-month-old
Meeting the girl’s little cousin was such a treat and what a bundle of joy she was. Massive smiles, and the most beautiful big eyes, she was a joy to photograph. Mixing images at play with some portraits on the bed I loved photographing her with her wonderful family. All three sisters live close by and seeing the love they have for each other was such a joy, I bet the little cousins will grow up to be close too, what adventures they will have together.
Outdoors to the park
When the rain stopped, and it brightened up we decided to take the older girls out for a quick run around in the park – a bit of fresh air is always good and indoor and outdoor images are so different it’s really nice to get some of each if possible. Even though we were only out taking family photographs on Clapham Common for about half an hour I was able to add a lovely selection of joyful photos to our collection.
It was a wonderful morning from start to finish, we all had such a great time and I’m thrilled with this beautiful selection of children’s portrait photographs from our fun extended family photography session in Clapham.
Book your own family photo shoot
If you like what you have seen here today and would be interested in booking your own family photo shoot in 2025 then do get in touch. I’m taking bookings for spring, summer and the autumn so drop me a line via the contact form or give me a call on 0345 603 1373 and we can plan the perfect family photo shoot for your family.
