Extended Family Photography Forest Hill SE23
Extended family photo shoot in South East London
I do a lot of extended family photography sessions in Forest Hill SE23 and they are always such good fun, so I was thrilled when Chris got in touch to arrange a session as a gift for his wife. The key was to get a picture of grandparents and grandchildren and images that really show the joy of a close and loving family. That’s my kind of brief, a few formal shots and a ton of joyful chaos, it’s a challenge and one that I always enjoy.
Crystal Palace Park family photography
We decided to meet bright and early at Crystal Palace Park. It was funny as I hadn’t been to Crystal Palace for a photo shoot in over a decade and then I went twice this summer within a fortnight. Strange how that happens, I might not work somewhere for ages and then I’ll be there constantly for a month. It’s fun going to the same place a few times as I get to know the area and the opportunities. It’s also so fun to go to new places as there is always something new to find.
On this trip to Crystal Palace Park we mainly went to different bits from my earlier shoot although we did visit the amazing playground which was so much fun.
How I structure an extended family photo shoot
When planning a big family photo shoot I like to do a few group shots to start the day. It’s good to get something in the bag before anyone gets covered in mud and it’s a lovely way to get things going at the beginning of the session.
With that in mind we started with a few group shots and then, giving some of the adults the opportunity to visit the café and stock up on coffees for the grown-ups and bacon sandwiches for the kids, we headed to the playground. I wanted to get some shots of the kids together that were relaxed and fun and to break down some of the camera shyness that can often be an element on a big group session. We had such fun, the kids were amazing, so full of energy and we had a brilliant time.
Fun and relaxed children’s portraits
The opening shot of this blog post of the kids on the roundabout is definitely one of my favourite shots of the day but the joyful image of them all climbing on the ‘dinosaur bones’ gives it a run for its money. I love everyone’s expressions so much and the light was perfect for this relaxed group portrait.
Relaxed was also the order of the day later on when the kids demonstrated their yoga poses. I love the inventiveness of young ones, they always come up with things so much better than anything I’d dream up.
Games and cricket in Crystal Palace Park
Playing games, kicking a football, running around, exploring the maze, there were so many opportunities for fabulous family pictures as we explored Crystal Palace Park.
Cricket was the clear family favourite though and all the kids showed some serious skills as I took pictures while silently hoping that my position that was best for the photos might not also mean I was in the firing line for some hard ball action. Luckily the skilled aims of my young subjects prevailed and I avoided being hit by any cricket balls while taking a really fun set of images, a win all round.
At home photography in Forest Hill
As everyone was tired and hungry by this point we headed home for a few extra images back at the house. It’s always fun to do a few pictures at home as there’s always such a different feel to them and it can be a nice way to get some documentary style images as the family relaxes together. A game of Uno hit the spot perfectly for a little sequence of images of the kids having a great time with their grandparents.
Family photography in Forest Hill SE23 – book a session
If you have liked what you have seen on the blog today from this extended family photography session in Forest Hill SE23 then do get in touch. The autumn is a fantastic time for family photos but it does always get very booked up, so if you would like a session this year then drop me a line. It would be great to meet you and together we can plan the perfect extended family photo shoot for your family.
